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2023 Dedication

It is with great pleasure that the Bedford County Fair Board dedicates the
2023 Bedford County Fair Premium Book to
Marcia Reffner
Marcia's experience at fairs began years ago at the Morrison's Cove Fair, where she helped her sister and also enjoyed the exhibits. After spending 4 years in Alabama, Marcia, her husband Harry, and daughter Nicole, returned to Bedford. A member of their church, Roy Harshberger, encouraged Marcia to attend the Bedford Fair and harness racing. After the races, she toured the exhibition hall, which kindled her interest. She encouraged Harry to enter an exhibit and she then started visiting the Fair every year. The senior exhibits were displayed in the 30 building at that time. Marcia approached Ruth Koontz, the superintendent, and became a volunteer helping with the preparations and helping Bill Creps set up the building prior to the Fair. As Marcia became more involved, and after a torrential rain occurred the following year, she was approached by John H. Holbert with the suggestion of possibly moving the senior exhibits to the Jordan Hall location. The following year, the feat was accomplished due to the efforts of Ruth and Marcia. After attending PSACF Convention and hearing “we always did it this way”, Marcia began to make minor changes in the displays. When Ruth retired, Marcia was appointed the Superintendent of Jordan Hall. During her years as superintendent, many changes have occurred including when the Best of Show featured a restored popcorn van that was originally located in Disney world, an old sled another year, antique tractor another, and the list went on. Display areas were made more appealing to attendees when white decorations were replaced with more attractive back drops. Vendors who setup in Jordan Hall were like old relatives and came to her for help when needed. She spent many hours prior to the Fair with her group of helpers sweeping the floor, cleaning displays that were left in the storage over the past year, and assisting her helpers in setting up the individual departments so all was in order for opening day. Marcia continues to coordinate the selection of judges for each department, as well as working with department chairpersons to update the Premium Tabloid. When a need occurred for an additional department be added for the Fair Reimbursements, wine was selected and Marcia obtained qualified wine judges to judge the classes. The first year there were 13 entries and the second year, entries rose to 76 due to Marcia's drive and promotion of the department. Department 21 continues to be a valued department today. On the days of judging, Marcia assists the judges and committees as needed. She always has the necessary ribbons and confirms that the judging books are completed properly for results to be entered for premium checks. Marcia also completes the necessary forms required for special baking contests for the competition at the PA Farm Show and state reimbursement. She manages the dispersal of premium checks Saturday night and Sunday after the Fair. She is also present for tearing down displays after the Fair. Over the years, Marcia has delegated many duties to the department superintendents, and she is the "go to" person when anyone has a question, and you can count on Marcia to have the answer and offer assistance. With Harry being a director for the PA Fair's State Board, Marcia has represented Bedford County Fair very well. She has coordinated two very successful Zone meetings hosted at Bedford. Marcia also assists Harry in all state functions, including the task of organizing the annual PSACF Convention in Hershey. Marcia enjoys quilting with the Coffee Pot Quilters, who have donated several quilts to the Jr Livestock Scholarship program which has amounted to thousands of dollars for the program. When quilting in the Coffee Pot, she is always an ambassador of the historical landmark. Visitors from around the country stop to see the Coffee Pot, and Marcia greets them with a smile and readily updates them to the history. Thank you Marcia for your dedication to the Bedford County Fair!
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