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

The Life Membership Award is presented by the Minnesota Federation of County Fairs to honor individuals who have devoted many years of dedicated service and leadership to the advancement of county fairs in Minnesota.

This award recognizes those whose long-standing commitment, vision, and contributions have left a lasting impact on the fair industry at both the local and state level. Recipients of the Life Membership Award exemplify the spirit of volunteerism, community, and passion that sustain and strengthen Minnesota’s county fairs for future generations.


Qualifications:
Awardees of the Life Membership Award have met the following criteria:

  • Long-Term Service: Has been actively involved with county fairs for a significant period of time.
  • Outstanding Contribution: Provided distinguished service, leadership, or innovation that has positively influenced the development and success of county fairs.
  • Commitment to the Fair Community: Demonstrated an enduring dedication to the fair industry and its mission of promoting agriculture, education, youth involvement, and community spirit.
  • Mentorship and Influence: Served as a mentor and positive example to others within the fair community, helping to preserve and advance fair traditions.
  • Served the Minnesota Federation of County Fairs: Has actively served in an office with the Minnesota Federation of County Fairs and/or spent many years volunteering at the Federation level or at the annual convention.
  • Lifetime Achievement: Represents a lifetime of effort, enthusiasm, and impact that embodies the values of the Minnesota Federation of County Fairs.
Selection:
An individual person may acquire a life membership in this Federation by three-fifths majority vote of the Federation Board of Directors. A life member shall have voting rights in this Federation.


A life member also is granted a permanent fair pass that grants them entry to any fair member county fair in the state of Minnesota. This pass is not transferrable.
Kirk Payser
Steve Storck
Dennis Van Moorlehem
Sharon Stillings
Barb Bening
Flo Larson
*Gene Gerth
Ron Oleheiser
Ron Erickson
Joe Scapanski
Wally Wichmann
Danny Grunhovd
Byron Anderson
Gail Johnson
*Donna Speltz
*Jim Hermel

*Denotes deceased member





John Paulmann
Al Paulson
*Howard Recknor
*Wes Roehlke
Andy Rozeboom
Charles Schwartau
*Maggie Schwingler
*John Skluzacek
Warren Sifferath
Donald Simons
*Roger Sindelir
*Chauncey Wargin
Sharon Wessel
*Elmer Reseland
Jan Albrecht
Denny Baker
Bill Berg
*Don Brown
*Wally Erickson
Joe Fox
*William Korff
Robert Lake
*Willis Lilliquist
*Harveydale Maruska
*Robert McLean
Paul Merkins
*Howard Morris
*Meryl Ostwald
If you have names of previous Life Members or any other additions or corrections, please send them to mfcf.zach@gmail.com
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