With the many events offered at the Ashland County Fair, there’s a diverse group of individuals behind the scenes. Although each person is different, together they make the fair come alive.

The Ashland Country Fair was a week long and ended last Saturday, Sept. 25.

At the fair, there were people from all walks of life. Whether they were children or 80-year old men, people found joy in eating, walking, conversing, and observing.

The most common individual found at the fair is one who makes it a yearly event to enjoy. Jerry Beasley and his brother Charles Beasley do just this.

“I’ve been coming since I was little,” Charles said.

Jerry and Charles are both Veterans. Jerry served in Vietnam while Charles took up arms in the Korean War. They make it a priority to come to the fair on the day Veterans are honored, which was on a Monday this year. It’s been 68 years since the brothers first came to the Ashland fair.

Of the many things going on at the fair, the brothers enjoy the model car displays and food. Although they enjoy these events, seeing old friends is ranked at the top of their list.

“This is the only fair I go to in the surrounding counties, because I get to see some of my old friends,” Charles said.

With their army caps on, the brothers look around, observing the fair festivities. Their last stop was the VFW. It is by far the most important stop of their day, Jerry said.

Along with Veterans that attend the fair, many individuals come to show off their animals. This is the case for both Rich Steffan and Shelli Fridenstine. Steffan shows his sheep at the fair, while Fridenstine helps her two sons, Tyler and Kevin, show their cows.

Steffan began coming to the fair as a young boy. Years later, after seeing his daughter’s passion for sheep, he began to take part in her hobby as well. During the week, Steffan works for a sheet metal company. At home, he helps raise 67 Hampshire sheep.

“It’s something different than work,” Steffan said.

As Steffan stood observing the sheep’s fur, his hands were quick to clip the straggling white fuzz. The sheep moves his feet to gain his balance on the wooden platform. One clipping takes Steffan four hours to complete, start to finish. He enjoys his work, remembering growing up on a farm.

“The farm life is a good experience,” he said.

Coming to the fair, whether it be for show or enjoyment, brings the kid out in him, he said.

“We just come for the fun,” Steffan said.

Fridenstine, on the other hand, shows at the fair to make a profit. Her farm, Morning Star Farm, is located in New London, Ohio.

Fridenstine’s sons own Harmony and Lola, two Guernsey bred cows. Her sons began showing at a young age and they have yet to sell one of their cows. They look to breed the cows in hope of producing calves of superior quality.

Tyler and Kevin won junior and reserve junior champion at the fair this year.

Sitting next to Fridenstine as she strokes one of her cow’s faces, she expresses the kind nature the cows possess.

“They are very loving,” she said. “They are just like a big dog.”

Raising and showing cows has taught Fridenstine’s family a great deal about hard work and compassion.

“I wouldn’t raise the kids any other way,” she said.

Although the fair includes showing, food is by far the most important element offered. Joe Henderson, owner of Smokin’ Joes, brings his rib vendor to the fair every year.

Smokin’ Joes began in 1992 when Henderson learned the recipe from an old man in Tennessee. He keeps this man’s recipe alive today. Henderson begins with a dry rub and smokes it low and slow. Then, he glazes it on the grill with a sweet sauce. This recipe has won many awards over the years, including the Best Sauce in America in 2008.

Henderson travels to eight different states from Iowa to New York. The traveling season begins in April and ends in October. Traveling is hard, but Henderson finds passion in his work.

“We love BBQ, and we try to do it the best we can,” Henderson said.

Out of Mansfield, Ohio, Henderson has bragging rights in Ashland County, he said. Of the 15 awards he has received in 2010, being televised on the Food Network Channel is the most honorable.

As Henderson cooks behind his stove, he expresses his outlook on his business and life.

“It all falls together,” he said. “Life is short, enjoy the beer.”

With the many events and individuals at the Ashland County fair, people are guaranteed to have a great time. No matter what you are interested in, you’ll be sure to find a place to fit in if you go next year.