Board of Directors
Front Row: Sandy Free, Peggy Gray, Bill Pickerrell, Brad Cosenza, Guy McCorkle, Jenny Nelson, Mary Ludwick, Noah Kemper, Kelley VanHoose, and Barry Dean Haubeil.
Back Row: Gary Prater, Keith Chain, Shaun Boggs, Dan Elliott, David Clary, Steven Clever, Barry Haubeil, Bryan Bethel, Andy Hill, Matt Clifton, Jeremy Gearhart, Paul Corcoran.
Not Pictured: Jaluv Hoop, Karlton Wheeler
Notice of Election
According to Article II, Section 2 & 3 of the Constitution of the Ross County Agricultural Society, all members of said Society are hereby notified that the annual election of Directors shall be conducted by secret ballot at the office of the Secretary. The election held during the week of the fair, is Thursday, August 10, 2023, between the hours of 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. In order to vote, the member must present their signed membership card. If card is not signed, you will not be permitted to vote.
2024 Election Information
Upcoming Events
Board Members
The following individuals represent their respective townships as members of the board of directors for the Ross County Agricultural Society, sponsor of the Ross County Fair. Click on any of the names to read their bio.
Brad Cosenza, President (Chillicothe)
2 daughters – Katelyn, Allison
Elected to the board in 2006.
What Committees Do You Serve On?
I am exofficio of all committees but chose to serve on: Over Site / Rules / Budget / Screening / Contracts / Audit Committee, Ticket Distribution Committee, Multi Purpose / Commercial Buildings Committee, Advertising / Entertainment / Publicity / Website/Marketing Committee, Fair Office Committee and as a Department Head for the Small Animals/Poultry Barn.
What Is Your History With The Fair?
Moving to Ohio in 1966 as a second grader and being raised in the city I really never had a good understanding of what the fair was all about. In fact, as I grew older in my high school years I thought the fair was only for country kids and really never liked going to the fair. As a young adult many of my friends would invite me to the fair but because of my thoughts as a youngster I always declined the invitation stating "the fair just wasn't for me." When my children were of age my oldest daughter Katelyn decided she wanted to join the We Feed'em Well 4-H club. We talked her sister into doing the same and the family became members. The girls began by taking many different types of project to the fair but seemed to like their animal projects the best. I felt that if the girls were going to be part of 4-H and the fair that it was only right that I volunteer my time to the fair as well. So I petitioned to be voted in as a board member, was elected in 2006 and have served proudly ever since. Today, me or the girls wouldn't miss the fair for anything, love the fact that it is all about family, and are proud to be part of the best fair in all of OHIO.
What Are Your Interests At The Fair?
For me, the fair is all about the kids and family. I love watching the pride and patience the young people demonstrate with their animal project and I look forward to Tuesday nights for the 4-H events. I enjoy the shows at the bandstand and working to find different acts to bring to the fair. I very much enjoy the camaraderie of the campground and the interactions and friendships developed during the fair.
Steven Clever, Vice President (Colerain)
Married to Annette
5 children – Steve, Matt, Amanda, Seth, Courtney
10 grandchildren
Elected to the fairboard in 2013.
What Is Your History With The Fair?
I have been involved since 1968, 4-H advisor for 26 years.
What Are Your Duties / Responsibilities On The Fairboard?
Vice President of the Board, Beef Barn.
What Committees Do You Serve On?
Contracts/Personnel, Grounds/Utilities, Security, Camping, Parking & Traffic, Outside Exhibits/Farm Antiques.
What Are Your Interests At The Fair?
Livestock projects, fair food, farm equipment display, animals, shows.
Mary Ludwick, Secretary
Married to Gene Ludwick
3 Children - Shay, Julie, Jeb
5 Grandchildren - Addison, Jayden, Jackson, Vincent, Nick
Mary was hired as the Secretary in February 2018.
What Is Your History With The Fair?
