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Geauga Fair Promises Fun for the Whole Family
By Allison Wilson Wilson@kArlovecmediA com
The Great Geauga County Fair will once again welcome visitors to its stands and stalls Aug. 28 through Sept. 1 in a classic, fun-filled festival for all to enjoy.
“With a county fair, everyone loves tradition, but it seems like every year, everyone is always asking us, ‘What’s new, what’s new,’” fair Secretary Meg Noah said July 11. “So, we always are looking for that newness to come, but we’re also really proud of the job we do with the entertainment just all around. I think our fair provides a plethora of entertainment.”
Sometimes, there is so much to see and do that you’ll need to spend multiple days out to experience it all, she said.
This year will feature a new daily highwire thrill show, Pirates of the Colombian Caribbean, Noah said.
The sea lion splash will also return as a second big production, she added, noting the fair likes to have two big shows a year.
The weekend will also feature the B and B magic show, presented by a husband and wife duo, and clown Sheriff Stretch, who will have some changes to his act.
“He used to stroll the fairgrounds and just
do the balloon art for us and then he started doing a little bit of stagework,” Noah explained. “And then this year, we decided to put him on the junior fair stage just so he had a better spot to perform and there’s more seating.”
A new country western singer, Julia Neville, will take to the small grandstand Friday night for a concert with line dancing, she said.
Meanwhile, the main grandstand will feature its classic, staple shows — the demolition derby, truck and tractor pull and rodeo.
The grandstand regularly sells out, Noah said, adding last year’s fair attendance broke a record with a total of 279,587 people.
The agricultural side of the fair will find a new poultry barn welcoming visitors to the grounds.
“Poultry projects have really skyrocketed and they increase every year, so that’s really been our focus,” Noah explained.
There have also been some changes to how the horse shows are run.
In previous years, the English horse show had not drawn many people, resulting in the fair mixing it with the Western horse show, fair board Director Tyler Plants said July 18.
“We pretty much totally eliminated jumping and we just have the regular showman-
“(Harris is) very missed. There’s not a day that goes by that isn’t, ‘What would Paul do?’”
– Meg Noah
ship and riding classes for English, mixed in with the Western,” he said.
There will also be a new ranch show, which is big in a number of horse showing communities right now, Plants added.
“It’s a little bit different. I don’t wanna say it’s more laid back, but it kinda is. You don’t have to get your horse as cleaned up and everything, you don’t have to do up their mane,” he said. “It’s kind of a more laid back showing, but it’s pretty intense. A lot of people are getting very interested in it.”
The ranch show includes a trail class with obstacles and a riding class, he said.
A lesser known gem Noah was proud to highlight was the natural resource area.
“We call it actually a fair within a fair,” she said. “If you want to take a break from the
noise and the rides and the games and the midway, and you just kind of want to have a little more quiet, obviously everyone knows to go visit the animal barns and see the exhibit hall, but a lot of people aren’t aware that if you go to the southeast corner of the fairground, the natural resource area sits there.”
The area hosts township, statewide and national organizations such as the Maple Syrup Producers of Northeast Ohio, Boy Scouts of America, Geauga Park District and Ohio Department of Natural Resources, the latter of which provides youth fishing for free, Noah said.
“I had a woman once call and she had seen somewhere that we had the youth fishing and she was like, ‘Do I have to bring my
Classic fan favorites such as the demolition derby, truck pull and rodeo will once again be returning to a sold-out grandstand at this year’s Great Geauga County Fair.
Free youth fishing is one of the many activities available in the Great Geauga County Fair’s natural resource area, a spot often overlooked by visitors.
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own rod and bait?’ and I said, ‘No, we provide everything for you,’ and she was so excited because her kids had never fished before,” Noah recalled.
Other activities available in the natural resources area include youth archery and the butterfly encounter, she said.
Multiple organizations will also be providing educational talks and demonstrations, such as the Holden Arboretum's “Young Tree Training,” Ohio Division of Wildlife’s cooking demonstration and the Buckeye Retriever’s “The Dogs that Make a Splash.”
“It’s just a cool area and a lot of people — every year I hear the same thing: ‘Oh, I didn’t realize that was there,’” Noah said.
While there are a lot of exciting things happening at this year’s fair, planning has
been laced with some melancholy, as it marks the first fair put together without previous fair board Secretary Paul Harris, who passed away unexpectedly June 4, 2024, at the age of 57.
“He was a force and his passion for fairs was unmatched,” said Noah, who took over the position following Harris’s passing. “But he also was a great mentor and he really cared about the future of the fair, so he made a ton of effort to bring me into everything and he — just his passion, you couldn’t help but get excited about the fair because he was excited about the fair.”
Harris left big boots to fill, Noah added, expressing gratitude for the people who have supported her, including Harris’ wife, Pam Krotzer, who took his position on the board and helps in the fair office.
“He’s very missed,” Noah said. “There’s not a day that goes by that isn’t, ‘What would Paul do?’”
A new highwire act, Pirates of the Colombian Caribbean, will perform every day of the Geauga Fair.
Arts & Flower Halls Illustrate Long Fair History
By Allison Wilson Wilson@kArlovecmediA com
As the oldest continuous fair in Ohio, the Great Geauga County Fair holds a vast histo ry, a small piece of which is preserved on the National Register of Historic Places via the Domestic Arts Hall and Flower Hall.
Per National Park Service documents, the halls were nominated for the register in 1979. Constructed in the late 1800s, they hold significant association both to the fair and Geauga County Agricultural Society, and are an example of a style of architecture no longer common across Ohio.
