The Annual Convention of the MFCF, Midwest Showman's Association and the MN State Fair is January 15-18, 2026.
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Distinguished Service Award

The Distinguished Service Award is one of the highest honors presented by the Minnesota Federation of County Fairs. This award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated exceptional leadership, dedication, and service to the advancement of county fairs across the state of Minnesota. The recipient exemplifies the values of community spirit, volunteerism, and commitment that make our county fairs a vital part of Minnesota’s heritage and culture.

This award honors those who have gone above and beyond in promoting agricultural education, supporting fair programming, mentoring others in the fair industry, and contributing to the overall success and sustainability of county fairs throughout Minnesota.


Qualifications:
Nominees for the Distinguished Service Award should meet the following criteria:

  • Active Involvement: Has been actively involved with a Minnesota county fair or the Minnesota Federation of County Fairs for a significant number of years.

  • Leadership & Impact: Demonstrated outstanding leadership, initiative, and innovation in fair management, operations, or programming that has had a lasting positive impact.

  • Dedication to Service: Shown exceptional volunteerism and service beyond the expectations of their position or role.

  • Support of Fair Mission: Consistently supports and promotes the mission of county fairs—education, agriculture, youth development, and community engagement.

  • Mentorship & Example: Serves as an inspiration and role model to others within the fair industry, fostering growth, learning, and cooperation among peers.

  • Integrity & Character: Exemplifies integrity, professionalism, and a spirit of collaboration in all fair-related activities.


Selection Process:

Nominations may be submitted by any county fair, MFCF district, Associate Member, or other member of the Federation. The recipient will be selected by the Minnesota Federation of County Fairs Nominations Committee and recognized at the annual convention.

Know someone who stands out and meets these requirements? Fill out the nomination form for them to be considered for the Distinguished Service Award.

Nominations close December 1st.

Distinguished Service Award Nomination Form

Individual Being Nominated

Qualifications

Supporting Document:
Additional Supporting Document:

Person Nominating Potential Awardee

Previous Awardees

  • Debbie Edman - Minnesota State Fair
  • Kim Scibak - Minnesota State Fair
  • Jerry Hammer - CEO Minnesota State Fair
  • Sharon Stillings - President MFCF
  • Merritt Security
  • Jeff Wimmer - Pine County
  • Jolene Hasselfeldt - Isanti County
  • Barb Bening - President MFCF
  • Cheryl Huber - MN State Fair
  • Donna Speltz - MFCF Executive Secretary
  • Byron Anderson - President MFCF
  • Pat Fornshell - DoubleTree by Hilton
  • Andy Lohman - DoubleTree by Hilton
  • Jim Foss - Goodhue County
  • Corinne Baker - Baker Printing, Inc.
  • Danny Grunhovd - President MFCF
  • Emily Murphy - MN Department of Agriculture
  • Joe Scapanski
  • Wally Wichmann
  • Ron Erickson - MFCF
  • Ron Oleheiser - MFCF
  • Gene Gerth - MFCF
  • Roger Sindelir
  • Paul Merkins - President MFCF
  • Flo Larson - MFCF
  • Elmer Reseland
  • Judy Gerth - Mille Lacs County
  • Sharon Wessel - President MFCF
  • Marilyn Shutter - Beltrami County
  • John Skluzacek - President MFCF
  • Al Paulson
  • Chauncey Wargin - President MFCF
  • Dr. Thomas Haggarty - MB of Health
  • Jolene Hawkins - Radisson Hotel
  • Curt Norenberg - U of MN
  • Al DeRusha - OABA
  • Andy Rozeboom - President MFCF
  • Harveydale Maruska - Marshall County
  • Howard Recknor - Freeborn County
  • Connie Churchill - Traverse County
  • Bill Ulrich - Pennington County
  • Joe Fox - President MFCF
  • Maynard Harms - Parliamentarian
  • Eileen Roehlke - MN State Fair
  • Judy Sunvold - U of MN
  • Jim Frost - MN State Fair
  • Maggie Schwingler - Kandiyohi County
  • Mike Heffron - MN State Fair
  • Willis Lilliquist - MN State Fair
  • Bill Korff - Rice County
  • Chuck Schwartau - President MFCF
  • Paul Metling - Murray County
  • Don Brown - Wadena County
  • Wes Roehlke - Hennepin County
  • J. Robert McLean - Olmstead County
  • Bill Berg - Norman County
  • Wally Erickson - Shell Prairie



If you have names of previous Distinguished Service Award Recipients and the year they won the award, or additions and/or corrections, please send them to mfcf.zach@gmail.com
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