The PA Department of Agriculture Friend of the Fair Program (previously the Outstanding Fair Ambassador Program) recognizes and acknowledges the hard work and dedication put forth by fair volunteers. Friend of the Fair Award recipients are individuals (or groups) who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, volunteerism and dedication, resulting in a significant contribution to the success of the local fair.
Betty Jane Mincemoyer, 2016 Friend of the Fair
August 5, 2016 — 2016 Friend of the Fair honoree Betty Jane Mincemoyer with her daughter Beth Mincemoyer Egan, daughter-in-law Claudia, granddaughter Hanna, son Tom and Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture State Fair Coordinator Zachary Gihorski.
Betty Jane Mincemoyer, age 90, began her lifelong love of agriculture and Pennsylvania’s Fairs as a child in Blair County. She participated in 4-H until the time she enrolled in college. After college, Mrs. Mincemoyer took a job as a home economist with the Penn State Extension which brought her to Union County in 1953. She began volunteering at the Union County West End Fair while in extension and soon met her husband, Donald. The newlyweds moved from Union County for a few years but came back and purchased a farm to raise their young family. By 1971, Betty Jane Mincemoyer was teaching Home Economics in the Mifflinburg High School. When asked, Mrs. Mincemoyer has said her greatest achievement at the Union County West End Fair was getting the younger generation involved and interested in the fair.
Dianne Shuck, 2015 Fair Ambassador
August 7, 2015—Dianne Shuck was recognized as the 2015 Outstanding Fair Ambassador, pictured with President Dennis J Boop (right) and Special Advisor to the Governor of Agriculture, Zachary Gihorski, of the PA Department of Agriculture.
Dianne has been coming to the Union County West End Fair since she was a toddler, showing Dairy Cattle in her teens, and then joining the Association in her early 20’s. Dianne has served as a member of the Board of Directors, President, Secretary and Treasurer. She has helped on the concession committee and worked in the office for over 35 years.
Don Shirk, 2014 Fair Ambassador
August 8, 2014—Don Shirk was recognized as the 2014 Outstanding Fair Ambassador, pictured with President Dennis J Boop (left) and Special Advisor to the Governor of Agriculture, Barron L. “Boots” Hetherington, of the PA Department of Agriculture.
Don has been involved in the fair for over 40 years, serving first as a Department Superintendent for Vegetables, then as a Board Member and officer through the years.
Gene Hassinger, 2013 Fair Ambassador
August 9, 2013—Gene Hassinger, 2nd from the left, is pictured with President Dennis J Boop (left), Special Advisor to the Governor of Agriculture, Barron L. “Boots” Hetherington, of the PA Department of Agriculture and Representative Fred Keller, PA House of Representatives.
Ralph Dietrich, 2012 Fair Ambassador
August 10, 2012—Special Advisor to the Governor of Agriculture, Barron L. “Boots” Hetherington, of the PA Department of Agriculture presents the 2012 Fair Ambasssador Award to Ralph Deitrich.
Idella Zimmerman, 2011 Fair Ambassador
August 5, 2011—Idella Zimmerman being awarded the 2011 Outstanding Fair Ambassador award from Boots Hetherington of the Department of Agriculture.