The first Geauga County Fair was held in 1823 and alternated between being hosted in Burton and Chardon for a number of years before finding a permanent home on the Bur ton Fairgrounds in 1853, according to the documents.
The first permanent exhibition building was erected in 1856. The Domestic Arts Hall, likely built around 1889, may be a replacement or rebuilding of it, the park service documents note, adding the Flower Hall was built in 1890 and both buildings have been used continuously since their construction.
“As representative structures for an event which was an important educational force in the agricultural community, providing the climax of the year for the entertainment and instruction of the local farmers, the Geauga County fair buildings are significant in the broad pattern of American agricultural history and of state significance in Ohio,” the National Park Service said.
Both building interiors are constructed
from white pine, which may have originated from Pennsylvania, Robert Fenwick, previous member of the Great Geauga Fair Board, wrote in a letter dated March 17, 1979.
While the roofing at the time of the letter was asphalt shingle, it likely was originally wood shingle, he noted.
Uniquely, the rafters at the corners of the arts hall are curved, he said.
Likewise, windows on the flower hall were boarded up, “as it is impossible to keep glass in windows on the grounds…” according to Fenwick.
While the arts and flower halls are the only two fair buildings on the register, they
are not the only old buildings on the fairgrounds. The Fair Administration Building was once a part of the C & E Interurban railway station, according to the 2025 fair book.
The grounds also host a replica of the original small grandstand, which was built in 1892 and rebuilt almost 100 years later in 1997, according to the fair website.
The fair itself dates back to when Ohio was a young state, according to the fair website, adding in 1823, a group of pioneers formed the The Geauga County Agricultural and Manufacturing Society, notably “...one of the nation's oldest such organizations still in existence….”
The first fair, held for one day on Chardon Square, saw livestock showcased and agricultural products exhibited in the courthouse.
Despite the American Civil War, both world wars, The Great Depression and a number of other geopolitical conflicts, the fair has consistently been held every year since its inception, the fair website said, including at least one instance where it was hosted in Painesville before Lake County’s separation from Geauga.
According to the fair website, the “great” in “Great Geauga County Fair” is a mark of its seniority, which was added this century.
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These Domestic Arts and Flower Halls photos were taken in 1979 by Robert Fenwick. They are included in the National Park Service documents as part of the buildings’ applications for the National Register of Historic Places..
Boots and Beyond: Stepping into the Future
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What began as a humble inventory of Wolverine boots in 1995 has grown into one of Middlefield’s go-to destinations for durable footwear and family essentials. Originally known as Mullet’s Footwear, the business was founded by Alan Mullet, who balanced midnight shifts at KraftMaid with daytime hours running the shop. With a vision and an ear for what customers needed, he grew the business steadily, building a loyal customer base from the ground up.
Today, the torch is being passed to the next generation. Alan’s son, Jacob Mullet, now helps manage the store—renamed Boots and Beyond—and brings fresh energy while honoring his father’s hardworking roots. Jacob, who grew up stocking shelves and learning the ropes alongside his siblings, says it’s the only path he ever wanted to follow. “Working with customers, keeping them happy—that’s my favorite part,” he says.
The store recently celebrated one year at its new location in the Farmstead Shopping Center on Kinsman Road, where it shares space with Bolt + Bloom Mercantile. The two businesses complement each other in both product and foot traffic: Bolt + Bloom Mercantile sees busy mornings and midweek shoppers while Boots and Beyond
welcomes a strong wave of work crews and weekend customers.
Inside, the store offers much more than boots—though their footwear selection remains the backbone of the business. Shoppers will also find sporting goods, vitamins and family clothing essentials. A printed catalog, produced twice a year, reaches up to 15,000 homes and keeps customers up to date on new arrivals and trusted staples.
“We try to meet customer needs more than just wants,” Jacob says. “If times get tough, people still need the basics. That’s what we’re here for.”
Jacob is joined by his sister Emma, who helps part-time, while other siblings who once stocked shelves and folded flyers have moved on to other ventures.
Though no future expansion plans are on the table just yet, Jacob is focused on keeping Boots and Beyond strong, responsive and rooted in the values that built it: family, customer care and quality products that last.
Visit Boots and Beyond at 4927 Kinsman Road, Middlefield, OH 44062 (located in the Farmstead Shopping Center) Phone: 440-693-4363, Monday–Thursday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sunday: Closed
New Buildings Enhance Geauga Fairgrounds
stAff report
The Geauga County Fairgrounds will gain two new additions in the form of a poultry barn and sales arena just in time for the start of the fair Aug. 28, fair board Secretary Meg Noah announced in a press release May 14.
The new poultry barn, located east of the goat barn, will offer a modern and spacious environment that better reflects youth exhibitors’ growing propensity for poultry projects, Noah said.
“Last year alone, the (Great Geauga County Fair) hosted over 600 poultry projects — a number that continues to rise year after year,” she said in the release. “The current poultry barn, while filled with decades of memories, is no longer adequate
in size or condition to meet the needs of our growing community.”
The new indoor sales arena will accommodate junior fair youth shows, livestock open shows and the small animal auction, Noah said, noting the events can go on regardless of weather.
“These improvements are part of the fair’s long-term commitment to creating opportunities for the next generation, preserving agricultural heritage and providing a top-tier experience for participants and visitors alike,” she added.
Geauga County Commissioners provided a majority of the funding for the projects, Noah said, adding this dedication to youth, agriculture and community development will have a lasting impact.
Founded on Fresh, New Creation Farm Committed to Quality
By chArlotte Jons editor@kArlovecmediA com
At New Creation Farm, nestled in the heart of Geauga County, the mission goes far beyond farming.
