Putnam County Fair Honors Outstanding Volunteers

The Putnam County Fair honored six “outstanding” volunteers Thursday.

The fair recognized Ron Chaffin, Cynthia Strong, Deuel and Barbara White, and the late Willard Vaughn and Gary Brewington.

Former Fairest of the Fair Cynthia Strong said the Putnam County Fair means the world to her.

The Putnam County Fair honored six outstanding volunteers Thursday. (Photo: Tess Simpson)

“I think it is so exciting, you know my first memory of the fair was when my parents were driving us down interstate forty,” Strong said. “And I would look over to the left from Baxter. I was coming from Baxter and I could see the Ferris Wheel way above the trees, and that was my first memory.”

Strong has been a commercial exhibitor with Merle Norman for at least 20 years.

Barbara and Deuel White worked as the official fair photographers for about 40 years. Barbara White said she loves meeting new people every year.

“[It’s] a very special honor. I served on the fair board for four years and loved every minute of it,” White said. “And we were the photographers of the fair.”

Ron Chaffin served on the fair board for approximately 10 years. Chaffin said he loves giving back to the community through the fair.

“Just being able to see the smiles on kids’ faces, you know, just that opening night. Just knowing what all the work that we have put in through all course of the year,” Chaffin said. “Just to see opening night, to see smiles on kids. That’s just the best experience I can have.”

The Putnam County Fair also recognized the late Willard Vaughn for volunteering at the fair for over 38 years. Gary Brewington, who passed away last week, served and supported agriculture at the fair. Brewington’s voice could also be heard over the speaker system.

The six outstanding volunteers contributed a total of over 100 years to the fair. Putnam County has hosted the fair since 1856.