Junior Youth Leadership, Health and Political Science Fair Superintendent Suzie Brunner has been going to the Pierce County Fair for over 40 years. Around 10 years ago, Brunner was asked by Frank Ginther to take over a superintendent role, which was a no-brainer decision.

Brunner was in 4-H, Brunner’s children were in 4-H and it meant a lot to get the opportunity.

“I think it’s watching all the 4-H kids bring all their projects that they’ve worked really hard on, and just seeing them grow every year,” Brunner said on the best part of the fair. “A lot of kids that I’ve worked with, they bring projects year after year, and you can just kind of see them grow and mature.”

Brunner loves to see 4-H graduates go on to be successful down the road. The organization has left a permanent mark on her life, which is a part of the reason she has continued to volunteer.

“I have some very good memories of working in the 4-H food stand,” Brunner said. “I have good memories of bringing my own projects to the fair.”

What makes the fair truly special, though, is seeing all of the people return year after year. As they grow up, they often visit the fair annually because it was a valuable piece to their childhoods.

“I really enjoy going every year and seeing people that I haven’t seen in a while,” Brunner said. “I enjoy looking at all the projects and all the animals, and taking my grandson on different rides.”

For people that have never been to the fair, Brunner said it is never too late to start a yearly tradition.

“Take some time and really enjoy it and see everything the fair has to offer,” Brunner said.

She said the fair has a little of everything for all ages. From rides and food to history, art, projects and Grandstand events, Brunner hopes people give it a try for the first time this year. She also said seeing the faces of people she may only see that one time a year makes it all worthwhile.

“There’s a lot of music and activities and presentations. There’s a lot of history there if you go in the Freier School and take some time to shop at some of the vendors. The history of the Round Barn is amazing… We’re pretty fortunate to be able to have such a great fair in Pierce County, and we’ve had it for a long time. Hopefully it can continue for another 100 years.”