Iowa State Fair Board Elections and Awards

DES MOINES, IA (12/14/2017) (readMedia)-- One new board member was elected to the Iowa State Fair Board of Directors and five members were re-elected during the Iowa Association of Fairs Conference and Annual Meeting held December 8-10 in Des Moines.

Curtis Claeys from Grand Mound in Clinton County was newly elected to serve on the Board from the southeast district, replacing former long-time Board member Bob Schlutz who passed away mid-term. Directors re-elected to their districts are: John Harms, Monticello (northeast), Alan Brown, Hampton (north central), Randy Brown, Osceola (south central), Darwin Gaudian, Primghar (northwest); and, C.W. Thomas, Guthrie Center (southwest).

Delegates from six geographic districts elect two board members each. All terms are two years and are staggered within the district. Other Board members include: Paul Vaassen, Dubuque (northeast); Gary Van Aernam, Exira (southwest); Jerry Parkin, Earlham (south central); and Gary McConnell, Bloomfield (southeast). Board Members by office held are Governor Kim Reynolds (represented by Lt. Governor Adam Gregg), Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey (represented by Michael Naig), and Iowa State University President Wendy Wintersteen (represented by Robert E. Dodds).

Board Officers for2018 are as follows, President, John Harms (northeast), Dave Hoffman (northwest) Vice President and Tennie Carlson (north central) Treasurer.

During the Awards Banquet on Friday, December 8, Glen and Arlette Hollister (Des Moines) were awarded the Hall of Fame Award. Glen and Arlette have been long standing volunteers for the Iowa State Fair including, Arlette's 30 plus years running the foods competition and judging. Both Glen and Arlette have served the Polk County Fair for 37 years. Glen served for 26 years as the Board President and Arlette organized the 4-H BBQ picnic for over 25 years.

Bobby Baker of Bobby Baker Entertainment was recognized with the Distinguished Service Award. Bobby has worked with various Iowa State Fair entertainers for many years, served on the Associate Board for the Iowa Association of Fairs and coordinated the showcase at the Annual Meeting for over 40 years.

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Frequently ranked as one of the top events in the country, the Iowa State Fair is the single largest event in the state of Iowa and one of the oldest and largest agricultural and industrial expositions in the country. Annually attracting more than a million people from all over the world, the Iowa State Fair located at East 30th and East University, just 10 minutes from downtown Des Moines is Iowa's greatest celebration with a salute to the best in agriculture, industry, entertainment and achievement. Nothing Compares to State Fair Moments, August 9-19, 2018. For more information, visit www.iowastatefair.org.