CROSSROADS OHIO - A SPECIAL SERIES OF REPORTS FROM THE 2010 OHIO STATE FAIR
COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Ohio State Fair inducted eight new Hall of Fame members Thursday who will join the pantheon of other well-known inductees that include former Govs. James Rhodes, George Voinovich and Frank Lausche; former Speaker of the House Vern Riffe; Bob Evans Farms founder Bob Evans and former Wendy's President R. David Thomas.
The eight new members were in good company, as Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland, Fair General Manager Virgil Strickler and David Corey, currently Vice Chair who will become chairman of the Ohio Expositions Commission next year, presented a plaque that will hang in the Hall of Fame.
Held in the Rhodes Center Auditorium, where a roomful of people, including 2010 Fair Queen Heather Wilson from Fairfield County, watched as each inductee shook hands with Strickland and Strickler and then offered comments on their honor.
Of the eight, the name most likely to be known was that of Charles Cox of Columbus, who heads up the company that bears his name, Cox Concessions.
Charles Cox has been involved with the Ohio State Fair for approximately 50 years as a concessionaire. Beginning with the operation of ice cream concessions during the Fair, Cox's involvement has grown to provide year-round concessions and catering services at the Ohio Expo Center through Concessions by Cox, Inc.
Dennis Elliott of Columbus won his honor today for his support of Ohio 4-H youth development for more than 50 years. He is a tireless supporter of fairs and 4-H. A past president and an active member of
Richard Falter of Osprey, Florida, has dedicated more than 30 years of service to the Ohio State Fair and has been actively involved in the beef cattle and sheep aspects of the Fair. As a cattle buyer for the beef packing industry, Falter was uniquely qualified to be one of the judges for the commercial cattle show. He eagerly promotes Ohio's livestock industry and has been a featured speaker at cattle conventions throughout the United States and Canada.
Opal Holfinger of Troy, Ohio, has been supporting the Fair for 10 years. She was an active Commissioner from 1999 through 2008 and served as Chair of the Commission in 2006 and 2007. In addition to her participation on the Commission, she is active in the Ohio Cattlewomen's Association. During the Fair, she volunteers and works in the Cattlewomen's store. An active member of numerous agricultural organizations, she leads by example and serves as a strong advocate for youth development and educational programs.
Richard Indoe of Lodi, Ohio, has been a part of the Ohio State Fair for 59 years. Dick has been exhibiting dairy animals at the Fair since 1950. A 2007 Distinguished Service Award Recipient of the Ohio Holstein Association, Indoe has also served as president of the Ohio Holstein Association, National Holstein Association Director and as a fair board member of the Medina County Fair. An integral part of the Ohio dairy industry, he has guided his children and grandchildren to the farming and dairy cattle industries.
David Madison of Bexley, Ohio, has given 18 years of active service to the Ohio State Fair. A Commissioner from 1992 through 2009, he served as Chair of the Commission from 2004 through 2005. In addition, Madison served as the Mayor of Bexley, Ohio. He has also been an advocate for youth development and educational programs, working to shape the lives of numerous young fairgoers.
Jeff Milgrom of Columbus, Ohio, has partnered with the Ohio State Fair for 26 years. Through his position at Event Marketing Strategies, he has used his creativity to develop new and innovative sponsorship ideas and programs. Milgrom has provided consistency by making sure the Ohio State Fair Corporate Sponsorship Program maintains the highest level of quality and integrity. In addition to his professional relationship to the Ohio State Fair, he is a continuous supporter of youth programs such as 4-H, the Ohio State Fair Spelling Bee and youth livestock auctions.
Rose Stough of Galion, Ohio, has been an exhibitor, supporter and employee of the Ohio State Fair for more than 50 years. As an exhibitor, she has shown poultry, vegetables and flowers. Rose has worked in the poultry department for more than 20 years and is the "Poultry Ambassador" to fairgoers. She received a 2007 Ohio State Fair Ambassadorship Award and serves as a keen recruiter for anyone interested in exhibiting at or attending the Fair.
The Ohio State Fair Hall of Fame was created in 1976 to recognize individuals who have contributed their time and dedicated their passion to the Ohio State Fair, making it an annual success and a premier exposition, according to information provided by 2010 Fair communication staff.
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