Association of Iowa Fairs 1973 Memories

Gary and DiAnn are pictured in 1973 at the Association of Iowa Fairs President's Reception the year Gary served as president. With Gary and DiAnn are a fellow Winneshiek County Fair Board member, Grand Ole Opry star Billy Walker, and possibly Billy's agent

Gary Svenson often said "Fair people are the best people." He first came to this conclusion running errands as a young boy for longtime Winneshiek County Fair manager Leon Brown. Gary applied this feeling through most of his life. 

Gary combined his love of fairs with his leadership skills when he served as president of the Association of Iowa Fairs in 1973.

During his presidential reception in the presidential suite at the Hotel Fort Des Moines that year, county music star Billy Walker, singer of such hits as "Billy's Shoes" and "Cross the Brazos at Waco" was among the reception guests. Billy is likely wearing a suite designed by the famed Nudie Cohn, designer to many country music stars of Billy's era.

Billy was DiAnn's second favorite artist, just behind her beloved Charley Pride. 

The guest book from this 1973 event is now a part of the Association of Iowa Fairs archives. 

Have you made your plans to attend your local county fair this summer? When you do and you enjoy the time, you will be honoring Gary & DiAnn's memory.