McLinden elected fair board president
Marion County rancher Chuck McLinden has been elected president of the Marion County Fair board for 2004.
The 24-member county fair board unanimously elected McLinden to a one-year term. He replaces Vida Bartel, Hillsboro, who served as president for four years.
McLinden is adamant about promoting the fair as a county event.
"This is NOT the Hillsboro fair," said McLinden. "This is the Marion COUNTY fair. This is for the entire county to participate in and to enjoy."
McLinden says he has "lots of ideas and is nervous but excited" about the position. Improvements to the fairgrounds is on his list of priorities.
"The Marion County Fair is 4-H based because it is for the 4-H people," said McLinden. "But I also realize that there has to be activities to make money to remain sustainable."
The self-sustaining organization has sponsored annual events such as the demolition derby, rodeo, and the women's ranch rodeo.
McLinden and four other county fair board members attended the Kansas State Fair Convention last weekend in Topeka.
"I've been looking forward to the convention because it will show us what other people are doing at their fairs," said McLinden. Board members also were able to see various entertainers and novelty acts that are available for booking.
Born in Marion, McLinden lived on a ranch by Strong City before moving to Missouri where he graduated from high school.
He moved to Marion County in 1987 to ranch with his grandfather, the late Bud McLinden.
McLinden is married to Lori (Laubhan), and they have two children, Lauren, 8, and Jarret, 4. The McLindens reside near Marion.
