Five inducted to Ohio Fairs Hall of Fame

COLUMBUS — Bob Nash, Doug Guinsler, Don Stauffer, Allan Hess and Dan McClelland were inducted into the Ohio Fairs Hall of Fame at the 92nd annual Ohio Fair Managers Association Convention.

The Ohio Fair Managers Association queen committee selected Crista Wortkoetter from Williams County Fair for the 2017 Ohio Fairs’ Queen.

Nash

Bob Nash, Warren County, has been the “sound guy” for Warren County Fair since 1986.

Bob is the third generation to own and operate Nash Sound and Photo Finish business. His grandfather pioneered it in 1928, and his dad, Gerald Nash joined Harry in 1954. Bob has been in the business for 51 years.

Currently, Bob is working 13 county fairs in Ohio.

Guinsler

Doug Guinsler, Muskingum County, has been actively involved in various aspects of the fair and amusement business for more than 35 years.

Doug has been a board member for more than 40 years (since 1975); secretary/manager for more than 30 years; concession manager, 2008-present; currently chair of concessions, draft horses, fairbook, website and horse pull committees; and member of the pony show and harness racing committees.

He oversees finances, audit, office operations and staff. He is actively involved in contracting and coordinating grandstand entertainment, ticket sales sponsorships and promotional days.

Doug has served on the OFMA board since 1992, president, second and first vice president and District 7 director.

Doug has been active in the State House working and testifying on behalf of the Ohio Fairs and Greater Ohio Showman.

Doug is the only person in Ohio to have served as president of both OFMA and The Greater Ohio Showmen’s Association.

Stauffer

John “Don” Donald Stauffer, from Ashland County Fair, was born on a farm in 1929. He showed hogs at the Ashland County Fair as well as ear corn and other grains.

Because of his interest in showing grains and hay, he was appointed to the grains, hay, potatoes and vegetable department.

Don was nominated by the Ashland County Fair Board as “Fairboard Director of the Year.” 

In 2008, Don was honored at the opening ceremonies at the Ashland County Fair for his 52 years of service as a board member. He did carry out his duties that year at the fair but passed away shortly after that.

Don had been to all 95 Ohio fairs.

Hess

Allan Hess, of the Clark County Fair, is retired general manager to the Ohio Fairs Hall of Fame. Allan has managed the Clark County Fair for more than 20 years.

While at the Clark County Fair, Allan has worked with the board of directors and the community to develop the Champions Center, purchased 186 acres next to fairgrounds, fairgrounds improvements, new roofs and new water infrastructure, repaved fairgrounds roadways, electric upgrades, and revamped front gate entrance.

McClelland

Daniel “Dan” McClelland, of The Great Geauga County Fair, has been a lifelong resident of Geauga County. He began his career in law enforcement in 1976, and for 41 years he has been providing security to the fair.

Dan’s involvement in the fair industry has not just been exclusive to Geauga County. Dan has presented several topics over his eight years attending the Ohio Fair Managers Convention on security topics.

Dan has also traveled to several fairs in the state when asked to present topics on safety and security.

Dan has implemented many new programs at the Geauga County Fair including a comprehensive emergency management plan. This includes a mass text message system where all identified personnel can be notified in the event of an emergency.

He has set up a background check program on all ride employees, as well as a “safety is a snap” program, posted at each gate recommending each parent take a photo of their child as they enter the gate in the event they get separated at the fair.

Dan has also provided a K-9 show and demonstration with his partner “Midge” who is the world’s smallest drug dog.

He has donated all his time at the fair with no pay.