[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 149 (Thursday, September 15, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E940]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





 HONORING LES CLARK II ON HIS SELECTION AS KERN COUNTY FAIR PERSON OF 
                           THE YEAR FOR 2022

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. KEVIN McCARTHY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 15, 2022

  Mr. McCARTHY. Madam Speaker, I rise today, along with my colleague, 
Congressman David Valadao, to honor Les Clark on his selection as the 
2022 Kern County Fair Person of the Year. This significant achievement 
builds upon Les' incredible legacy of 50 years of community service, 
which has been recognized by the City of Taft, the Kern County Board of 
Supervisors, and the State of California.
  Nearly five years ago, Congressman David Valadao and I rose to 
recognize and pay tribute to Les on his retirement as Executive Vice 
President of the Independent Oil Producers' Agency after 37 years of 
dedicated service to hardworking local oil producers. In that 
statement, we spoke to Les' character, drive, knowledge of the Kern oil 
patch, and vision for our community. And most importantly, we attested 
to his life of service, which has never stopped, even after his 
official retirement. That is why Congressman Valadao and I are proud to 
see Les being honored at this year's Kern County Fair.
  Dating back to 1916, the Kern County Fair has a rich history that 
cuts across generations and brings Californians together to celebrate 
all Kern County has to offer. During the 12 days of festivities, 
community members have the opportunity to play carnival games, eat 
barbeque, and listen to lively music, including the famous 
``Bakersfield Sound.'' It is also where our next generation of 
agricultural producers exhibit a variety of their livestock showings, 
demonstrating their husbandry skills. With Les being recognized as 
Person of the Year at this year's fair, his name will forever be tied 
to the Kern County Fair's rich history and all that it represents in 
our community and across the Central Valley.
  On behalf of the 23rd and 21st Congressional Districts of California, 
Congressman Valadao and I would like to thank Les for the impact he has 
made and continues to make on countless individuals, both 
professionally and privately, and congratulate him on receiving this 
special recognition. We wish him and his family, including his wife, 
June, two daughters, Tessa and Kerrie, son ``Little Les,'' ten 
grandchildren, Arizona, Ayana, Cash, Darius, Easton, Keylan, Logun, 
Sierra, Tanisha, and Willow, and six great grandchildren, Zaria, Ivy, 
Koast, River, Luka, and Kaisley the very best as they celebrate at this 
year's fair.

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