DARKE COUNTY – If you haven’t grabbed your copy of the Darke County Fair book yet, there’s still time! This year’s cover features an amazing artistic piece created by Donald Mong, a Greenville native who now resides in Rhode Island.
Mong originally shared the photo on social media, and it quickly caught the attention of the fair board. They instantly fell in love with the art and knew it was the perfect fit for this year’s cover.
Don was born in 1957 and was raised in Darke County. A 1975 Graduate of Greenville High School, he has maintained his connection to Greenville and Darke County through his adult life. He joined the Army in 1975, and he has resided in Rhode Island since.
When asked about his connection to the fair, he stated, “Fairs in New England are nothing like the Great Darke County Fair. Most are nothing more than some animals and a couple rides.” He also stated that when people ask him where he’s travelled, he says, “I’ve been around the world twice and I’ve attended the Great Darke County Fair.”
Mong has given back to his hometown in countless ways. His artwork is displayed throughout the county — from murals to illustrations in the Greenville: My Hometown book. He even illustrated his own book, Watercolored Postcards Across America, after spending four months traveling the U.S. with his wife, creating watercolor postcards along the way. Up until just a few years ago, he also decorated fighter pilot helmets as retirement gifts for outgoing pilots.
When asked what he hopes his artwork conveys to the community, Mong shared, “Get involved with community projects, and help your community and its members in whatever way you can.”
We are so thankful for Donald Mong’s contributions to Greenville, Darke County, and the Great Darke County Fair.”
