LIMA — A lifelong Allen County resident will take over as the next general manager of the Allen County Fair.
The Allen County Agricultural Society announced Monday morning it hired Bob Fricke as the next general manager. He replaces David Grimm, whose contract wasn’t renewed in September.
Fricke spent 17 years as a promoter and general manager of Limaland Motorsports Park and as a vice president at the University of Northwestern Ohio.
Fricke also is a past member of 4-H, FFA and the Junior Fair Board. He has assisted with numerous fair activities, and his own children have been Junior Fair exhibitors as well.
“I was raised on the family farm and still currently involved with farming, so I truly know the importance of the Allen County Fair and the fairgrounds in the community,” Fricke said in a written statement. “I am excited for the opportunity to use my life experiences and background to continue to build on what is already the greatest annual event in Allen County.”
Fricke replaces Grimm, who took the position in September 2012 after Jay Begg stepped down after 17 years at the helm. Fair board members previously declined to say why Grimm’s contract, which expires Nov. 30, wasn’t renewed.
Fricke was one of 11 candidates who applied for the job. The fair board interviewed the final two candidates Thursday during an executive session.
“We were extremely fortunate to have someone with Bob’s qualifications, not only in promotions and management, but with the solid agricultural background as well,” Allen County Agricultural Society President Dan Kimmet said in a written statement. “We couldn’t be happier.”
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