By Andi Anderson
The Ohio State Fair Hall of Fame welcomed its 2026 inductees during a special ceremony held at the newly opened Ohio Showcase Building in Columbus, Ohio. Established in 1976, the Hall of Fame recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the success and growth of the Ohio State Fair, one of the nation's leading agricultural and educational events.
The ceremony was hosted by Rose Hartschuh, Ohio Expositions Commission Chair, and Adam Heffron, Executive Director of the Ohio Expo Center and State Fair, with remarks delivered by Governor Mike DeWine.
Among the inductees was Beth Burger, Former Exhibitor and Draft Horse Supporter, who has been involved with the Ohio State Fair for 74 years. Continuing a family tradition that dates back to the 1920s, she has helped promote draft horse excellence, with horses from her bloodlines earning numerous championships across North America.
Another honoree was Jenny Crabtree, Senior Vice President of Communications for the American Dairy Association Mideast and Fair Supporter. For more than three decades, she has promoted the dairy industry and overseen the popular Dairy Building and its famous Butter Cow and Calf display.
Upon acceptance, Jenny Crabtree stated, “This is a great honor. I remember going to the fair as a kid, and we’d always go to the Dairy Building to see the Butter Cow and have ice cream. Never in a million years did I think that I would be the one helping make those same memories possible for thousands of other families. The Butter Cow is a huge tradition here at the State Fair, and I have the privilege of helping shape and tell that story.” She continued, “I have a lot of memories here at the fair, and being inducted into the State Fair Hall of Fame will be one that I always treasure.”
Ron Dean, Ohio Department of Agriculture Chief Amusement Ride Inspector, was also honored for his dedication to ride safety and his contributions to every Ohio State Fair since joining the department in 2005.
“It really is an honor to be standing here,” said inductee Ron Dean. “In 2005, when I started with the Department of Agriculture, I'd never attended the State Fair. And to know that since that time, I've had a contribution to every fair since. I want to thank so many people that allowed me to do this job that I'm so passionate about. I look forward to continuing that support for this fair and many years to come.”
The Hall of Fame also recognized Governor Mike DeWine and First Lady Fran DeWine, Governor and First Lady from 2019-2027, and champions of Ohio fairs and Ohio youth. Their support helped drive major improvements through the Expo 2050 initiative, including new buildings, facility renovations, infrastructure upgrades, and a new Ohio-themed carousel.
“Fran and I thank you for the honor of being inducted into the Ohio State Fair Hall of Fame,” said Governor Mike DeWine. “County and state fairs have been the fabric of our lives. We absolutely love the people and enthusiasm of the kids involved in 4-H and FFA and look forward to fair season every year.”
“It has been such a joy watching children experience the Fair, especially the excitement around the new carousel,” said First Lady Fran DeWine. “One of my favorite traditions is making pizzas with kids each year. The Ohio State Fair gives families a chance to come together and discover everything that makes Ohio special.”
In addition to the inductions, scholarship awards were presented to Samantha Bader, Lydia Fuchs, Anna Saling, Gillian Knight, and Isadore Bailey through various Hall of Fame endowment funds. The event celebrated the lasting impact of individuals who support agriculture, youth development, education, and the traditions that make the Ohio State Fair a valued community institution.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-steve-baccon
Categories: Ohio, Rural Lifestyle