SPRING 2024 and steer sales. Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion.
Hal Porter once offered to teach me to roller skate. It was my daughter Erin’s birthday party at the Roller Barn; she was probably 8 or 9, and I was watching the kids skating. Hal wandered by. “You’re not out there?” he asked. When I told him roller skates had never touched my feet, he said, “Mr. Mike, we can fix that.”
For some of us, this is as close as we’ve ever been to a farm animal. Kids who have raised these animals, and now are at the fair to show and sell them — that’s community right there, folks. A strong county fair is indicative of a strong community. That’s an entire culture, those fair folks. I don’t pretend to know all about it, but the Citrus Countians who are members of the Fair Association work fiercely each year to present the best fair they can.
Hal was in the middle of it. For the last 17 years, his name was synonymous with the I declined his offer. My knees today continue Citrus County Fair. His was the face — to thank me. along with cows, pigs, rabbits and chickens — associated with the fair. That recollection came to mind on Friday night, Jan. 26, when a friend called to say I didn’t know Hal as well as many others, but Hal had died. there was no mistaking his influence. He spoke softly, and was always polite. A Hal Porter was one of the most well-known Southern gentleman, for sure. men in Citrus County, particularly in Inverness. He was manager of the Citrus County When I posted his passing on the Just Fair and manager at the Roller Barn. Wright Citrus Facebook page, several people fondly recalled Hal’s role in Citrus CounHe grew up in Citrus County and showed ty. Some examples: calves at the fair when he was 8 years old. Hal was active in 4-H and repaid his child“I have known him since I was 5 skating with hood experiences by becoming a huge 4-H my family. He was a wonderful man and will advocate as an adult, including his 2019 be missed.” induction into the 4-H Foundation Hall of Fame. “He did so much for the children and for our county in general.” He was the current President of the Florida Federation of Fairs and Livestock Shows, “Anyone growing up in Citrus County knows which comprises 46 county fairs, including Hal and has fond memories of him whether the Florida State Fair. it was the Roller Barn, Fair, or just being a wonderful big brother or dad figure to many In short, Hal loved kids. And he loved the he met over the years.” Citrus County Fair. We’re a month away from the annual Citrus County Fair (March 25-31), and I can hardly wait. The carnival, fair food, exhibits, and entertainment combine for hours of fun.
Those comments should be comforting to Hal’s family and close friends. He had impact here, his name and existence meant a great deal to a great deal of people. I sat recently with a longtime Citrus County educator. We talked about kids, and their struggles, challenges, and adversity to overcome. We talked about how important it is for kids to have friends in school, someone they can relate with and confide in. We agreed the key to smart, fun, successful kids is to be mentored by caring adults. Hal Porter was a caring adult. He grew up in 4-H and understood the significance of that involvement in his life. He stayed close to the Citrus County Fair because he knew that’s where he could have the most positive impact on kids. We simply cannot have enough Hal Porters in this county. And when we lose Hal, as a Just Wright Citrus reader said, that’s a pair of boots that can’t be replaced. But we should be encouraged and buoyed by his example. The battle takes place every day. Kids have tons of influences that are not healthy for them. Parents can only do so much.
It’s on the rest of us grownups in this county “That’s a pair of boots that can’t be replaced. to follow the Hal Porter way. Hal was one of the very best men in Citrus County. He did so much for the kids. Hal Just Wright Citrus is a blog and Facebook never wanted or asked for recognition.” page by Mike Wright. Mike is a retired
And many more like that, pointing out Hal’s But, truthfully, what really draws me to the involvement with 4-H and his interest in the fair are the kids and their animals. That’s the children of our community. fair, right there. Showing animals. The swine
reporter for the Citrus County Chronicle. www.justwrightcitrus.com justwrightcitrus@gmail.com