As may be expected, the farm has grassfed beef, pastured pork, lamb, goat, chicken and farm-fresh eggs.
But, for owners Scott and Kristen Boehnlein, the land tells a deeper story – one of healing and commitment.
Located in Chardon Township, New Creation Farm, at 12126 Clark Road, began as a therapeutic space for the couple’s eight children — seven of whom were adopted from the foster system, of which many had emotional trauma or physical illnesses, Kristen said.
The couple’s goal was to provide a setting where their kids could bond with animals, take pride in their care and begin to heal through responsibility and connection.
“The gentleness of the animals was therapeutic,” Kristen said. “It gave our kids something to take pride in.”
Over time, the family’s purpose-driven homestead took on even greater urgency. Kristen said when one of their daughters developed a life-threatening antibiotic-resistant pneumonia at age 2, it was a wake-up call for her and her family.
Thankfully, the deadly illness passed and their daughter returned to health, but what followed was a deep dive for the Boehnlein family into how food is raised and processed in the country for both the safety of their own family and that of the population in Geauga County.
were given daily antibiotics and finished in feedlots,” Kristen said. “We realized the only way to truly trust what we were eating was to raise our own meat.”
Prompted by the experience of nearly losing a sick child, the couple made the firm commitment to prioritize high-quality food and ingredients.
Soon, what had started as a personal decision became a calling that expanded beyond their home kitchen into the community.
Friends began to ask the family to raise meat for them and demand grew, Kristen said.
Scott eventually closed his carpentry business and the couple dove headfirst into farming high-quality and safe food full time, Kristen said.
Today, New Creation Farm is a thriving, family-run business built on three core values: humane animal care, high-quality food
Meat from the farm is processed at their own butcher shop in Berlin, Ohio, vacuum-sealed and flash-frozen to lock in freshness. The shop also handles custom processing and produces a line of ready-to-cook items, she said.
Back on the homestead in Chardon, the farm store operates like a small, community-sourced grocery. Customers can find not just meat, but local produce, dairy, eggs, bread, honey, maple syrup, pasta and other clean-label foods — all sourced from nearby farms and small businesses, Kristen said.
The family works closely with a small group of partner farms whose animals are raised to the same standards, ensuring con-
sistency, care and transparency across the board, she added.
On Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., visitors to the farm can enjoy the Chuckwagon, a food stand offering hot, homemade meals made with New Creation’s very own products, Kristen said.
“There are picnic tables and swings for families to enjoy time together,” she said. “Our barns are also open during store hours, so kids can get up close and pet the animals. We are a family-run business and do our very best to serve our customers and community with quality food, but also a place to sit back and relax.”
Kristen and Scott are the heart of the farm, but their children and extended team keep it beating, she said.
“I like the variety working with my family on New Creation Farm provides me,” said
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All the animals on New Creation Farm in Chardon are raised with humane care, said owners Scott and Kristen Boehnlein.
Plant Lovers Aim for Flower Barn This Fair
Whether you love echinacea, euphorbia, mophead hydrangea, fairy gardens or a wheelbarrow planted full of annual blooms, the flower barn at the Great Geauga County Fair is a must-see venue this year.
The flower barn, built in 1870, will be full of samples and displays of hundreds of blooms, planters and house plants all vying for ribbons to be determined Aug. 27 and Aug. 28.
Cut flower specimens will be judged according to type, color, form, size, foliage, condition, grooming and presentation in the first show.
Section two is the best display of gladiolas and section three will be specimen plants.
Professionals can make a bid for glory by entering in section three “A Year in Review,” topics relating to holidays and times of the year.
Class 17 in section four is a challenge to teens to use a Christmas motif in a stocking arrangement to hang on the wall.
Also dedicated to youth is section six, the
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their daughter, Isabella. “I get to work with animals, pack meat at the butcher shop and help our customers while I keep the store stocked.”
Their daughter Kate said growing up on the farm shaped who she is.
“It’s given me professional skills and taught me how to build authentic relationships,” she said. “Whether it’s chores, talking about recipes in the store, or watching families grow over the years, it’s an experience I’m forever grateful for.”
Longtime customers and employees working with the family echo that sentiment.
“I could be a spokesperson for them,” said Esther, a local loyal shopper, who asked to be referred to by first-name only. “I have been going to the NCF for many years. The meat is amazing. The family lets you feel like part of the family shopping there. The employees are very professional and down to earth. The items served from the Chuckwagon are delicious.”
Youth design classes 10 and 11, open to ages 12 and under, are judged on design, combination, conformance to schedule and neatness. It includes design of an Easter basket and a depiction of the designer’s favorite part of the fair.
Caitlin, who also asked to be referred to by first name only, first discovered the farm online a decade ago and what started out as a summer job turned into something permanent.
“I wanted to start shopping more locally and that's when I found New Creation Farm,” she said. “Ever since that day, I have bought my meat exclusively from them. Then, two summers ago, I asked if they needed help and I never left.”
From tending the farm to serving hot, freshly-prepared meals, everything at New Creation Farm is done with care, staying true to the Boehnlein’s original mission of providing high-quality ingredients to their family and community.
“We want to provide the highest quality meat possible,” Kristen said. “And we want our customers to know that our animals are being raised humanely, by people who care.”
For Kristen and the community behind New Creation Farm, this is more than just a business – it's a family, grown with a purpose from the beginning and always ready to welcome new members through its barn doors.
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mAcniven@kArlovecmediA com
For Brittany Adams, her award-winning pie was more than just a dessert — it was a tribute to her late grandmother, Clara Adams, who first taught her to bake.
Adams, 22, won the grand champion first place in class one (24 and under) last year at the Great Geauga County Fair.
