Fair Board Director Brad Harvey (far left) introduces the past and current Plymouth County Extension staff as they were formally recognized during the 75th Anniversary of the Plymouth County Fair. Attending the ceremonies included: Ardyce “Ardie” Fett Roehr, Judy Coleman Issacson, Jack Frus, Allan Plath, Carol Schneider, and Joel DeJong.
(Le Mars) — As part of the celebration of the Plymouth County Fair’s 75th
anniversary, the fair is honoring special groups of people, who through the years
have contributed to the success of the fair. On Thursday, special recognition was
given to past and present Iowa State University Extension personnel that have
worked at the Plymouth County Extension Office. Jack Frus and Allan Plath are
former Extension directors for Plymouth County. Frus began his tenure at Plymouth
County Extension in 1986 and continued until 2002. He says his memories of the
fair during those years were the positive changes that occurred.
Frus comments on the reasons he believes are the factors that make the Plymouth
County Fair, a successful fair.
The famous round barn has become the iconic landmark structure associated with the
Plymouth County Fair, and today the round barn serves as the marketing brand that
people immediately think of when thinking about the Plymouth County fair. However,
as Allan Plath recalls, it was a controversial piece of conversation around town
during the time the proposal was discussed to move the round barn to the
fairgrounds.
Plath served as the Extension director between the years of 1979 to 1986. Plath
says the many volunteers that contribute in some way are all responsible for the
success of the Plymouth County Fair.
Frus, who is now retired, still resides in Le Mars. He says he also recalls that
without fail, nearly every year while he would be working during the fair with
complete focus on the many details that would need to be covered, some one would
bring a weed with them to the fair, and interrupt Frus’s train of thought by asking
him to identify the mystery weed, and what type of herbicide should be used to
exterminate the weed from either their garden or field. Frus says he feels as
though only since retirement has he been able to truly enjoy the fair.
Two former 4-H and Youth Directors returned to Le Mars for the Plymouth County
Fair’s 75th Anniversary. Ardyce “Ardie” Fett Roehr says she recalls the dedication
of the 4-H leaders, and how that leadership established a strong foundation for
today’s Plymouth County 4-H program.
Judy Coleman, now Judy Issacson, was an employee of the Plymouth County Extension
Services between 1972 and 1975. She followed Ardie Fett Roehr as the 4-H and Youth
Director. Issacson compliments all the people associated with the Plymouth County
Fair.
The two ladies say they recognize many of the surnames of today’s exhibitors, and
realize they perhaps are the grandchildren of the 4-H members they had worked with.
The former 4-H and Youth directors say many of the 4-H members during their tenure
were reluctant to give educational presentations or demonstrations, but after some
arm twisting and coaxing, those 4-H members would eventually stand before a small
crowd of people and share their knowledge of a particular topic. The 4-H and Youth
directors say many of those 4-H members have now thanked them for making them
perform an educational presentation, which ultimately help sharpen their public
speaking and communication skills.
Issacson echoes Roehr’s sentiments and comments.
All of the returning Extension staff members, including some of the present
extension staff were formally recognized on the Pioneer Village stage prior to the
performance of the evening entertainment.
