Judy Dome, of Niles, is a longtime volunteer at the Cass County Fair. At this year’s fair, she served as grand marshal, along with her husband Ed.

How long have you been volunteering at the fair?

Oh, for a long, long time. It’s been at least 45 years.

What all do you do at the fair?

I have been a 4-H leader for horses, for dogs and dog superintendent, at one point. I’ve worked in the main office, behind the counter, doing everything from counting money to selling tickets. I work in the 4-H office to help with the records and keeping the kids’ information. My husband and I have been in charge of renting commercial space. I just kind of go wherever I’m needed. I’m one of those people that they know me, they can just pluck me and put me in there and I can generally do it.

What do you like about volunteering at the fair?

I like the atmosphere. I guess the thing I like most is the 4-H program and the kids. It’s the whole atmosphere and experience.

Why do you think volunteering with the fair is important?

The fair does not run without volunteers. It would not happen. And when my kids were showing, there were people who volunteered their time, so that I could watch my children and enjoy watching them show. So, when my kids didn’t need so much of my time, it was my turn to help, so other people could watch their kids. It’s just one of those things. You do it because it is needed, but you also do it because you are doing it with friends. It’s a family here.

How would you encourage others

to volunteer?

For the fair, people can go to the annual meeting in October or they can get a hold of a fair person. There is a sheet that has all kinds of things on it that people can volunteer to do. All they would have to do is fill it out and turn it in. The fair welcomes all volunteers.