[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 105 (Thursday, July 30, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1476]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   CELEBRATING THE 175TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE GREAT GEAUGA COUNTY FAIR

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                           HON. SHERROD BROWN

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 29, 1998

  Mr. BROWN of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize and congratulate 
the people of Geauga County on the 175th anniversary of the Great 
Geauga County Fair. This special gathering has always been a time for 
people and families throughout Ohio to come together. It's also a 
wonderful way to celebrate community and the values we hold dear.
  The Great Geauga County Fair brings to mind homemade pies, baking 
contests, 4-H club activities, the annual petting zoo, music, and pony 
rides for children. The Fair is also about celebrating the locally 
produced maple syrup, used in nearly every home throughout the region. 
Finally, the Fair provides a special moment for the community to honor 
area veterans and their service to Ohio and the nation.
  The history of the Great Geauga County Fair is as rich as the Fair 
itself. In 1823, a group of pioneers, some of whom were among the first 
settlers in Ohio's Western Reserve, formed one of our state's first 
trade societies--called the Geauga County Agricultural and 
Manufacturing Society. The society was formed to promote the region's 
growing farming and manufacturing industries. To display and share the 
bounty from their farms, society members organized an annual county-
wide fair. While the early Fairs alternated between the towns of Burton 
and Chardon, the Fair has been held in Burton at the County Fairgrounds 
since the mid-1800s.
  This year's Fair also celebrates another birthday. Known as the 
oldest and only all-volunteer band in the Buckeye State, the Great 
Geauga County Fair Band turns 60 this year. To most people who go to 
the Fair today, the Band is a major presence. In a fitting tribute to 
this milestone, the band this year will play with three of the original 
``charter'' band members.
  Labor Day is always a bittersweet time. For kids, the holiday means 
back to school; for parents, it means a welcome day off to enjoy the 
good weather. Labor Day also means Fair-time--the ``grand finale'' to 
summertime in Geauga County. Without doubt, the Fair is one of our 
region's most important annual community events--for families and all 
residents of northeast Ohio. In fact, the ``Great'' in the Fair's name 
was officially added early this century to signify the Fair's senior 
standing as the ``Great Granddaddy'' of Ohio's county fairs.
  The Great Geauga County Fair's motto says it all, ``Something for 
Everyone Since 1823.'' On the 175th anniversary of the Great Geauga 
County Fair, I'm proud to represent the people of Geauga County, and 
proud to be a part of this community.

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