Fair awards presented

Photo courtesy Evan Underwood Dave and Sue Nessear, left, and Mike and Gayle Stegmann, Foundation board member, Cowboy Ball chair, hold their awards.

Christina Petite, Fair board alternate, left, is joined by Mike and Gayle Stegmann.

| December 18, 2021 1:00 AM

The North Idaho Fair and Rodeo held its annual "Friends of the Fair" award in August at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds.

Jerry Johnson, Fair board president, led the ceremony that saw three major awards and two recognition plagues handed out.

Volunteer Group of the Year was given to The Coeur d’Alene Roller Derby for their tireless efforts, passion, and dedication to helping during the fair with Findlay Arena ushering.

Business of the Year went to Gem State Mule Company, Michael and Gayle Stegmann. Gayle Stegmann has served on the Fair Foundation Board for nearly seven years and chairs one of the Foundation’s signature events, the Cowboy Ball. Michael is a major donor on many fronts including the 4-H livestock sale, The Silver Buckle Club and Gem State Stampede.

The Clyde Boatwright Award was given to Dave and Sue Nussear. This award is given to community leaders whose generosity has touched all parts of the Inland Northwest through donations and participation for the betterment of the Kootenai County Fairgrounds.

Christina Petite, Fair board alternate, left, is joined by Mike and Gayle Stegmann.