Her apple pie included different types of apples from Sage's Apples Family Farm in Chardon.
Adams, who was Great Geauga County Jr. Fair Queen in 2021, was taught to bake by her mom and her grandma, who died of cancer.
“I grew up being raised around (my grandma) and she taught me what she knew and how to do some stuff, along with my mother, and I just grew to love baking and cooking for people,” said the 2021 graduate of Chardon High School. “We're an Italian family, so cooking for people is kind of our love language.”
Adams said she used her grandma’s recipe in honor of her.
“There is one ingredient that we put in the crust that makes it a little extra flaky and makes it cook better, in my opinion, but I'm
mother would come back and haunt me,” Adams joked.
Last year, the fair auxiliary bought her pie for $5,000 in honor of late fair board members, such as Paul Harris, the former fair board secretary who passed away unexpectedly in 2024.
“That was a really special moment for me because I've grown up in 4-H in Geauga County. I was in 4-H for 12 years,” Adams said. “I showed animals, I baked, I did just about everything. I was even the fair queen one year. So, having them all put their money together and me getting grand champion and then (them) buying my pie in honor of those fair board directors just made it even more special for me, knowing that it was my grandmother's recipe and (that) maybe the fair board directors were looking down on me after they bought my pie. It just — it was a really emotional moment for me.”
Adams’ mom, Tina Adams, also takes part in the contest.
“My mom and I plan it so I’m in the kitchen baking my pies at one time and then she comes in later to do hers,” Adams said, noting her mom is working her way up in the class three category.
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Last year marked Adams’ third consecutive year competing in the contest, she said, adding she’s tried just about every type of apple.
Adams won’t be able to participate this year as grand champion winners have to wait three years before being eligible to participate again.
“I'm a little sad that I can't enter this year,” she said.
However, her mom will still be participating, Adams added.
This year's contest, sponsored by Patterson Fruit Farm and the fair auxiliary, will take place at 1 p.m. Aug. 30.
Pies must be made with fresh apples, homemade crust and cooked in a disposable 8- or 9-inch aluminum pan.
Pies cannot include any other fruits besides apples and cannot include any nuts or extras.
Awards include $25 for first place in each
Amusement Ride Information
Rides open at 12 p.m. (noon) each day
• Thursday $25 all-day ride bracelet
• Friday $25 all-day ride bracelet
• Saturday $25 all-day ride bracelet
• Sunday $25 all-day ride bracelet
• Monday $15 all-day ride bracelet
$1 individual ride tickets (number of tickets vary by ride)
Cash, Credit Cards and Apple Pay are accepted at the Ride Ticket Booth.
*Prices subject to change, please see amusement ride website at batesbros.com.
HOURS OF OPERATION
Thursday: 12-11pm
Friday: 12-11pm
Saturday: 12-11pm
Sunday: 12-11pm
Monday: 12-9pm
class, $15 for second place and $10 for third
Class one is for ages 24 and under; class two is 25 to 50 years; class three is 51 and over.
Last year’s class one winners include Adams for first place; Florence Daltorio for second place and third place went to Aniela Grzywinski.
Second class winners included first place to Becky Deweese (reserve champion); second place to Jeremy Reiter and third place to Jennier Ronyak.
Third class winners included first place to Ann Sperry; second place to Annette Linkous and third place to Lisa Mitchell.
Participants must register Aug. 30 from 9-11:30 a.m. in the Domestic Arts Building.
Awards are presented during the public auction at 1 p.m. in the Vernon Howard band Pavilion.
All proceeds go towards the auxiliary fund.
Geauga County Fair — likes to use designs and cutouts for her pie crusts, as shown in her most
Patterson Fruit Farm 7 Generations Strong
By chArlotte Jons editor@kArlovecmediA com
For seven generations, the Patterson family has cultivated more than just fruit — they’ve grown a legacy deeply rooted in the soil and spirit of Geauga County.
Since the 1800s, the Patterson Fruit Farm in Chester Township has grown along side the county.
At the heart of this heritage stands the 1846 farmhouse at 8765 Mulberry Road, home to Jim and Nancy Patterson and adja cent to the house where their son, Dave, and his wife, Pam, now live.
The walls of the older home hold rich his tory, including a drawing of the original barn and other art detailed with the family name.
The 1846 farmhouse also holds a trea sured collection of scrapbooks which chroni cle the family’s journey through the decades. These books trace all the way back to George Patterson, buried at Gates Mill Cemetery, who started the Patterson family legacy, said Dave, adding these volumes contain many family photos and memories over the years, chronicling the changes, developments and ideas created on the farm over the years.
“It’s really cool to have all our history and then to see all these new farms popping up everywhere,” Dave said, reminiscing over the scrapbook pages in the farmhouse. “It’s so cool that they’re able to start stuff up.”
Patterson debuted as a fruit-specialized operation under Dave’s grandparents in 1956, after formerly being known as a generalized farm. They went on to build a market
and bakery at 11414 Caves Road, marking this time as one of evolution, Dave said.
Patterson’s Farm Market has been a cornerstone of the farm for nearly 70 years, expanding multiple times. Most recently, a full bakery and playground were added in 2017 to expand offerings even more, Dave said.
“The pies and sweets are baked fresh every day,” he said proudly.
Before the upgrades and additional staff,
Pam said she was the pie baker. Dave added that leftover donuts and other market goods are donated to local charities and organizations that support those in need, reflecting the Patterson family's commitment to community and strong belief in giving back.
A distinct feature of the market is a unique fireplace beside the bakery, built by Dave’s grandparents, with a windmill design added
to it many years ago. Despite the changes to the market and the time passing, Dave was happy to show that the hand-built design in that fireplace had stood the test of time.
