The Heart of the County Fair Award honors exceptional Iowans who have made significant contributions to their local fairs and communities. The families will be honored at the Iowa State Fair with a plaque and special recognition, made possible by Beck’s Hybrids in partnership with the Iowa State Fair.
North Central District: Randy and Mel Hiscocks
This year’s North-Central District award was presented to Randy and Mel Hiscocks of Hancock County. Both Randy and Mel have been deeply involved with the Hancock County Fair for many years, playing an active role year-round in planning and working to ensure every 4-Her has a positive and memorable experience.
Beyond their local fair, Randy and Mel serve as assistant horse superintendents at the Iowa State Fair and hold leadership positions with the Britt Draft Horse Show. According to community members Alan Brown and Tennie Carlson, Randy and Mel are “very deserving of the award and are all-around great fair folks!”
Southeast District: The Howard and Harold Bohr Families
This year’s South-Central District award was presented to the Howard and Harold Bohr families of Washington County. A proud multigenerational farming family, the Bohrs have long been deeply involved in their community through their strong agricultural roots.
Howard and Harold have played key roles in the Washington County Fair, serving on the fair board, leading 4-H clubs for many years, and contributing to the design of a new cattle barn and wash racks. Beyond the fairgrounds, both are also active members of the Washington County Cattlemen’s Association. Fellow community member Jarrod Horning described the Bohrs as “great friends and good neighbors to everyone.”
Northeast District: Ron and Mary Esther Pullin
This year’s Northeast District award was presented to Ron and Mary Esther Pullin of Black Hawk County. Both Ron and Mary Esther have strong 4-H ties, with over 40 years of involvement. Ron has served as a 4-H leader in Black Hawk County for 20 years, spent 30 years on the fair board, and represented the county for many years with the Association of Iowa Fairs. Mary Esther was a 4-H leader for 25 years, served on the Black Hawk County Youth Committee for 40 years, and has been a fair judge at numerous county fairs for just as long.
Beyond their long-standing dedication to the Black Hawk County Fair, Ron and Mary Esther have also been active with the National Cattle Congress and the Iowa State Fair and have hosted countless livestock judging teams for practice over the years.
South Central District: The Sean and Sarah Hick Family
This year’s South-Central District award was given to the Sean and Sarah Hick family of Dallas County. Longtime leaders of the Dallas County Fair, the Hicks have deep roots in its success. Sean has served as president of the Fair Board since 2014, leading major renovation projects like new livestock facilities and a new county extension office. The family’s dedication is personal, with all three of their children experiencing some of their fondest memories at the fair.
The Hick family’s community involvement extends beyond the fairgrounds. They are active with the Dallas County Cattlemen’s Association, ADM FFA, and Pheasants Forever-Dallas County TIO. Praised as the “heart and soul” of the fair by community members Jeff and Emily Wynn, the family plays a vital role in its smooth operation. Sean takes pride in seeing the hard work of Dallas County 4-Hers come to fruition, while his children, Levi, Hayley, and Kinsey, enjoy the friendships and opportunities the fair provides.
Northwest District: Paul and Marlene Armbrecht
This year’s Northwest District award was presented to Paul and Marlene Armbrecht of Calhoun County. Both Paul and Marlene have been deeply involved in the Calhoun County Exposition for decades. Paul served as the Exposition veterinarian for 40 years and more recently took on the role of Bacon Buddies judge. Marlene was a 4-H club leader for 15 years and continues to be highly active during the event.
Beyond the Calhoun County Exposition, Paul and Marlene are dedicated members of their community, especially through their involvement in their church. Together, they raised five children who have gone on to make an impact at both the local and state level. Community member Caitlyn Butler described them as “the heart of the Calhoun County Exposition and have been for years.”
