Every year, hundreds of people put time and effort into making the Solanco Fair a success. Two individuals had special roles at this year's fair: Carl Hess and Irelyn Boos. Hess served as the grand marshal, and Irelyn was the winner of the fair book design competition.
A Solanco High School graduate, Hess has been involved with the fair for 23 years and currently holds the position of director of commercial exhibits - a role he assumed in 2003 during his second year as president of the Solanco Fair Board. As the commercial exhibits director, Hess has assisted in designing and constructing some of the buildings on the fairgrounds. He has spent his entire life in the lumber business and has worked at Walter & Jackson's Quarryville Lumberyard and Hardware store for 34 years. As grand marshal, Hess represented the fair and rode in the first vehicle at the parade.
Having been a person who works behind the scenes for so long, Hess felt some hesitation about being in the spotlight. "I found out at the fair meeting," explained Hess. "Someone made a nomination, someone seconded it, and that was it. I didn't have time to think about it and say, 'No, not me!' But they've been after me for about three years."
Hess noted that he has stayed with the fair for so long because he enjoys being around the people.
The daughter of Edward and Brandie Boos of Peach Bottom, Irelyn has been drawing most of her life. Irelyn submitted a design to the competition when she was an eighth-grader at Swift Middle School, and she noted that her art teacher, Mrs. Tucker, was supportive of her talent. Now a ninth-grader at Solanco High School, Irelyn noted that she tries to go to the fair every year and that the animals are her favorite part.
"I wanted to incorporate one of everything in the design because that's what the Solanco Fair is - it has one of everything," said Irelyn.
Irelyn received an award and a cash prize for winning the fair book design contest. Although she enjoys drawing, Irelyn said she does not want to pursue a career in art. Her goal is to become a mechanic.
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