“A wall was cut out and things have been renovated, but you can still see the windmill in the fireplace here today,” Dave said.
The market also has an apartment above it, where many generations of the Patterson See Patterson • Page A15
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family have lived when needed — a true testament to the Pattersons’ deep family ties.
Beyond the market lies the site of a former golf course Dave’s grandfather built in the late 1960s. It was sold to the Geauga Park District in 2007 and has been preserved as a green space.
From the Patterson family market, visitors can enjoy a clear view of Lake Erie stretching out in the distance.
“The view that you get over there is so nice,” Dave said, looking over the trees toward the lake.
When asked about the choice of maintaining the environment where the golf course used to live, Dave and Pam both responded enthusiastically about their efforts toward conservation.
“We did not want it to get developed, so being able to sell it to the park district was huge,” Dave said. “It has so many trails and paths and pavilions you can rent. It’s a really nice little park there. It has been a great partnership.”
Pam added, “Keep it green!”
The Pattersons’ connection to farming runs beyond the orchards. Their farm’s history includes showing draft horses at fairs, although the family stopped horse showing in the early 2010s. The detailed wagon used is still on display for visitors near the main entrance to the farm location.
Party and wedding events were once held in the main barn, including an employee wed-
ding during the farm’s blossoming season, but now the market property hosts a large party center for weddings, birthdays, baby showers, and company events, said Pam.
This market party center is beside rock formations from Caves Road and views of the park land that was once the golf course.
The family’s commitment to agriculture is also reflected in their involvement in local organizations. Dave’s grandmother, father and brother were all active in the State Farm Bureau, representing three generations.
Similarly, Dave, his father and grandfather each served as presidents of the Growers’ Society, further solidifying the Patterson legacy in farming leadership.
One of the farm’s most beloved traditions within the community is the annual Patterson Fun Fest held every autumn.
Launched officially in 1992 on the main farm, the event originally had a haunted Halloween theme, but gradually evolved into a celebration of fall and farming to fit a longer season, the couple said.
“It also attracts more people, which is so fun,” Pam added, explaining not everyone is into spooky theming, so the broader theme welcomes more of the community in.
The festival runs eight weekends starting Sept. 13 this year and offers hay barns and many other play places, pumpkin picking, information about fruit and farming, tree houses and slides, and rides around the farm and tractor pedal carts.
The entry point beside the apple barn leads visitors past rows of Honeycrisp trees — the farm’s most popular apple variety.
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CHARLOTTE JONS/KMG
A view from Jim and Nancy’s farmhouse at Patterson Fruit Farm on Mulberry Road in Chester Township.
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The festival is not only a large community favorite, but also a key part of the farm’s business. Along with apple sales in the fall, 80% of Patterson’s revenue is generated in about two months, Dave said.
As with any farm that has been operating for generations, challenges naturally come alongside the celebrations.
When COVID-19 hit, the Pattersons faced the immediate challenge of keeping their market open while ensuring the safety of both their customers and staff, Dave said.
The family acted fast in the unpredictable time, extending the market’s exterior and relocating the cash registers outdoors. This adjustment allowed them to comply with the mandated social distancing guidelines, giving customers plenty of room to spread out safely while still being able to make their purchases.
“It wasn’t easy, but we were one of the few places that could stay open because we were outdoors,” Dave said, reflecting thankfully on the flexibility. “People would spread themselves out, so it was alright. We were lucky.”
Although the challenges of COVID-19 be gan to fade, Patterson Fruit Farm soon faced yet another unexpected hardship.
Last August, a tornado tore right through the area, uprooting countless trees and damaging other structures, Dave said.
A once peaceful orchard was suddenly filled with branches and debris scattered everywhere, forcing the Pattersons to bring their focus to not only harvest and sales, but also to cleanup and recovery.
“We were scrambling to get everything ready for the season after that,” Dave said, gesturing toward fallen trees still visible on the property from almost a year ago.
For Patterson Fruit Farm, weather continues to be an unpredictable force, the couple said.
Extreme cold in January wiped out the majority of their peach crop, while intense heat can cause strawberries to ripen too quickly, forcing quick harvests, they said.
To overcome challenges, the Patterson family leans on the strength of their farming community within Geauga County, while also offering support to others whenever possible, they added.
Although selling similar products might
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Career Opportunities in The Agricultural Sector
metrocreAtive
Individuals approach their careers in various ways. Some may aspire to climb the corporate ladder, while others may pursue a career that affords them ample personal time to spend how they see fit. Many individuals look for careers that afford them ample opportunities to work in the great outdoors, which could make the agricultural sector an appealing industry.
Talented individuals with an array of diverse skills dot the agricultural sector landscape, and the following are just a few of the many careers to consider within this vital industry.
• Equipment technician: Data from the career experts at Indeed indicates agricultural equipment technicians earn an average salary around $65,000 per yar. Agricultural equipment technicians maintain and repair existing machines and install new ones, among their many responsibilities.
• Purchasing agent: An agricultural purchasing agent buys products and raw materials at wholesale. Indeed notes that purchasing agents often must meet specific purchasing quotas for processors and work with various clients who supply an array of agricultural products. The national average salary for agricultural purchasing agents is around $51,000 annually.
• Warehouse manager: The receiving, shipping and storage of agricultural materials is overseen by a warehouse manager. Indeed notes that these professionals now routinely utilize artificial intelligence products to manage inventory. Warehouse managers must know and adhere to safety procedures and guidelines that dictate how materials and products are stored. The average salary of a warehouse manager is around $52,000 per year.
