Fair Honoree & Centennial Farm

There are many dedicated individuals who make the Evergreen State Fair amazing. Those who dedicate hours, days, and months of their lives every year to make sure, every booth, display, shop, show, or activity runs smoothly. The Fair Honoree is an opportunity to recognize deserving individuals who make The Evergreen State Fair a success.

If you would like to recognize someone that has made a difference at the Evergreen State Fair, please fill out the 2024 Fair Honoree Nomination Form and submit it to Debbie.donk@snoco.org, no later thank January 31, 2024.

2023 Evergreen State Fair Honoree -Rick and Jean Lindsey

This year’s Fair Honorees couldn’t go to a more deserving couple because of their passion for fairs, exhibitors, and fairgoers. They have been involved with the Fair since the early 90’s. They started by supporting their 2 Daughters, Misty & Camas, along with all the other club members. After a few years they founded their own club, Blue Chips, and moved into the roles of club leaders. Their involvement grew as they took on positions of Program Leaders and eventually Fair Superintendents.

They have been invaluable in their support for 4-H Youth, Open Class and have volunteered at many other Fairs over the last 33 + years. They have worked at the Club, County, and State Levels in many different capacities for 4-H.

Jean and Rick have devoted their time to being superintendents and have shared their knowledge and experience with so many people. Being a superintendent requires one to be knowledgeable and committed to their field and many spend their whole careers being experts in one department. What makes the Lindsey’s so amazing is that they have been coordinators, assistants, clerks, judges, and superintendent for several different departments. They never shy away from the task and bring organization, communication, and humor to the table to overcome challenges and make real improvements for the fair community.

Their involvement is not only limited to the 11-day fair. They have put in many hours volunteering for the Evergreen Fair Foundation and Evergreen Youth Livestock Show and Sale, as well as others.

They have worked to make The Evergreen State Fair a great experience for exhibitors and Fairgoers alike. They continue to have an impact on so many people in a positive, supportive, and loving manner.

Rick and Jean Lindsey will be honored at the 2023 Evergreen State Fair Opening Ceremony at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 24, 2023, on the Courtyard Stage #514.   They will cut the ribbon to open the Fair. Rick and Jean will also ride in the Monroe Fair Days Parade on August 26 in downtown Monroe. Congratulations Rick and Jean!!

Past Fair Honorees

Year	Name	Year	Name
2021 & 2022	Kathy Van Buskirk
2019	Don Ballard	1999	Ellen Dodge
2018	Elaine Wilson	1998	Frank Cotterill
2017	Laura Elhai	1997	Audrey Bannon
2016	Linda Cline	1996	Gene Elledge
2015	Ed & Vicki Miller	1995	Beryl Epling
2014	Pamela Phelps	1994	Jan Coffelt
2013	Janice Bond	1993	Elmer & Dee Anderson
2012	Bob & Nancy Kash	1992	Ellene Kearney
2011	Kathleen Wright	1991	Don & Ella Walker
2010	Sharon Olsen	1990	Don Britton
2009	Stan and Nancy Depner	1989	Don & Elma Steffen
2008	Doug Moening & Stephanie Hagarty-Moening	1988	Ned Carrick
2007	Tom & Ann Muchoney	1987	John Millard
2006	Marilyn Stout	1986	Tom & Pat Kennedy & 3 sons
2005	Andy Delegans	1985	John & Winnie Klein
2004	Dave Leatherman	1984	Ted Britten
2003	Robert Drewel	1983	Ted Larson
2002	Hank & Lena Mae Getchman	1982	None
2001	Bert Spada	1981	None
2000	Shirley Johnson	1980	N. Richard K “Dick” Forsgren

Centennial Family Farm

Since the year 2000, we have honored 40 county farms that have remained in continuous production under the same family ownership for 100 years or more in Snohomish County.

2023 Centennial Family Farm • The Duffner Family Farm in Snohomish

In 1920 George and Lisa Marie Wilson purchased 40 acres of farmland in Snohomish. They had been born in Estonia, immigrated to the US, and moved to Canada to farm for a few years where some of their children were born. George was a tailor and the family raised cows and grew vegetables for their use. Following Lisa Marie’s death in 1950, their son Daniel took over the farm. In 1960, their daughter Marie and husband Larry Duffner purchase the farm. Marie had been born inside the farmhouse and continued to operate the farm until her death in 2019 at the age of 95. Her and Larry raised pigs, cows, and hundreds of thousands of fryer chickens, as well as maintaining a large vegetable garden and small grove of fruit trees for their family. Marie and Larry’s son Gary owns and operates the farm, continuing his parents’ legacy of raising cows and chickens.