Parkinson Show Arena Dedicated at Jefferson County Fair

SMITHFIELD -- Monday’s opening of the Jefferson County Fair took on a special meaning.

The evening also marked the dedication of the Parkinson Show Arena at the Friendship Park fairgrounds.

Dedicated in memory of John and Judee Parkinson, longtime fair participants and supporters, the building marks a significant upgrade to the fairgrounds.

"This is a thousand times better compared to what we had," said Ray Hilderbrand, president of the fair board. "It has a nice sound system, better lighting and better ventilation -- and it’s twice the size of the one we had. It’s going to make the sale and the fair a lot better. It will be better for the patrons who come to bid on the animals -- it’s going to be a lot more comfortable for them."

John and Judee Parkinson were remembered during the opening ceremonies of the 155th fair for their faith, hard work, service and generosity, daughter Amanda McKeon said.

"As farmers, they cared for the land and livestock with dedication and respect," she said. "For many years, mom and dad opened our farm as a living classroom and were committed to the Farm-City Tour, even hosting on some occasions."

McKeon said her parents' Christian faith and involvement in 4-H helped generations of Jefferson County youth develop responsibility, leadership, confidence and a strong work ethic.

Members of the Parkinson family, Hilderbrand and the fair’s sale committee cut the ribbon at the arena following the ceremonies.

"It means everything to our family, for our parents, in their memory, and what they gave to the fairgrounds and the kids who came here," McKeon said. "It’s about giving back and paying it forward and giving these young people a beautiful place to show their animals."

Lynne Smith, McKeon’s sister, said the family grew up participating in the fair, 4-H and farm youth council.

"Someone was there to purchase our animals, and it’s time to give back, and that’s what this is," Smith said. "This is what they would have wanted, and this is what we did."

Anne Parkinson said the family wanted future generations to have the same opportunities they had at the fair.

"We wanted the youth of the county to have the same experience in a great new environment," Parkinson, a Pataskala resident, said.

J.W. Parkinson of Wintersville said livestock sales helped put the family's children through college.

"We wanted to give back to the thing that helped us out," he said. "We all graduated from college with no debt because of this. We wanted to give back and do something good for everybody, and we hope people will follow and do the same."

J.W. Parkinson maintains the family farm, which was started more than 200 years ago, covers more than 200 acres and has been in the family for five generations.

Sheriff Fred Abdalla Jr. said the fair remains an important opportunity for Jefferson County youth.

"They’ve worked hard all year, whether it’s raising an animal or some other skill that they’re displaying," Abdalla said. "The fair was near and dear to the heart of my late father (Sheriff Fred Abdalla Sr.). He loved being out with these kids."

Hilderbrand also paid tribute to Betty Hasley, Joyce Wetherell, Carolyn Mercer and Bud Keeder, who died during the past year after devoting time to the fair board and fair.

Mahaela Petric performed the national anthem and Joann Jones performed musical selections. Katie Rivers was crowned fair queen.

The fair runs through Sunday.