Bench Memorial Project at Winneshiek County Fair

 

After Gary D. Svenson passed away in 2005, a tree planted in his memory at the Winneshiek County Fair eventually thrived and is pictured here.

Gary's brothers Carl and Rich created a wrap around wood bench for that tree that DiAnn and Carl lovingly treated and cared for as long as they could. By 2021, those wood benches had run their course.

Rich found Iowa Plastics Recycling as a source for updated benches that will last. Their work is already in place locally at places like the Whippy Dip and the Decorah Fish Hatchery. Orders placed from Iowans receive a significant discount from prices listed on the web. 

Rich and Duane Dehning assembled six Malibu benches in memory of Gary and DiAnn that will be placed around Gary's tree by the time of this year's Winneshiek County Fair. For more information on buying your 2022 fair button, click here. 

Gary and DiAnn's six benches contain a dedication across six plaques in the center:

Welcome to Winneshiek County Fairgrounds, home of “The Biggest Little Fair in Iowa.”

In the 1940’s, Gary Svenson started running errands on his bike for longtime  Fair Secretary Leon Brown, whose farm pillars now grace the entrance to these fairgrounds. Leon also coined the phrase “Biggest Little Fair in Iowa.” Leon mentored Gary for a lifetime here. 

Shortly after he became fair secretary, Gary Svenson married DiAnn Ehler. Together they lovingly dedicated nearly 20 years to all aspects of managing the fair itself and year-round fairgrounds needs.

In memory of Gary & DiAnn Svenson, please enjoy a moment of respite on these Iowa-made benches and in the shade of the tree planted in Gary’s memory following his sudden passing in 2005. DiAnn joined Gary and Leon’s front row seats watching over the Fair in 2021.  

If you love the fair as Gary & DiAnn did, please consider becoming a member of the 100+ years young Winneshiek County Agricultural Association that manages the fair and shares the responsibility for these grounds.  Thank you to all Association members!

Enjoy the Winneshiek County Fair and the many wonderful events and experiences here at the fairgrounds. As Gary used to say, “Fair people are the best people!” 

Thanks Rich, Duane and all the donors to DiAnn's memorial fund!