Lima Ohio -
The Allen County Fair is losing one of its memorable faces at the end of this year. Jay Begg has decided to step down as fair manager.
For the past 17 years, Jay Begg has served as the Allen County Fair Manager. The eight years prior, he served on the fair board. After 25 years serving the Allen County Fair, he has decided to step down. During his time, Jay touched the lives of thousands of people, including Sue Butcher who moved to the area and started working at the fair, all thanks to Jay.
Jay's 17 years as fair manager hasn't always been easy; in fact, disaster struck early, in just his second year as manager. In 1997, Jay faced a fire in the grandstands, a rain delay for the concert, and a death on the fairgrounds. After overcoming that rough year, things have been easy every since.
Jay's fun loving personality and approachable way about him, led to many friendships over the years. Since his first day on the fair board, 25 years ago, Dwain Metzger was there to give him a hard time. It was those jokes and that sarcasm that has held their friendship together all these years.
Looking back on his years, one of the biggest changes Jay noticed was the change in technology, with fairgoers now being updated instantly through Facebook and Twitter.
Although jay is officially stepping down, he says that wont stop him from visiting friends at the fair in years to come. David Grimm will be taking over for jay as fair manager, and will be formally introduced in September.
