It is with great pleasure that the Bedford County Fair Board dedicates the 2018 Bedford County Fair Premium Book to John Topper.
In 1998, John Topper and John H. Holbert got together and decided that the fair needed a Sunday morning service since the exhibitors would be missing church. That was whine the Cowboys for Christ became the annual opening ceremony for fair week. Each year a crowd gathers in the show arena to listen to song and testimony to Christ by John Topper. The music and message is also piped into the barns so exhibitors may listen as they prepare for fair week.
John is one of Bedford County’s most popular musicians, entertaining thousands with his bands, albums and CD’s. He has visited many churches and gatherings giving the message of God and has been very involved with the Gideon organization. Born and raised in Hyndman, PA, John returned to Bedford County after receiving his BA and Masters Degrees and started his teaching career at Bedford. He quickly became very popular as a teacher and coach. His history class with a cowboy approach became one of the all-time favorites. After spending twenty-five years at Bedford and his final seven years at Hyndman, John retired but still remains connected through local sports broadcasting.
John has been very dedicated to the Bedford County Fair for many years with 4-H horse shows with his son Jesse. John is always very willing to help, and we, the Board of Directors, want to express our appreciation and acknowledge John Topper by dedicating this year’s premium book in his Honor.