McClure inducted into Ohio Fairs Hall of Fame
COLUMBUS – Jim McClure of Coshocton County was one of four individuals who were inducted into the Ohio Fairs Hall of Fame Sunday, Jan. 12, during the Awards Ceremonies at the 89th Annual OFMA Convention in Columbus, Ohio.
“I was extremely humbled,” said McClure. “It’s just an award that very few people in the state of Ohio receive. I don’t think that I could have been more humbled, and I have never received an award or will never receive an award in the future that means so much to me.”
McClure has been a member of the Coshocton County Agriculture Society for 33 years, but his involvement with the fair began many years earlier. McClure began attending the fair at the age of three when his father would contract to haul the Jr. Fair livestock out of the fair grounds. During his 33 year tenure as a fair board director, McClure has held many offices including entertainment director, admissions director, financial and executive committee chair, president, and treasurer for more than 20 years.
As a director, regardless of specific office, McClure has worked tirelessly to bring positive changes and improvements to the Coshocton County Fair.
In no specific order, these accomplishments include:
*Engage County Commissioners in support for the fair.
*Increased usage of the grounds in off-season by hosting flea markets, hot air balloon races, 4th of July fireworks displays, camper events, hunting dog trials, Honda Goldwing rally and farmers market.
*Construct new livestock pens, and replace, repair and paint buildings.
*Worked closely with talent agency to track and book entertainment acts on a timely basis while they were still affordable for the fair before they were well-known. Acts that were booked include Alabama, Martina McBride, Garth Brooks, and Kenny Chesney.
*Improved parking procedures and traffic flow to maximize limited space on our small 40 acre grounds.
*Increased attendance by working with local companies to offer “day at the Fair” to their employees.
McClure has been an active supporter of the OFMA, has attended numerous district spring meetings, the annual OFMA Conventions, and has contributed to the Ohio Fair Managers Association PAC. He was an OFMA board member serving as District 8 Director for 10 years. McClure has been a presenter and Senior Fair Table Topic discussion leader at the OFMA Annual Convention several times in the past 20 years. His current and/or past Board of Director memberships include: Kids of America Board, Roscoe Village Commission, Coshocton County Visitors Bureau, Coshocton County Extension Advisory Committee, Ohio Mid-East Government (OMEGA) Economic Dev. Committee, and many others. McClure is a member of the Coshocton Kiwanis, Newcomerstown Elks, and is a past member of the Coshocton County Farm Bureau.
The fair has been and is a very important part of the McClure Family. He and Jayne were 4-H advisors and their children were active 4-H members, showing for many years. Their daughter Joanna (deceased) was a Jr Fair Queen. Jim did not seek re-election to the board this fall as he has retired. Be assured that he will be back next fall, and not miss the Coshocton County Fair!
“I would like to thank my wife, Jayne who has stood by me all of these years,” said McClure, “and also the board members. I would not have been able to receive this award without them.”
Category: People & Places