I was a 10-year member of 4-H and my children were all in 4-H.
Marianne Guthrie, Treasurer
Bio and photo coming soon...
Karlton Wheeler, Fairgrounds Manager
What Are Your Duties / Responsibilities On The Fairboard?
I maintain and schedule the rentals of the buildings and grounds. I can be contact at 740-253-6040.
Bryan G. Bethel (Twin)
Married to June Bethel
5 Children – Corey, Wil, Kandis, Tiffany, Larry
10 Grandchildren
Elected to the fairboard in 2012.
What Is Your History With The Fair?
I was in 4-H for 10 years, a 4-H Advisor for 20 years, and 10 years on the fair board.
What Committees Do You Serve On?
Oversite, Rules, Budget, Contracts, Personnel, Security, Grandstand, Fair Office, Golf Carts.
What Are Your Duties / Responsibilities On The Fairboard?
Swine barn, golf carts, helping with grandstand entertainment.
What Are Your Interests At The Fair?
Agriculture and livestock, supporting 4-H for the kids.
Shaun Boggs (Paxton)
Married to Alyssa
3 children - Carson, Nicholas, Bryanna.
Elected to the board in August 2017.
What Committees Do You Serve On?
Golf carts, Jeep Fest, Multipurpose building.
What Are Your Duties / Responsibilities On The Fairboard?
Multipurpose building, Fire/EMS.
What Are Your Interests At The Fair?
Rabbit show, Jr. Fair night, Entertainment and bonding with fair.
Keith Chain (Union)
Married to Carolyn
2 children - Emily and Sarah
Elected to the fairboard in 2015.
What Is Your History With The Fair?
10 year 4-H member exhibiting cattle.
What Committees Do You Serve On?
Beef, farm and antiques.
What Are Your Duties / Responsibilities On The Fairboard?
I want to support the Ross County Agricultural Society and represent Union township to the best of my ability.
What Are Your Interests At The Fair?
Junior Fair livestock shows and sales, and farm equipment displays.
David Clary (Liberty)
Married to Nan Pickerrell Clary
2 children – Elly Jo and Bo Clary
1 grandchild – Sadie Mae
Elected to the fairboard in 2006.
What Is Your History With The Fair?
Worked many events with Union Twp F.D., over 30 years camping, and working with horse shows.
What Committees Do You Serve On?
Horse and Grandstand.
What Are Your Duties / Responsibilities On The Fairboard?
Harness racing - 4-H horse barn, Grandstand entertainment, P.A. - sound system, Tickets.
What Are Your Interests At The Fair?
Bring in events to please people and still make profit to help make improvements.
Mathew Clifton (Deerfield)
Married to Tamra Clifton
3 children – Tasha, Amber, and Cassie
9 grandchildren
4-H Advisor for 4 years
Elected to the fairboard in 2021 – 1st year on the board
What Committees Do You Serve On?
Commercial Building, Grandstand, Hog Barn
Paul Corcoran (Chillicothe)
2 children – Josh and Max
3 grandchildren – Les, Kendall, Ava
Elected to the board in 2001 – 21st year on the board
What Committees Do You Serve On?
Ticket/gates/ticket distribution, Parking & Traffic, Rides & Games, Multipurpose & Commercial Buildings.
Dan Elliott (Chillicothe)
Married to Shannon
2 children – Macie and Todd
Elected to the fairboard in 2019.
What Is Your History With The Fair?
Been involved with the Fair and participated in the fair since 1971.
What Committees Do You Serve On?
Camping, Kiddie Tractor Pull, Goat Barn, Building and Grounds.
What Are Your Duties / Responsibilities On The Fairboard?
To maintain building standards.
What Are Your Interests At The Fair?
Livestock, camping, 4-H exhibitor for 10 years.
