Paul E. Harris Inducted into the Ohio Fair Managers Hall of Fame

The late Paul E. Harris, a pillar of the Geauga County community and a lifelong advocate for agriculture and fairs, has been inducted into the Ohio Fair Managers Hall of Fame. This honor celebrates his remarkable contributions to county fairs across the state, his unwavering dedication to the Great Geauga County Fair, and his leadership within the Ohio Fair Managers Association (OFMA).

Paul’s legacy is a testament to a life devoted to family, farming, and community. Growing up on the Howard Family Farm in Bainbridge Township, Paul’s connection to agriculture and fairs began early. He prided himself on never missing a Great Geauga County Fair and credited his grandparents, Vernon and Marion Howard, with inspiring his lifelong passion for agriculture.

After earning a degree in Dairy Science from The Ohio State University, Paul became a proud dairy farmer, maple syrup producer, and owner of Howard’s Apples. Alongside his wife, Pam Krotzer, Paul transformed the family farm into a community hub, hosting events like Fall Fest and creating a gathering space beloved by generations. Paul’s contributions to the Great Geauga County Fair were unmatched. Joining the Geauga County Agricultural Society in 1993, he became a driving force behind the fair’s success. Serving as board president in 2006 and secretary starting in 2008, Paul oversaw projects that modernized the fairgrounds while preserving its rich history. His leadership, meticulous attention to detail, and commitment to the Junior Fair programs left a lasting impact, inspiring countless youth to pursue agriculture.

Beyond Geauga County, Paul’s influence extended statewide. As District 9 Director of the OFMA and later its president (2022-2023), Paul tirelessly advocated for fair funding, legislative updates, and the sustainability of fairs across Ohio. His peers recognized his unmatched passion and his willingness to support fairs across the state, often putting his own work on hold to help others.

The Ohio Fair Managers Hall of Fame

The Ohio Fair Managers Hall of Fame recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exceptional service to county fairs and agricultural societies. Established to honor those whose efforts strengthen the tradition of Ohio’s fairs, the Hall of Fame is a distinguished acknowledgment of leadership, dedication, and impact. Paul’s induction highlights his lifelong devotion to the values fairs represent: community, tradition, and the future of agriculture.

“Paul was more than a leader; he was the heart and soul of our fair and a mentor to so many,” “His legacy will continue to inspire us all.”

Though Paul passed away on June 4, 2024, his contributions live on through the countless lives he touched and the enduring success of the Great Geauga County Fair. His induction into the Ohio Fair Managers Hall of Fame is a fitting tribute to a life well lived in service of others.

Continuing Paul’s Legacy at the 2025 Great Geauga County Fair

As The Great Geauga County Fair prepares for its 203rd year, Paul’s legacy will be at the heart of the event. His vision for preserving traditions while embracing innovation will guide us as we honor over two centuries of agricultural excellence and community connection. The fair board invites everyone to join us in celebrating Paul’s incredible contributions by supporting the fair he loved so deeply Labor Day Weekend; August 28th-September 1st, 2025. Together, we can ensure his legacy of dedication, education, and community thrives for generations to come.

Burton, OH — The late Paul E. Harris, a pillar of the Geauga County community and a lifelong advocate for agriculture and fairs, has been inducted into the Ohio Fair Managers Hall of Fame. This honor celebrates his remarkable contributions to county fairs across the state, his unwavering dedication to the Great Geauga County Fair, and his leadership within the Ohio Fair Managers Association (OFMA).

Paul’s legacy is a testament to a life devoted to family, farming, and community. Growing up on the Howard Family Farm in Bainbridge Township, Paul’s connection to agriculture and fairs began early. He prided himself on never missing a Great Geauga County Fair and credited his grandparents, Vernon and Marion Howard, with inspiring his lifelong passion for agriculture.

After earning a degree in Dairy Science from The Ohio State University, Paul became a proud dairy farmer, maple syrup producer, and owner of Howard’s Apples. Alongside his wife, Pam Krotzer, Paul transformed the family farm into a community hub, hosting events like Fall Fest and creating a gathering space beloved by generations. Paul’s contributions to the Great Geauga County Fair were unmatched. Joining the Geauga County Agricultural Society in 1993, he became a driving force behind the fair’s success. Serving as board president in 2006 and secretary starting in 2008, Paul oversaw projects that modernized the fairgrounds while preserving its rich history. His leadership, meticulous attention to detail, and commitment to the Junior Fair programs left a lasting impact, inspiring countless youth to pursue agriculture.

Beyond Geauga County, Paul’s influence extended statewide. As District 9 Director of the OFMA and later its president (2022-2023), Paul tirelessly advocated for fair funding, legislative updates, and the sustainability of fairs across Ohio. His peers recognized his unmatched passion and his willingness to support fairs across the state, often putting his own work on hold to help others.

The Ohio Fair Managers Hall of Fame

The Ohio Fair Managers Hall of Fame recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exceptional service to county fairs and agricultural societies. Established to honor those whose efforts strengthen the tradition of Ohio’s fairs, the Hall of Fame is a distinguished acknowledgment of leadership, dedication, and impact. Paul’s induction highlights his lifelong devotion to the values fairs represent: community, tradition, and the future of agriculture.

“Paul was more than a leader; he was the heart and soul of our fair and a mentor to so many,” “His legacy will continue to inspire us all.”

Though Paul passed away on June 4, 2024, his contributions live on through the countless lives he touched and the enduring success of the Great Geauga County Fair. His induction into the Ohio Fair Managers Hall of Fame is a fitting tribute to a life well lived in service of others.

Continuing Paul’s Legacy at the 2025 Great Geauga County Fair

As The Great Geauga County Fair prepares for its 203rd year, Paul’s legacy will be at the heart of the event. His vision for preserving traditions while embracing innovation will guide us as we honor over two centuries of agricultural excellence and community connection. The fair board invites everyone to join us in celebrating Paul’s incredible contributions by supporting the fair he loved so deeply Labor Day Weekend; August 28th-September 1st, 2025. Together, we can ensure his legacy of dedication, education, and community thrives for generations to come.