• Sales: Like every industry, the agricultural sector requires talented sales personnel. Agricultural sales reps sell materials and products and identify the needs of potential customers. Agricultural sales reps may spend ample time on the road at trade shows. Doing so allows them to identify customers as well as their needs and wants, and promote their own products and services. An ability to foster strong and trusting interpersonal relationships is invaluable for agricultural sales reps, who Indeed reports earn an average of about $60,000 per year.
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seem like it would create competition, Dave emphasized the key to success lies in collaboration.
By working together and lifting each other up during difficult times, the farmers build a stronger, more unified community where everyone has a better chance of thriving, he said.
“We try to help everybody out,” Dave said. “We know all their families and everyone is great.”
With his two children, Johnny and Heather, living nearby and consistently supporting the family, the next generation of Pattersons is ready to carry on the family tradition with the same dedication and care that has kept the farm thriving for years, Dave said.
• Environmental engineer: Environmental engineers play pivotal roles within the industry, and could become even more vital in the decades ahead as the effects of climate change become more apparent. Environmental engineers design and implement solutions that occur on agricultural sites, helping to address issues such as unhealthy soil, insufficient drainage and inefficiencies, among other concerns. A career as an environmental engineer within the agricultural industry can be rewarding and lucrative, with Indeed noting that the average annual salary for this position is a little more than $77,000.
These are just some of the career paths individuals can consider as they explore the agricultural sector.
Authentic Southwest Jewelry, Decor Plentiful at Country Arts & Jewelry
stAff report
Jewelry handcrafted by artisans in New Mexico and Arizona, radiant crystals from all over the world, framed wall art, essential oil candles and hand-woven wall hangings are just a sampling of the hundreds of gift and home decor items for sale at Country Arts and Jewelry in Middlefield Township.
Owner Deborah Wenner hand picks the pottery, jewelry and weavings during shopping forays to the desert in the Southwest, visiting Navajo open-air markets and shipping loads home to be displayed in her shop at 15864 Nauvoo Road.
“You can’t get any closer to authentic than street buying,” Wenner said in a recent interview.
She is no novice to choosing and marketing colorful and artistic goods, having worked with her parents, Gerald and Carol Wenner, of Newbury Township, now deceased.
“We started very simple, sometime in the late 80s,” she said.
Their inventory was collected over the years as they drove a truck and trailer across the country to New Mexico and Arizona, meeting with individuals who would arrive with their high quality jewelry and other items, hoping to sell to the Wenners.
Wenner still visits friends in Albuquerque and makes the rounds of various artisans to find those items that will be popular in Ohio.
The retail side of the business started as a transient operation, she said, recalling the many outside shows at fairs and festivals where she and her parents would set up a booth of goods to sell to passers-by.
“We traveled from show to show. It was a lot of hard work,” Wenner said.
In the early 90s, the family business set up at a flea market at Aurora Farms on state Route 306 before it became a shopping center, she said.
“It was something special,” Wenner said, adding however, when the property changed hands, they went looking for another location, settling on a small storefront on Nauvoo Road.
More than 30 years later, Country Arts and Jewelry is no longer small.
“It just grew over the years — not on purpose. It just happened,” she said, noting the property has had three owners since then, but her store is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, closed Tuesdays and Thursdays.
“It’s a great place to shop for beautiful Southwest, country, Lodge and Western home décor, accessories and jewelry,” Wenner said in an introduction on the Destination Geauga website. “While our products make great decorative pieces, some also hold spiritual value and application.
“Native American culture embraces spirituality in nature and the inner-being, and many of our metaphysical supplies, like crystals, reflect that,” she added on the site. “They can aid in your meditation, relaxation or even chakra and energy healing."
Women’s clothing, pillows and throws, and a variety of products, such as incense sticks and cones, scented oils and greetings cards round out the offerings at Country Arts and Jewelry.
Home décor items are featured at Country Arts and Jewelry on Nauvoo Road north of Middlefield Village.
Rooted in Geauga, Veneer Tree Service Built on Commitment
By chArlotte Jons editor@kArlovecmediA com
In Geauga County, where forests and farmland define the landscape, the sound of chainsaws often signals more than routine tree work – it means help has arrived.
For nearly 40 years, Veneer Tree Service has been actively working to provide that needed aid.
Founded in 1985 by Mark Gamiere, the Geauga County-based company has grown from a small, local operation into a trusted name in tree removal, emergency clearing and disaster relief, said Renee L. Singley, of Veneer Tree Service.
“The company is built on a commitment to professionalism, safety and precision in every job,” Mark Gamiere said, explaining the company policy of dedication to every situation early on.
When asked, Gamiere’s employees echoed his statement of commitment, ap-
plauding him for his devotion to the job.
“It’s not just a job to Mark – it’s who he is,” said Logan, Veneer Tree member, on the company’s founder. “He takes every single tree personally.”
Veneer Tree Service company trainee Jake easily agreed, adding, “No one knows trees like Mark.”
With Geauga County having 54.2 kilohactares of natural forest in 2020, extending over 51% of its land area, according to Global Forest Watch, high quality tree management is essential.
Veneer Tree Service is often the first call community members make when nature threatens barns or blocks in entrances and driveways, said Singley.
She said it’s during disasters the company’s roots in the community shine brightest.
However, these disasters where Veneer can lend a hand aren’t always typical daily occurrences.
See Veneer • Page A21
Veneer Tree Service equipment used at various clean up jobs.
Veneer from page
A20
On Aug. 6, 2024, an EF-1 tornado tore through nearly five miles of northern Geauga County. Winds peaked at 110 mph, according to a company press release, snapping trees and damaging outbuildings throughout the community.