Sandy Free (Buckskin)
Married to Chuck Free
4 Children - Valerie Free Jones, Ross Free, Lora Free Webb and Kristen Free White
11 Grandchildren - Morgan Jones Strange, Grace Jones, Stella Jones, CJ Jones, Charlie Free, Annie Free, Garrett Webb, Emmitt Webb, Hazel White, Claire White, and Eli White.
1 Great Grandchild - Sterling Strange
4-H advisor for 36 years
What Committees Do You Serve On?
New Construction, Grandstand, Advertising, Sponsorships, Bandstand, Kiddie Tractor Pull, Home Arts, Schools.
What Are Your Duties / Responsibilities On The Fairboard?
Helping with new construction for a new commercial building in the near future. Getting sponsorships for all events and new signs on therace track. Helping with the other committees I serve on.
What Is Your History With The Fair?
My grandpa, Ed Fuller started the camping at the fair, he served on the board for 30 years. My husband Chuck Free served on the board for 10 years. My daughter Kristen Free White was 2007 Ross County Fair Queen and 2009 Ohio Fairs Queen. All four of my children Valerie Free Jones, Ross Free, Lora Free Webb and Kristen Free White were 10-year members of 4-H. They showed pigs and the girls were in the Buckskin Stitcher’s & Mixers 4-H Club. They also served on the Jr. Fair Board and 4-H Committees. I am an advisor for the Buckskin Stitchers & Mixers 4-H Club for 35 years.
What Are Your Interests At The Fair?
I thoroughly enjoy our amazing fair! I love helping 4-H members and watching them grow into awesome young adults! I also like helping on all the committees with the other fair board members.
Jeremy Gearhart (Green)
Married to Beth
2 children - Samantha Gearhart & Hunter Hempstead
Elected to the fairboard in 2015.
What Committees Do You Serve On?
Grounds/Utilities, Portable Toilets/Trash, Camping, Outside Exhibits/Farm Antiques.
What Are Your Duties / Responsibilities On The Fairboard?
Trash & Porta Pots, Dairy
Peggy Gray (Harrison)
Married to Kevin Gray
2 Daughters – Emily and Megan
Elected to the fairboard in 2009.
What Is Your History With The Fair?
I was in 4-H, my daughters were in 4-H, and my mother-in-law was on the fairboard.
What Committees Do You Serve On?
I serve on the following committees – home arts building, fair catalog, ticket distribution, fair office, bandstand entertainment, goats and sheep.
What Are Your Duties / Responsibilities On The Fairboard?
I help set up and edit the fair catalog; coordinate the set up of the home arts building for the displays; work in the fair office the week of the fair; work with 4-H and the community to address concerns and improve the fair.
What Are Your Interests At The Fair?
Everything! Watching the 4-H kids show their projects; seeing all the animals, booths, home art displays; the food; the rides; the community feeling of camping with friends; knowing the Ross County Fair is a place friends and family look forward to each year.
Barry Haubeil (At-large)
Married to Robin
2 children – Misty and Barry Dean
6 Grandchildren
Elected to the fairboard in 2001.
What Is Your History With The Fair?
Lifetime camper, 4-H member.
What Committees Do You Serve On?
Grandstand, Building Maintenance, New Construction, Contracts/Personnel, Oversite/Rules/Budget.
What Are Your Duties / Responsibilities On The Fairboard?
Mew construction, event prep at infield.
Barry Dean Haubeil (Huntington)
Married to Genica
2 children - Ryder and Aria
Elected to the fairboard in 2016.
What Is Your History With The Fair?
9 year member of 4-H.
What Committees Do You Serve On?
Ohio Jeep Fest, Ticket distribution, Audit Committee, Advertising/Entertainment publicity, website/social media, goat barn department head.
What Are Your Interests At The Fair?
Cattle show, grandstand entertainment, camping.
John "Andy" Hill (Concord)
Married to Lisa A. (Moody) Hill
One son Austin.
Elected to the fairboard in 2014.
What Is Your History With The Fair?
My father was Concord Township's director for 25 years. I was a Jr. Fair participant for 12 years.
