Spring 2018 Awards

The Greater Ohio Showmen’s Association was pleased to present awards to deserving individuals and organizations at the OFMA spring dinners. The board accepts nominations from our membership year round and selects recipients from those nominations at our February meeting each year. These awards offer an opportunity for the Greater Ohio Showmen’s Association to acknowledge outstanding contributions to our industry at fairs and other events we work throughout the season. The following are award winners for 2018 with a brief quote from each of the nominators.

Fair Director

Brad Cosenza, Ross County

“Brad is always willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done. If we ever have an issue, which is not often, we can always count on him to get it taken care of. He always makes those working the fair feel like family.”

Fair Secretary

Juanita Barricklow, Brown County

“Juanita is the lady behind the scenes, that keeps everything working. She keeps her calm, no matter what chaos is going on. Juanita is always friendly, ready to help in any way she can. She’s a pleasure to work with!”

Concession Manager

Casey Wells, Butler County

“Casey took over the job of concession manager under some difficult circumstances! He reached out for help and was willing to accept and listen to suggestions. He has put in lot of time and effort into continuing the smooth running of Butler County Fair.”

Fair Director

W. Ernest Rufener, Randolph Fair

“Mr. Rufener is amongst the oldest active senior fair board members of the Randolph Fair. He has served consecutively for over 50 years and continues to remain an influential and active board member.”

Concessions Manager

Jamie Darr, Holmes County

“Jamie has only been a concession manager for two years. He will wait for venders at 5 am to pull in from Medina county fair and help them put their trailer on location!”

Lifetime Achievement:

Pete Armstrong, Wayne County Fair

“Pete may no longer be the Fair Secretary but when he was he was the glue that held everything together. His life revolved around the fair and he always gave it his all.”

As well, we presented a plaque to the immediate past OFMA President, Robert Buxton.

On behalf of the officers, trustees, and membership of the Greater Ohio Showmen’s Association, I congratulate each and every one of the winners. It is an honor to acknowledge the hard work done on our midways and behind the scenes that make the fairs and festivals in the State of Ohio some of the most outstanding in the country.

David Drake
President