Dedication 2019

Keith Kennel started out with the Guilford Fair over 30 years ago by volunteering in the Animal Pull Pit. As the Elder members of the grounds crew retired or grew too old to do the grueling work required for maintaining the grounds and Fair setup and takedown, Keith along with John Hammarlund and others, stepped up and took over.

Keith and his crew became very instrumental, not only bringing improvements and upgrades to the fairgrounds, but physically making them happen. This includes new buildings plus building upgrades, electrical upgrades and public water. He is usually the first one called when there is a grounds issue.

Keith serves on the Board of Directors of the Guilford Agricultural Society as 1st Vice President and as Co-Superintendent of Grounds/ Buildings.

Keith resides in Guilford with his wife Marlene and dog Tank. He is a Guilford Fireman and they enjoy taking their camper to South Carolina.

Keith Kennel, we want to acknowledge our appreciation for all you have done for the Guilford Fair. Your efforts have helped make the Fairgrounds and the entire Guilford Fair what it is today.

Marlene Buchta Kennel has been involved with the Fair since a toddler. Her family created and ran the Barnyard Department (a true Kids Department) which is one of the most popular Departments of the Fair.

When Marlene’s mom and aunts decided to step back as Chairmen of the Department, Marlene and other members of her family stepped right up to take it over.

Year after year, Marlene in trying to keep up with current trends comes up with creative classes for this department while keeping the root of the project agricultural in some fashion and fun. Most of the entries in the Barnyard Department come from young children, local school classrooms, and even those young at heart.

She and her committee spend 2 to 3 weeks prior to Fair entries arrival in setting up the Barnyard Department. It is quite an undertaking to put together the Barnyard Department every year for the Fair.

We would like to thank Marlene and her crew for their continued efforts and dedication into keeping the Barnyard Department and popular Fair tradition alive.