What Are Your Interests At The Fair?
Kids and the projects and making sure it all runs smoothly and according to plan.
Noah Kemper (Springfield)
Married to Lindsay Kemper
2 children - Max and Miles
Elected to the fairboard in 2022.
What Is Your History With The Fair?
I was in 4-H many years and showed pigs. My wife did as well, she showed cattle.
What Committees Do You Serve On?
Security, parking & traffic, concessions, outside exhibits, farm antiques, golf carts, and beef.
Gerald "Guy" McCorkle (Franklin)
Married to Rebecca "Sue" McCorkle
4 children – Gary, Jeff, Brad, Pam
9 grandchildren
Served on the board from 2000-2015. Was appointed to fill vacant township seat on the board in March 2017.
What Is Your History With The Fair?
I attended the fair as a youth. As an adult, I volunteered labor, and received the award of "Outstanding Fair Supporter" in 2007.
What Committees Do You Serve On?
I serve on the following committees – grounds/utilities, new construction, camping.
What Are Your Interests At The Fair?
Making the fair the best and most exciting in Ohio and supporting both 4-H and Jr. Fair.
Jenny Nelson (At-large)
Married to Brian Nelson
3 children – Nicole, Morgan, and Robbie
1 grandchild – William
Elected to the board in 2010.
What Is Your History With The Fair?
4-H member for 10 years, 4-H advisor for 30 years.
What Committees Do You Serve On?
Grandstand/Entertainment, Camping, Fair Office.
What Are Your Duties / Responsibilities On The Fairboard?
I am in charge of renting campsites for the fair, ordering and distributing ribbons for the open shows, working in the fair office, helping with grandstand events, and working with DUNF forms.
What Are Your Interests At The Fair?
Watching the kids show their animals and going to grandstand events.
John Wetzel (Scioto)
Bio and photo coming soon...
Gary Prater (Jefferson)
Married to Elaine Prater for 42 years
Children – Craig and Trisha
Grandchildren – Zach, Cody, Parker, Kylie
Elected to the board in 1985.
OFMA Director for 6 years.
What Is Your History With The Fair?
I became involved with the fair as 4-H member and continued my involvement since them.
What Committees Do You Serve On?
I serve on the following committees – entertainment, security and grandstand; I am also Past President of the fairboard.
What Are Your Interests At The Fair?
Providing a venue to showcase the talents of our youth and provide good wholesome family entertainment.
Kelley VanHoose (Paint)
Married to Jay VanHoose
3 Children – Bailey, Layne, and Jesse
3 Grandchildren – Paisley, Presley, and Mavrick
Elected to the board in 2022.
What Committees Do You Serve On?
I serve on the Grandstand, Bandstand entertainment, rides and games, fair office, and Sale committee.
What Is Your History With The Fair?
Though I am new to the fair board, I am not new to the Ross Co Fair. I was in 4-H for 10 years and showed in open class before I was in 4-H. My two oldest children were also in 4-H and my youngest is currently in 4-H. For 15 years I volunteered during the livestock auctions at the fair. Assisting the auctioneers, taking bids, and keeping record of the bids and buyers. I have always loved the Ross County Fair, and I am so excited to help make the best better.
What Are Your Duties / Responsibilities On The Fairboard?
My duties are to help find entertainment for the grandstand, bandstand, and new games and rides, update the emergency response plan, and help oversee the goar barn.
What Are Your Interests At The Fair?
Too many to list so I will pick my favorite. My interest has always been the livestock shows. When I was in 4-H, I took market pigs. My absolute favorite was showmanship. I love watching the kids show in showmanship in all breeds. Spending time with friends, family, and neighbors at the fair is the best. The Ross County fair has always been a homecoming for so many friends and family. Some who you only see once a year, and that you share the same love for the fair. That is special and I am proud to be a part of that, and for my children and grandchildren to be a part of as well.
