Allen Taking Break From Fair Board Presidency

After stepping down from his position as Putnam County Fair Board President, John Allen said he just needs a break.

Allen said he will continue to serve the fair and work closely with motorsports at the fair. He said stepping down give him a much-needed breather and an opportunity to get a new perspective on the role of a board president.

“This is a volunteer job and you have no idea the amount of work I have put into the fair for the last 11 years,” Allen said. “I work 365 days on the fair. Even on Christmas and New Year’s, I’m doing something about the Fair.”

As far as his reason for stepping down, Allen declined to comment. He said he has every confidence that Brenda Gentry will do an excellent job as the interim president.

“She’s the person who levels things out frequently when there’s issues that arise,” Allen said. “She’s sort of the person that works both sides of the fence and helps both sides of the fence come together and work together, so she’s going to do a great job, I’m sure.”

Allen said Gentry joined the board at the same time he did and typically works most closely with special programming for seniors and children. He said she has elevated those programs greatly since joining the board.

“Sometime I might go back and be president again, but for now, I’m just going to take a nice breather and do less, and let others demonstrate their leadership skills,” Allen said.

He said he is happy to consider anything that is requested of him, even outside of his current duties. He said he has needed some time free from overseeing the whole thing.