Evergreen State Fair honorees

Snohomish County has recognized Stan and Nancy Depner of Monroe as this years Evergreen State Fair honorees. The annual fair will be held Aug. 27 through Sept. 7.

Each year, the fair selects an individual or family who has contributed significant personal time and energy toward the fair to represent it during fair events. Efforts can be focused in a specific area of exhibition or toward the overall function of the fair.

The Depners are being recognized for more than 20 years of work and dedication to the waterfowl and poultry departments as well as for their involvement in the Snohomish County 4-H program, which participates in the fair.

They wear many hats during the fair and throughout the year. They are essential to the successful operation and running of these programs each year said Audrey Bannon, the fairs poultry superintendent. They help in any way they can.

The Depners have made the Evergreen State Fair a family tradition. Their children have participated in 4-H and the National FFA Organization programs at the fair, and even though their children are grown, they continue to be actively involved.

Beginning with the Turkey Trotters 4-H Club and then the Sky Valley 4-H Club, the Depners built and donated the waterfowl cages, where the birds are displayed each year during the fair. They spend countless hours maintaining the display area so that it can be enjoyed by all who attend.

They also are involved in the Poultry Educational Posters and Showmanship contests, 4-H Small Animal Round Robin, the annual Duck Day program and Special Olympics of Snohomish County.