DC Fair Directors attend 100th Fair Managers Convention

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Tonya Keller photo

COLUMBUS – Fairboard Senior Directors attending the convention were: Craig Bowman, Jayden Hicks, Christoph Keller, Heidi May, Dean Neff, Apollo Perez, Dave Singer, Russ Skaggs, Marla Werner, Curtis Yount, along with Fair Manager Laura Ahrens.

The 100th OFMA Convention was held in Columbus January 2-5. There was a great lineup with many educational sessions, training sessions, and a full trade show. They designated a day to remember with rides, games, a BBQ buffet, and finishing the evening with a concert by Jo Dee Messina.

Today, the OFMA represents 95 Fairs in Ohio and more than 240 associate members from allied fields. Throughout the years, the OFMA has remained true to its purpose of promoting and encouraging the development and improvement of agricultural fairs, shows, and expositions. The OFMA is actively engaged and supports the International Association of Fairs and Expositions and the Federation of State and Provincial Association of Fairs. 

Darke County, recognized in the large fair category, received 4 awards at the convention. 1st Place Social Media, 1st Place Radio Ad, and 2nd Place Fair Printed Promo Misc., and 2nd Place in Website Home Page.

President Marla Werner, Fair Manager Laura Ahrens, and CJ Jasenski, Web Designer and Social Media Consultant, were speakers regarding influencers. It was noted that influencers can be another source for sharing information and learning the public’s responses. Tonya Keller with My County Link was mentioned as an influencer with her Tuesdays with Tonya segment.

Werner shares, “The hundredth year of the OFMA was a great opportunity for all board members to attend. This allows for learning by attending a wide range of informational sessions, networking with other fairs, and being exposed to all things “Fair.” 10 out of 11 board members attended with their spouses, our fair manager attended along with our junior fair coordinator and Osu extension educator. This event highlighted how important it is for all of us to work together so that we can not only give back to our fair but to our community.”

Our very own 2024 Fair Queen, Sophia Aultman, competed in the State Fair Queen Pageant during this convention. There were 80 counties across the state competing. She did an amazing job. Even though she wasn’t chosen to go into the top 15, she represented Darke County very well! The winner of the 2025 Ohio Fairs’ Queen went to Amberly Szczerbiak and her court made up of the following counties:

Miami – Chloe Shellenberger
Wood – Madelayne Lee
Hardin – Aidra Preston
Clermont – Mackenzie Specht

Werner also stated, “Sophia might not have brought home that crown, but it was an awesome opportunity and experience for her, and we congratulate her for her continuing Commitment to Darke County and The Great County Fair.”

Christoph Keller shared, “I thought it was a great conference. I went to as many workshops and events I could fit in to take advantage of everything they had to offer to help me be a better Director and bring ideas back to discuss. I enjoyed talking with other Directors and learning new ideas of what works and doesn’t work well for them at their fairs. It was great to be part of such a large convention dedicated to improving our Ohio Fairs.

The fair board is a dedicated group of Directors who work each year to provide the community with a great fair!