2023 Hall of Fame Honoree is Susie Bowles

POMEROY–The traditional celebration announcing the new 2023 Hall of Fame Honoree will take place at Spinners Maple Hall on Saturday, September 16 at 6:30-8:30 a.m. This year, the Chamber of Commerce will recognize Susie Bowles as the 2023 Hall of Fame Fair Honoree.

The Pomeroy Chamber of Commerce's annual tradition of honoring a long-time Garfield County Fair volunteer will be held at the Spinners Maple with a full Cowboy Breakfast. The award will be given by Pomeroy Chamber President Ashley Dixon to Bowles at 8 a.m.

Susie Bowles has made an incredibly positive difference in the lives of Pomeroy and Garfield County residents. She intentionally lives her life with the understanding that even the smallest kind gesture or smile may mean the world to someone else. The Garfield County Fair is just one place Bowles' commitment to Pomeroy and Garfield County shines. From nursing, voluntarily serving as the school Community Care Coordinator, City Council member, to managing the Food Bank and of course the Fair, she serves up a giant slice of care, consideration, and genuine interest in ensuring every life she touches is made better. Susie leaves a positive impact everywhere she goes!

It is impossible to think of the Garfield County Fair happening without her leadership and support. She has been involved with the fair since 1986 when her daughters began showing sheep, she has been involved ever since. Over the years, Susie has worked in the animal barns, assisted with the market sale, helped serve food, coordinated multiple exhibits, assisted with entertainment, and helped at the rodeo. Susie is committed 100% to the task at hand and ensures it exceeds expectations.

"No amount of time or numbers can be expressed into the amount of time, energy, and effort that she puts into it," said Sara Riley, Garfield County Fair President, states. "It's so rare to find someone who puts that much effort and heart into anything, let alone something they are voluntarily doing."

As the vice president of the Fair Board, Bowles continues to step up her commitment to creating an amazing fair experience. Her attention to detail begins at the ticket booth. She spends hours each year thinking of how to welcome guests with a bang. From painting the ticket booth to coordinating decorations, she ensures the first impression is positive. Her passion for incorporating the theme goes beyond measure. She enlists her daughters, who live out of town, to scour their communities in Spokane, WA, and Lubbock, TX for items that emphasis the Garfield County fair theme. Every detail is considered. Susie and Sara Riley walk the fairgrounds day in, day out, and into the night ensuring the safety and security of the animals, the buildings, and the people who stay at the grounds. Her daughter Heather Bowles notes, "she always says 'if I can just make one person smile and make a difference to just one person then my day is complete. Mom's love and care for everyone shines throughout the fair."

Her daughter Erika Bowles said, "The volunteer and service spirit in our family was an important part of our lives and mom demonstrated it daily in our home. She has the kindest heart, most generous soul, and does so with no intent other than to make the world a better place."

Bowles connects the community to weave a net of support for the fair. Her community relationships bring people together benefiting all. The Garfield County Fair would not be what it is without the dedication of Susie Bowles. We appreciate all the hard work, love, and commitment to this community.