Gamiere and his team were among the first on the scene, said Singley, adding they did what they do best — cleared roads, accessed blocked driveways and helped farmers reach livestock enclosures.
The neighboring businesses in Geauga County applauded the effort.
“After the tornado, Veneer showed up to clear our road first,” A Chardon farm owner who wished to remain anonymous. “I’ll never forget that.”
And yet, Veneer Tree Service’s commitment to protection doesn’t stop inside Geauga County. It extends beyond the edges of the county, servicing whoever needs help next, no matter where the emergency is, the company said.
Veneer Tree Service has responded to disasters across the U.S., from California wildfires to Midwest floods and hurricanes on the Atlantic coast, Singley said.
Gamiere’s crews, outfitted with cranes, grapple saws and emergency gear, are now known for their speed, safety and surgical precision in dangerous, high-risk environments all over the country, she added.
That reputation, listed overtly in their company branding and voice, has made Veneer a go-to provider for emergency agencies during national deployments.
Gamiere’s values and passion have always come back to his family, Singley said, when asked about how keeping trees across the county in place affects homelife for the busy man.
“His son, Zack, is right there by his side getting to be just as good as his father,” she said. “He also has two daughters who understand what it's like for their father and they support and love that.”
“Support of your family is everything,” Singley added.
Gamiere said, however, nothing compares to working in his home county with his family, Singley said.
A proud Ohio native, he brings a strong work ethic and a passion for perfection to every project, she said, adding especially the ones in the community and home he knows.
Though the company now operates statewide and beyond, its values remain unchanged, Singley said.
PIctured is Veneer Tree Service founder Mark Gamiere hard at work.
Patriot Heating & Cooling Dedicated to Quality Service
stAff report
Patriot Heating and Cooling, based in Burton Township, has grown over 20 years, serving both Lake and Geauga counties and specializing in high-performance heating, cooling and indoor air quality systems for homes and businesses, said Office Manager Lisa Allen said.
The family-owned business originated from a desire to provide the best work for fair prices, Allen said.
“We pride ourselves on being a leading HVAC service provider dedicated to ensuring the comfort and satisfaction of our customers,” she said. “Our journey began with a simple mission: to offer unparalleled HVAC services that not only meet, but exceed the expectations of residents and businesses in Lake County, Geauga County and the surrounding areas.
“With a commitment to excellence and a passion for service, we have become a trusted name in the industry, known for our quality, reliability and customer-centric approach.”
The climate in Northeast Ohio can be unforgiving and finding out the furnace is not working in the dead of winter is a nightmare.
Patriot Heating and Cooling has been
coming to the rescue of families and businesses for two decades in the middle of frozen January and the oven of sunny July.
“Our residential HVAC repair services are second to none,” Allen said. “We pride ourselves on our ability to quickly diagnose and fix any issues you may be experiencing with your system, from minor fixes to major repairs.
“Our expert technicians have the skills and knowledge to work on all brands and
ANN WISHART/KMG
Patriot Heating and Cooling relocated from Lake County to Burton Township three years ago and built a new shop to better serve the HVAC needs of the Geauga County community while still serving customers in Lake County.
Patriot Heating and Cooling experts replace furnace air filters to ensure good air circulation and keep a furnace in good working order.
from page A22
models, ensuring a prompt return to comfort and convenience in your home,” she added. “Whether it’s an unexpected breakdown or routine wear and tear, we’re here to restore your system’s functionality with speed and efficiency.”
Avoiding such breakdowns and emergen cies is a much better idea. Having a regular maintenance check and service appointment is ideal, she said.
“Maintenance is key to the longevity and efficiency of your HVAC system,” Allen said. “Our residential HVAC maintenance plans are designed to keep your system running smoothly throughout the year.”
Regular maintenance not only helps prevent unexpected breakdowns, but also ensures a system operates at peak efficiency, potentially saving money on energy bills.
“Our comprehensive maintenance checks include system inspections, cleaning and the identification of any potential issues that could lead to future problems, leaving you with peace of mind and a comfortable home,” she said
The Patriot Heating and Cooling team is made up of highly-skilled and experienced professionals.
“Each member of our team is committed to delivering exceptional service and workmanship. From technicians to customer service representatives, we invest in continuous training and development to ensure we are always at the forefront of advancements in HVAC technology and customer service practices,” Allen said, noting the team comprises five expert employees who offer a wide range of services to cover every possible requirement — routine maintenance, emergency repairs or complete system installations — and able to handle projects of any scale with versatility.
Patriot Heating and Cooling also specializes in indoor air quality solutions, ensuring a clean and healthy environment in the home or business.
“Customer satisfaction is at the heart of everything we do at Patriot Heating and Cooling. We believe in building long-term re-
SUBMITTED
The experts at Patriot Heating and Cooling in Burton Township will carry out a full duct cleaning to ensure a healthy environment in homes or businesses.
lationships with our clients based on trust, reliability and mutual respect,” Allen said.
Team members listen carefully to customers’ needs and preferences, propose the most effective and efficient solutions, and execute services to the highest standards, she said.
If someone is concerned a quote for HVAC from another business seems to be too high, a team member will visit the site and provide a second opinion, Allen said.
As part of their dedication to meet their community and customers’ needs, Patriot Heating and Cooling offers competitive pricing, including special discounts for senior citizens and veterans, Allen said.
“Choosing Patriot Heating and Cooling means partnering with a service provider that genuinely cares about your comfort and well-being,” she said. “Our reputation is built on a foundation of trust, performance and positive outcomes, making us a leader in the HVAC industry in and around Burton, Ohio.”
