2023 - Kathy Wohlgemuth

Kathy Wohlgemuth of Winfield was named the 2023 Open Class Exhibitor of the Year at the Cowley County Fair.  This award is given in memory of long-time fair board member and Grass & Grain Superintendent Larry G. Hittle who passed away in August 2018.  The award is based on overall participation in the Open Class Departments of the fair including the number of departments entered, number of entries, and placings received.  Wohlgemuth entered 52 exhibits in the Antiques; Floral; Grasses, Grains, and Farm Products; Photography; and Textiles areas; receiving a total of 237 points.

Kathy says she is fairly new to entering exhibits at the fair, only 5 or 6 years.  After retiring, she joined the Gardenaires.  Roxie Callison gave a program at one of their meetings encouraging members to make entries in the floral department and support the fair.  That got her started.  She likes photography and got interested in quilting through a part time job at the local quilt shop.  She says she has lots of old things (antiques) and grows some herbs.  That adds up to entries in five of the eight open class departments.  Kathy also helps at the fair by taking several shifts as a sitter in the open class area.

Wohlgemuth was surprised at receiving the award and said she did not know about it previously.  She was presented a special plaque and a check for $25 by Fair Board members Jim McClung and Mary Hittle during the recent Cowley County Fair.