Jerry Bristle awarded 2020 “Heritage Award” from MAFE

Members of the Manchester Community Fair Board of Directors attended the MAFE convention in Grand Rapids January 9-11. From left, Chris Benedict, Ryan Kleinschmidt, Gary Bross, Rebecca Harvey, Jerry Bristle, Kathy Richardson, Danell Proctor, Carol Britten, and Steven Harvey.

Several board members, associate members, and spouses of the Manchester Community Fair Board traveled to The Michigan Association of Fairs and Exhibitions (MAFE), 135th Annual Convention, January 9-11, 2020 at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel in Grand Rapids Michigan.

Attendees of the convention were able to participate in workshops and roundtables, view showcase acts, and visit trade show booths to look for ideas to improve the fair.

This year one fair board member brought home an honored award from the annual MAFE banquet. Mr. Jerry Bristle was recognized and awarded a Heritage Award for his years of service to the Manchester Community Fair. The Heritage Award is described this way on the MAFE website, “Every fair has those volunteers that for many years have been a huge part of the success of their fair. The MAFE board awards the Heritage Award to honor our state’s outstanding long-term volunteers. Fairs couldn’t last without volunteers, and the special people that do it year after year need a special award to say thank you.” In order to be eligible to receive this award, recipients must have a minimum of 10 years of event service to the Fair or Exhibition as a volunteer or manager, and receives less than $1,000 annually in compensation from the Fair or Exhibition.

Jerry has been associated with the Manchester Community Fair for more than 47 years. He has served as Lamb Club Advisor, a Director, Vice President, and for 11 years as its President.

“Whenever there is anything that needs to be done with the fair, you can count on Jerry being there,” said current president, Steven Harvey. “Jerry is someone that is willing to step up and help out with whatever needs to be done to make the fair run smoothly. He brings experience, calmness, thoughtful evaluation and knowledge to the fair board that can bridge the gap between ‘we have always done this’ and ‘let’s change things up or try something new this year.’

“Jerry has been and continues to be a major asset to the Manchester Community Fair and we couldn’t imagine a fair season without him,” Harvey concludes.

The Fair Board also welcomes any ideas you may have for the upcoming Manchester Community Fair. If you would like to share your ideas for the 2020 Manchester Community Fair please contact the fair via email at manchesterfair@yahoo.com, contact the Fair Board President, Steven Harvey at his residence at 734-428-7803, on their Facebook page, or feel free to contact any other fair board member.

The Fair Board would like to hear from the community on what they would like to see at the Manchester Community Fair and your suggestions for ways to improve the fair. We look forward to seeing you August 18-22, 2020.

Jerry Bristle is presented with his Heritage Award by President Brian Kuemin at the 2020 Michigan Association of Fairs and Exhibitions (MAFE) conference held in Grand Rapids.

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by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.