BCYF Celebrates Youth Exhibitors, Fair Leadership
Published: Friday, November 6, 2026
About 98 association members, advisors and guests gathered to recap the Berrien County Youth Fair Assn.'s 2025-26 fiscal year last Tuesday night at the association annual meeting held at the Youth Memorial Building.
President Corey Burks welcomed everyone to the 81st Annual Meeting of the Berrien County Youth Fair Association Inc.
"The Berrien County Youth Fair is more than a fair. It is a tradition. It is a classroom. It is a gathering place. Most importantly, it is a family. Together we have made 2026 a year to remember, and together, we will continue building an even brighter future," he" said.
He then went on to praise the volunteers for all the work done behind the scenes. Burks asked for a moment of silence for those members of our fair family who were lost this past year.
Tiffani Dash of the Regent of Rebecca Dewey Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution presented a commendation award to the BCYF and the BCYF Historical Committee for demonstrating extraordinary effort in raising awareness of Revolutionary Patriots and America's 250th Anniversary. Jackson Christner, Historical committee chair, accepted the award with several historical committee members.
Eight applicants applied for the Youth Encouragement & Challenge Award presented by the Dale Foster family. Andrew and Bruce Foster presented the trophy to Emma Huss of Niles. Other applicants were Bryce Neff of Niles, Keegan Perry of Three Oaks, Lenna Powell of Sodus, Brady Pullins of Coloma, Michael Schneider of Stevensville, Adeline Weber of St. Joseph and Ryan Weber of St. Jospeh.
The Outstanding 20-Year-Old Exhibitor award winner was Kyle Smith of Stevensville. Second place Outstanding 20-Year-Old Exhibitor award was awarded to Abigail King of Three Oaks, Third place Outstanding 20-Year-Old Exhibitor was awarded to Kyle Dargus of Buchanan. Lauren Lovell of Watervliet was also a candidate. Selection of this award is based on a point system covering Youth Fair participation and volunteering other than fair week over the last six years of exhibiting. Smith received a trophy and $1,000 scholarship award provided by the D. R. Potts Memorial Scholarship Fund. King was awarded an $800 scholarship and Dargus was awarded a $500 scholarship.
The Friend of the Fair awards were presented to Karri Weber and Fab N' Weld. This award is given annually to those individuals, families, and/or businesses that have gone above and beyond the call of duty to help with the many activities at the Youth Fair. Weber was recognized for the many years of dedication and willingness to help the Berrien County Youth Fair in many different areas. Fab N' Weld was recognized for their assistance with their heavy equipment and for the giant U.S. flag they staged at the Gate 3 (Shawnee Rd.) entrance for the duration of the Fair.
Secretary and Fair Manager Karen Klug highlighted 2026 happenings for each month and reiterated that the BCYF is a year-round job.
Courtney Ertman, treasurer, reviewed the 9/30/26 financial statements. Ertman commented that gate admission, concessions and rides were up from last year. The association's total operating income was $1,860,544 and total operating expenditures were $1,820,353 an increase in unrestricted assets of $40,192. All obligations have been paid in full. The association remains in sound financial position.
Junior Fair Board President Marissa Freehling spoke about the involvement of the 2026 Junior Fair Board. The nine member group ranging in age from 15-23 tackled a handful of projects throughout the year, the most notable including visits to Berrien County schools to educate students about becoming a BCYF Exhibitor; hosting a 4th of July fireworks parking fundraiser, a line dance fundraiser; and hosting a Junior Fair Board day during the fair to collaborate with other junior fair boards in the state of Michigan.
The 2026 BCYF theme was "Happy Birthday America." The weather was perfect. Attendance was 107,381 (up 6,256 from 2025), with 1,985 (up 10) exhibitors and 13,320 (up 1,829) exhibits.
Each year six members of the board of dsirectors are elected for a three-year term. The following were nominated and elected for a three-year term: Joe Barron of Berrien Springs, Corey Burks of Berrien Springs, Courtney Ertman of Benton Harbor, Elizabeth King of Three Oaks, Karen Klug of Eau Claire and Jessica Tharp of Eau Claire.
Retired board members Brian Smith and Sarah Pappenfuss were recognized for their years of service and dedication.
Retiring superintendent Shannon Fox was also recognized for her years of volunteerism.
Following the annual meeting, the board of directors met to select officers for the 2026-27 year. Elected are President Corey Burks of Berrien Springs, First Vice President Jessica Tharp of Eau Claire, Second Vice President Rob Christner of Berrien Springs, Secretary Karen Klug of Eau Claire and Treasurer Courtney Ertman of Benton Harbor. The 2027 Youth Fair Dates are Agug, 16-21.
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