DARKE COUNTY – The Darke County Farmers Union will be celebrating 70 years at The Great Darke County Fair this year, having first come to the Fair in 1954.
“We originally had a tent down by the livestock barns and I can remember being located next to Verlin Besecker’s Stormor Grain Bins display, back when I was a kid” according to Ted Finnarn, Jr., local farmer and attorney, who is the long-time secretary and treasurer of the Darke Union.
“We would represent many buyers at the 4-H livestock sales and conducted our famous 20 free ‘Turkey & Ham’ Raffle, which continues to this day” stated Finnarn.
He went on “Our mission is one of education on farm programs, policy and current issues that are beneficial to the whole agricultural community and the general public.”
The Farmers Union moved their location to a tent by the Veterans Building and relocated to a booth in the Coliseum about 12 years ago, where they are today. Todd Rhoades serves as president of the Union local along with Scott Zumbrink as vice president. Stop by and see them and sign up for a free Turkey and Ham while you are at the Fair.
