Shelby County Fair Board President Eric Garber, left to right, talks with Nita McCrum, as she is inducted into the Shelby County Fair Hall of Fame. Watching them are Chuck Craynon, all of Sidney, and Eugene Schulze, at the Shelby County Fair opening ceremony on Sunday, July 23.
Luke Gronneberg | Sidney Daily News
By Kimberly Pistone
For the Sidney Daily News
SIDNEY – The 163rd Shelby County Fair opened on Sunday with the Houston High School Wildcat Marching Band playing the National Anthem and Boy Scout Troop 97 raising the flag. County Commissioners Bob Guillozet and Tony Bornhorst were in attendance, along with Shelby County Treasurer John Coffield.
Chuck Craynon welcomed fairgoers and thanked the Fair Board for all their behind the scenes hard work as they prepared for this year’s fair.
Fair Board president, Eric Garber, introduced the new Hall of Fame members. Juanita McCrum, better known as Nita from Ron & Nita’s, was presented with a plaque as Garber called McCrum “a staple in Shelby County.” Garber added, “Her husband, Ron, was the first sponsor of the free entertainment tent.”
The late Matt Henman was also added to the Hall of Fame. His parents, Nancy and Don Henman, accepted the plaque in his honor. According to Garber, Henman believed that “Fair is more than ribbons and awards. It’s about people, family and friends. It is about creating memories.”
The Fair Board also dedicated the Back to Back Truck Pulls to the memory of Dan Geise.
State Treasurer Office Public Affairs Liaison John Gomez was present to honor the fair. Gomez said, “Year after year, people return to this Fair. The Shelby County Fair commitment to excellence brings people back.”
The Houston High School Wildcat Band closed the opening ceremony with the school’s fight song.
