By Rachel Brandes
Moapa Valley Progress
The Clark County Fair and Rodeo Board held a Volunteer Appreciation Night for Fair volunteers and their families on Tuesday, April 22. Volunteers and their families were invited to the Fine Arts Building at the fairgrounds to enjoy pie, cookies and ice cream; as well as each other’s company. A large screen was hung with a revolving slide show of photographs from the Fair. David and Cindy McMurray along with Tracy Adams created the slide show for attendees to enjoy.
Fair Executive Director Todd Robison gave kudos to all volunteers for making this year’s Clark County Fair & Rodeo a huge success. This year marks the 11th year for Robison and his involvement with the CC Fair & Rodeo. Robison reminded the group that this year brought record breaking crowds, over 83,000 people. “It is amazing to me how this fair has grown,” stated Robison.
Robison explained there was some concern when presales were down. “People ended up coming and paying full price for tickets, and that is okay with us.” said Robison.
Robison explained that the 2009 Fair is already in its planning stages. “This is a year round business and we very much appreciate all of you! I’d challenge anyone to find another event of this magnitude run by volunteers.”
Fair Manager, Kevin Willard spoke about the help from the Fire Explorers who ran the parking lots and what a great help they were to the Fair as well. “It is nice to know the parking lots are being handled.” said Willard.
Assistant Executive Director Lori Waters introduced Board Members Chairman Don Adams, Vice Chairman Jerry Haworth, Treasurer/Secretary Linda Finlayson, and members Doug Schwartz, Delmar Leatham, Craig Grow, and Glen Hardy. Staff Members introduced include Executive Director Todd Robison, Fair Manager Kevin Willard, Assistant Executive Director Lori Waters, Office staff members Carolyn Grey, Gina Marshall and Shannon Zobrist, and Facilities Manager Leon Frei.
Waters complimented the office staff who were all new to the job this year. “These girls did a great job jumping in and taking care of things,” she said. “I never had to worry about telling them something needed to be done.”
Waters then introduced the Planning Committee who was instrumental in the success of the event. Committee members include: Juried Exhibits Director, Margaret Houston; Suzanne Kelly who handled a plethora of things including Lost Tots, Information, Public Relations and Volunteer Appreciation; Purchasing Director, Don Adams Jr.; Concessions Director, Eugene Logue; Rodeo Director, Doug Schwartz; Country Store Director, Karen Watts; Security, Darrell Leavitt; Agricultural Exhibits, Pledger Solomon; Entertainment, Denise Robison; and Ticketing, Louise Culler.
Others were recognized for their contributions as well including: Stuart Riggens, Junior Rodeo Director; James Oscarson, BBQ Tent; and Linda Taylor and Joe Perez who handled Commercial Concessions.
Following the introductions a drawing was held. Over 500 volunteer names were added to a bowl and those present had the opportunity to win some great prizes. The big prize of the evening was a riding cooler; that’s right a cooler with a motor and a seat that you can ride. The lucky volunteer to ride home with the cooler was Shawn Hunt. Hunt took a victory lap around the Fine Arts Building with pride.
Other prizes included a $50 gift certificate to Chili’s awarded to Margaret Houston; a $50 gift certificate awarded to Sue Bullock; and a $50 Cheesecake Factory gift certificate awarded to Darrell Leavitt.
Everyone was given a t-shirt and treat as they left for the evening.
