<div>BERRIEN SPRINGS — About 98 association members, advisors and guests gathered to recap the Berrien County Youth Fair Association’s fiscal year at the recent annual meeting held at the Youth Memorial Building.President Corey Burks welcomed everyone to the 81st annual meeting of the Berrien County Youth Fair Association on Tuesday night. The board met to select officers for the 2026-27 year, which included Burks of Berrien Springs; First Vice President Jessica Tharp of Eau Claire; Second Vice President Rob Christner of Berrien Springs; Secretary Karen Klug of Eau Claire; and Treasurer Courtney Ertman of Benton Harbor.“The Berrien County Youth Fair is more than a fair. It is a tradition. It is a classroom,” he said. “It is a gathering place. Most importantly, it is a family. Together we have made 2026 a year to remember, and together, we will continue building an even brighter future.”Burks praised the volunteers for all the work done behind the scenes. Burks also asked for a moment of silence for those members of the fair family who passed away this past year.Klug highlighted 2026 happenings for each month and reiterated the BCYF is a year-round job.Ertman said gate admission, concessions and rides were up from last year. The association’s total operating income was $1,860,544 and total operating expenditures were $1,820,353 – an increase in unrestricted assets of $40,192. All obligations have been paid in full, Ertman said.Junior Fair Board President Marissa Freehling spoke about the involvement of the 2026 Junior Fair Board. The nine-member group ranging in age from 15-23 tackled a handful of projects throughout the year, the most notable including visits to Berrien County schools to educate students about becoming a BCYF exhibitor; hosting a Fourth of July fireworks parking fundraiser, a line dance fundraiser; and hosting a Junior Fair Board day during the fair to collaborate with other boards in the state of Michigan.This summer’s fair attendance was 107,381 – up 6,256 from 2025 – and 13,320 exhibits.Each year, six members of the board of directors are elected for a three-year term. The following were nominated and elected for a three-year term: Joe Barron of Berrien Springs, Burks of Berrien Springs, Ertman of Benton Harbor, Elizabeth King of Three Oaks, Klug of Eau Claire and Tharp of Eau Claire.Retired board members Brian Smith and Sarah Pappenfuss were recognized for their years of service and dedication. Retiring superintendent Shannon Fox was also recognized for her years of volunteerism.Award winnersEight applicants applied for the Youth Encouragement and Challenge Award presented by the Dale Foster family. Andrew and Bruce Foster presented the trophy to Emma Huss of Niles. Other applicants were Bryce Neff of Niles, Keegan Perry of Three Oaks, Lenna Powell of Sodus, Brady Pullins of Coloma, Michael Schneider of Stevensville, Adeline Weber of St. Joseph and Ryan Weber of St. Jospeh.The Outstanding 20-Year-Old Exhibitor Award winner was Kyle Smith of Stevensville. Second place was awarded to Abigail King of Three Oaks, third place was given to Kyle Dargus of Buchanan. Lauren Lovell of Watervliet was also a candidate. Selection of this award is based on a point system covering youth fair participation and volunteering other than fair week over the last six years of exhibiting. Smith received a trophy and $1,000 scholarship award provided by the D.R. Potts Memorial Scholarship Fund. King was awarded an $800 scholarship and Dargus was awarded a $500 scholarship.The Friend of the Fair awards were presented to Karri Weber and Fab N’ Weld. This award is given annually to those individuals, families, and/or businesses that have gone above and beyond the call of duty to help with the many activities at the fair. Weber was recognized for the many years of dedication and willingness to help the Berrien County Youth Fair in many different areas. Fab N’ Weld was recognized for their assistance with their heavy equipment and for the giant U.S. flag they staged at the Gate 3 entrance for the duration of the fair.</div>

Block Source: harborcountry-news.com

Misinformation

Clickbait

Old or repetitive news

Explicit content

Location not relevant

BERRIEN SPRINGS — About 98 association members, advisors and guests gathered to recap the Berrien County Youth Fair Association’s fiscal year at the recent annual meeting held at the Youth Memorial Building. President Corey Burks welcomed everyone to the 81st annual meeting of the Berrien County Youth Fair...

Berrien County Youth Fair Association holds annual meeting

NewsBreak

BERRIEN SPRINGS — About 98 association members, advisors and guests gathered to recap the Berrien County Youth Fair Association’s fiscal year at the recent

Berrien County Youth Fair Association holds annual meeting

Comments