Sarah Noone, age 16, as part of her fair project, designed a memorial garden to honor Shorty. Sadly, in August 2004, Shorty passed away. An entertainment stage and outdoor arena were also built. Saving some cost to the fair in not having to have water trucked in.Īt the same time, a ten year lease agreement was signed and having outgrown the original 10 acres, an additional 10 acres was added to the agreement for parking and the use of the farm pond for a bass tournament.Īs the fair continued to grow, the fair board asked to begin creating a more permanent home. In the fall of 1996, with the permission of the Durikas, the fair’s first grant was received for the installation of a city water line extension over the farm and city water lines were installed over the grounds. As each year passed, the fair continued to grow. Year after year, fair members, community volunteers and friends of the fair would gather to volunteer their time, resources and equipment, to roll out the wire and set up the tents and get the fair going. After careful thought and consideration, Shorty and Mary decided to donate 10 acres of their farm to the fair, to use six days a year in the month of July for the annual fair – all with a gentlemen’s agreement and hand shake. They knew the importance of promoting agriculture and providing learning experiences for today’s youths. Both had grown up on farms and been involved with 4-H as youths. Who owned a farm just outside of New Derry. By 1990, the fair had out grown the space at the High School and was in need of more space to expand.Īpproached by the fair, for the possible use of their land were Joseph (Shorty) and Mary Durika. They started with a couple of small tents, a few local vendors and exhibitors. Randall Campbell the fair was granted space to set up one of the Derry High School practice fields. Though the efforts of Chuck Penich and Dr.

The current Derry Township Agricultural Fair (DTAF) had its humble beginnings in 1987.

Derry township agricultural fair