The company welcomes calls and is willing to answer questions, schedule service requests or provide information on the HVAC needs of a home or business, Allen said.
“At Patriot Heating and Cooling, your comfort is our business,” she said. “We look forward to serving you.”
Timmon’s Dairy One of Few Remaining in Geauga
By Ann WishArt Ann@kArlovecmediA com
Timmons Farm in Auburn Township is not only one of the few large dairy farms left in Geauga County, but it has a well of history on its grounds.
The farm, currently owned by Bill Timmons, has been in the family for generations, said Chris Timmons, Bill’s wife and business partner.
“Bill is the sixth generation of farmers in his family,” she said during a tour of the operation at the end of May. “Bill’s grandmother, Edna Davis, raised her family in the old farmhouse.”
The historic farmhouse on the west side of Munn Road provided housing for the farm’s seven employees. It fell victim to fire last year and was replaced by a red bunkhouse across from the house where Chris and Bill live on Munn Road.
“That house would have been 190 years old,” she said.
The farmyard includes the milking parlor where about 500 cows are milked three times per day, Chris said.
The milk truck backs up to the parlor every morning to empty the refrigerated tanks, which will be filled up again within 24 hours, she said, adding this routine goes on seven days per week, 52 weeks per year with no breaks for holidays or emergencies.
One such emergency occurred 12 years ago when the parlor and the milking equipment burned in an accidental fire, Chris recalled..
Friends, family and skilled workers put
the parlor back in operation in record time, according to previous reporting.
Also in the farmyard are dozens of young calves kept separated in pens with individual shelters. The calves are not sold for veal, but will join the heifer herd and eventually be bred and milked, Chris said.
Timmons also sells beef, maintaining a “small” herd of about 30 black Angus, and Chris sells eggs to local customers, she said.
Her flock, in two pens behind the family home on the east side of Munn Road, includes several colorful breeds of hens.
Two roosters, one large breed and the other a bantam, live across Munn Road at the farm, showing no inclination to visit the hen house, Chris said, adding they get along fine and stay in one of the buildings at night so they aren’t eaten by wild animals.
During the day, they have the run of the yard.
“They walk around the farm,” she said. “They’re real friendly.”
Chris’s son, Zachery Czech, helps run the farm and his brother, Maximus Czech, and sister, Alexandra Czech, lend a hand when they can, Chris said.
Bill’s sons, Jeremy, Josh and Ben, have careers off the farm.
“They all went to college and got smart so they didn’t have to work here,” Bill said with a laugh, adding Josh teaches at Kenston Schools, Jeremy is an engineer and vice president at Neundorf Inc. and Ben is in engineering sales.
Bill and Chris continue to expand the holding.
Timmons Farm in Auburn Township, one of the few large dairies left in Geauga County, has about 500 cows milked three times per day.
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Timmons from page A24
Besides the cow barn built to house the ever-growing herd, Bill recently decided he wanted to get his equipment under cover, Chris said.
“He told me, ‘I’m going to build a small shop,’” she recalled, pointing to the 60-footby-80-foot steel-sided structure about two sto ries high — big enough to accommodate the farm’s tractors, some pieces of equipment and provide space for making repairs.
Feeding hundreds of hungry cows so they continue to produce quality milk is another piece of the dairy puzzle.
The Timmons have more than 500 acres in crops — primarily corn and hay. They lease more than 300 acres in the surrounding neighborhood, Bill said.
Local travelers are used to seeing huge wagons full of silage or haylage being hauled by tractor to the farm where the chopped fod der is stored in bunkers under huge tarps.
“We don’t use silos any more,” Chris said.
Shrinking Farmland
Gathering up enough land to lease for crops is a challenge that has defeated a num ber of dairy farms in Geauga County, said Les Ober, at the Ohio State University Extension office in Burton Township.
Ober farmed for decades in Newbury Township and has seen many local dairy farms disappear, he said in a recent phone interview.
In the last year, Lausin’s dairy farm in Thompson Township and Hastings dairy farm in Burton township sold their herds, he noted.
In Ohio, a farmer needs about 1,000 acres, owned or leased, to raise enough crops to feed enough cows to make an operation profitable, Ober said, crediting the Timmons family for their persistence.
“Bill Timmons continues to battle his way through,” he said. “There’s not enough land. (Farmers) can’t raise enough grain to feed their cows.”
Besides growing enough hay and grain for the cows, labor is an issue.
Finding people willing to work on a farm, then paying them and covering expenses is a challenge. Overall, a farm’s profit margin is thin, Ober said.
“But the number one issue is manure,” he said.
Government regulations on storage and disposal of tons of manure are strict, in keeping with environmental concerns all over the country. Where conditions are amenable, the manure can be spread on fields and plowed
citing impatient drivers as a hazard. “Some one goes around (your wagon), then plows into your tractor.”
Pivoting to Survive
Geauga County has a variety of smaller dairy farms.
Ober estimated there are about 20 small dairy farms owned by Amish families.
Most of their milk goes to cheese because they do not have electricity for milking machines or keeping the milk cool.
In the region, there are also large combination farms operated by Amish while the property is owned by non-Amish, he said.
But the dairy or grain farmer who owns 100 to 200 acres usually has alternate income to sustain his or her operation.
“Farming – it’s a nice hobby,” Ober said.
Despite the many issues surrounding farming across the state, there are still families who want to carry on. The OSU Extension office provides information to help that process, Ober said.
“You need to have good wills and trusts,” he said, noting moving an operation from one generation to the next is a process that requires a good legal team.
“It all needs to be spelled out,” he said. “That transition is very, very important.”
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