With only 52 days until the 46th Annual Kiwanis Ogeechee Fair, the Statesboro Kiwanis Club officially kicked off the countdown Thursday by dedicating the 2007 Fair Book to long-time club member Ben Nessmith.
Nessmith, who has been a club member for about 25 years, keeps the fairgrounds on Ga. 67 in top shape, said President Horace Harrell.
Fair Chairman Darrell Colson presented Nessmith with a framed copy of the 2007 Fair Book, which includes information on the fair such as entertainment during the week, rules for exhibits and competitions, and the schedule of the week's events including special deals on tickets and admission.
"He's a right-hand man" when it comes to getting the fair underway, Colson said about Nessmith.
Nessmith was humble in accepting the award. He said he was surprised, and didn't know how the club obtained the information they did about him, but his wife Becky smiled.
"I couldn't hardly keep it a secret," she said, revealing her part in the surprise honor.
The fair begins Oct. 8 and continues through Oct. 13. It kicks off Monday, Oct. 8, with a parade through downtown Statesboro. Applications for floats and other parade entries can be obtained online at www.statesborokiwanis.org, or can be found in the Fair Book, which is available at several downtown locations, said Parade Chairman Carl Brister.
Questions about the parade can be answered by calling Brister at 587-2465 or by e-mail at cbrister@bulloch.net, he said.
The theme for the parade is "100 years of Georgia Southern University: Blooming from Agricultural Roots." The grand marshals for the parade are Dr. Bruce and Kathryn Grube. The annual fair has a history of focusing on agriculture and serves seven counties.
Club members promise a great deal of new attractions this year, including a farm yard exhibit with live farm animals and the "Ogeechee Idol" Talent Showcase.
Students from grades 9-12 who attend schools in seen surrounding counties including Bulloch can participate in the competition, which lasts Tuesday through Friday nights. The top two acts from each night Tuesday through Thursday will compete Friday night, and the winner will advance to district competition, said talent showcase committee member Debra Pease.
The competition is limited to 24 acts, and entries will be accepted first come, first served, she said. For more information contact Pease at 587-2388.
Nessmith, who has been a club member for about 25 years, keeps the fairgrounds on Ga. 67 in top shape, said President Horace Harrell.
Fair Chairman Darrell Colson presented Nessmith with a framed copy of the 2007 Fair Book, which includes information on the fair such as entertainment during the week, rules for exhibits and competitions, and the schedule of the week's events including special deals on tickets and admission.
"He's a right-hand man" when it comes to getting the fair underway, Colson said about Nessmith.
Nessmith was humble in accepting the award. He said he was surprised, and didn't know how the club obtained the information they did about him, but his wife Becky smiled.
"I couldn't hardly keep it a secret," she said, revealing her part in the surprise honor.
The fair begins Oct. 8 and continues through Oct. 13. It kicks off Monday, Oct. 8, with a parade through downtown Statesboro. Applications for floats and other parade entries can be obtained online at www.statesborokiwanis.org, or can be found in the Fair Book, which is available at several downtown locations, said Parade Chairman Carl Brister.
Questions about the parade can be answered by calling Brister at 587-2465 or by e-mail at cbrister@bulloch.net, he said.
The theme for the parade is "100 years of Georgia Southern University: Blooming from Agricultural Roots." The grand marshals for the parade are Dr. Bruce and Kathryn Grube. The annual fair has a history of focusing on agriculture and serves seven counties.
Club members promise a great deal of new attractions this year, including a farm yard exhibit with live farm animals and the "Ogeechee Idol" Talent Showcase.
Students from grades 9-12 who attend schools in seen surrounding counties including Bulloch can participate in the competition, which lasts Tuesday through Friday nights. The top two acts from each night Tuesday through Thursday will compete Friday night, and the winner will advance to district competition, said talent showcase committee member Debra Pease.
The competition is limited to 24 acts, and entries will be accepted first come, first served, she said. For more information contact Pease at 587-2388.