Great Geauga County Fair Official Earns Hall of Fame

Richard A. Moss, Geauga County's 'Living Legend' was inducted into the Ohio Fair Manager's Association Hall of Fame on September 11.

His 60-plus years of dedication and labor on behalf of the Great Geauga County Fair in Burton, Ohio earned him the prestigious position.

He credit's the service of others.

"I've had the support of a lot of good people over the years. I couldn't have done it all by myself."

Moss has been a director of the Geauga County Agricultural Society for 31 years, vice president for five years, president for five years, and secretary of the board for 19 years. The Agricultural Society hosts the fair in Burton, Ohio, every Labor Day weekend. It is the longest running fair in Ohio, and draws in the neighborhood of 200,000 visitors each and every year.

Moss was instrumental in developing two programs that are an integral part of the fair; the Band-O-Rama and Heritage Village.

With him leading the way, the Great Geauga County Fair has continued to grow during the past 30 years, from 20 buildings to 70 at its Burton, Ohio location. Moss was instrumental in that growth. He oversees more than 12,000 exhibit entries, the premium book, all fair-related contracts, and the office staff.

Moss, a Middlefield, Ohio resident for 64 years, is also highly respected in his community. As a member of the Kiwanis, he recently received the Legion of Honor Award for 40 years of service. He is also a 32^nd degree Mason, and recently received a 60-year award from the Masons. He is also a member of the Middlefield Historical Society Board of Directors, and trustee of the Middlefield Methodist Church. For the past 49 years he has served on the Cardinal Schools Board of Education, with 48 years as president. The Cardinal School District honored Moss by naming the football field the Richard A. Moss Field.

What does his future hold? Well, at the end of January, Moss will celebrate his 90^th birthday. Aside from that, he says he'll continue at the Great Geauga County Fair as long as they'll have him.