Dan Wallace was recognized as the “Outstanding Fair-Time Volunteer” at the recent Missouri State Fair Foundation Annual Banquet. The Foundation has only two paid staff members, so volunteers like Wallace are crucial to the success of the organization’s services and activities.
Missouri State Fair Foundation Executive Director, Karri Wilson, recalled Wallace’s outstanding service at the fair this August. “I’m not sure we could have made it through the fair this year without Dan,” she commented. “He volunteered in the Foundation office from sun-up until long after sunset every day of the fair. He set up the system for counting and handling money (and we have a LOT to count) and he made many rounds daily to the eight water stands, the museum, two souvenir stands and the VIP parking lot to do scheduled money pick-ups. He stayed until the last penny was counted and the books were balanced for the day – which was never before 9pm and often closer to midnight. In addition, he pitched in as needed, from doing laundry, running errands and filling in as needed.”
Wallace believes in the Missouri State Fair as a showcase for Missouri agriculture and is an active member of the Missouri State Fair Foundation. He has been volunteering with the Foundation during the fair since 2017. He takes vacation from his role as an Ag & Commercial loan officer with Hawthorn Bank in Clinton to stay on the fairgrounds and volunteer for the Missouri State Fair Foundation the entire fair. This year, Show Me RV in Clinton graciously provided an RV for his use while on the fairgrounds in August. Be sure to mark your calendar for the next Missouri State Fair scheduled for August 8-18, 2024 in Sedalia!