Ron Herley of Seward was recognized as the 2019 Fair Person of the Year during a banquet Jan. 19. Pictured are, from left: (front row) Cathy and Ron Herley, Mike Flyr, Van Springer and Russ Stutzman; and (back row) Doug Brand, outgoing District 1 President Lisa Eggerling, Larry Naber and Ken Odvody. Odvody was also recognized for 15 years of service.
Ron Herley of Seward was honored Jan. 19 as the 2019 Fair Person of the Year. The award was presented during the annual Fair Board conference.
Herley has been vice president of the Seward County Fair Board. He also served as motor sports co-chair and capital improvements superivsor and helps with year-round maintenance.
“Countless youth have gone on to successful careers in agriculture thanks to his service and dedication in the promotion of agriculture,” Seward County Ag Society President Ron Wallman said in a letter of recommendation.
Leading up to the fair, he helps arrange officials for the demolition derby and figure 8 race, in addition to maintenance and upkeep. During the fair, he lines up gate help and ticket takers for the demo derby and figure 8. After the fair is done, he helps with clean-up and the post-fair steak fry.
According to the application submitted, Herley “is very dedicated to the improvements made on the fair grounds, very well organized and makes sure projects are done right.”
Herley is a retired business owner who was a member of the Seward Chamber of Commerce and Seward Country Club. He and his wife Cathy are members at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church. They have four children and 11 grandchildren.
