The Adams County Agricultural Society announced over the weekend that the late Gary McDowell has been named as the 2022 Outstanding Fair Supporter. The award is being given posthumously. An educator for 35 years, McDowell began his career at Manchester and ended it at the Ohio Valley Career in Technical Center where he taught Ag Business and also served as the FFA Advisor.
McDowell also served on the Jr. Fair Advisory Board and was instrumental in implementing the small animal and baked goods into the Jr. Fair sale. He was known for phrases like, “if in doubt, pound them out,” and “experience is a dear tool and fools will learn by no other.” He was fondly remembered on Saturday evening at the Grandstand Bonanza, where it was pointed out that he was never early to any meeting as he always stated the first 15 minutes of anything was wasted with small talk.
McDowell passed away on March 17, 2022. In addition to his service in education, he also served on the Adams County Regional Water board for nearly three decades, was a member of the Adams County Fair Board, 4-H Advisor, Sunday school teacher, farmer, and loved riding horses.
McDowell joins a long list of distinguished Adams County citizens who have been named the Outstanding Fair Supporter over the years. Since the inception of the award in 1993, over 20 people have been given the ward. The award is bestowed upon one individual each year for their involvement, dedication, and devotion to the Adams County Fair. They include Judge Roy Gabbert, Corbett Phipps, Tom White, Tony Staggs, Tom Downing, Phil Shreffler, Robert Cantrell, Bob Malcom, Steve Cacaro, Bob Gallowitz, Bill Hackworth, Jim Ditmer, Chase Prather, Robert Blake, Barry McFarland, Russel Markins, Ed McDowell, J.C. Hazelbaker, George Rhonemus and Bob Semple.
