Darwyn Nelson wins Spirit of the Fair award

With a level of enthusiasm that has endeared him to many a fairgoer, 2019 Spirit of the Fair award winner acknowledges yet another bid with his trademark “YEEAAHHH!” during the Family Fun Day purse auction Wednesday afternoon.

Banner Graphic/JARED JERNAGAN

If you've bought almost anything at a Putnam County Fair auction — purse, pie, pig or otherwise — you have seen Darwyn Nelson.

Let’s rephrase that: You’ve definitely heard Darwyn Nelson.

A staple at these events as a bid spotter, Nelson’s “YEEAAHHH!” calls are unmistakable, as he seems to derive more excitement from a good bidding war than the buyer or seller.

It’s more than simply the auctions for Nelson, though.

Like so many fervent supporters of Extension and 4-H, he believes deeply in the values instilled by the programs year-round, not simply during a week or so in July.

It was fitting, then, when Nelson was named the 2019 winner of the Spirit of the Fair award during Family Fun Day festivities Wednesday at the Fairgrounds Community Building.

Nelson has been involved in the fair in some way since 1953, when he first joined 4-H. In the years since, his involvement has included generations of his family have making their way through the 4-H program, working at the auctions, support of Adult Open Class when late wife Ila was involved and in the 19 years since her death and even a stint as fair board president.

It’s a way of life, really.

“We all agreed there is a person who does a lot for us,” adult open class superintendent Jennifer Romalia said. “After the fair I always hear about how the fair went from him. And he asks if there’s anything he can do to help.”

Nelson was clearly moved by the award, though he said the praise should be shared among all the volunteers who make the fair happen.

“Everybody deserves this award because that’s what makes the Spirit of the Fair,” Nelson said.

He later elaborated for the Banner Graphic.

“It’s an honor. It’s a big honor for the whole fair, really,” Nelson said. “Everybody volunteers. When I was president of the fair board I said, people don’t know how many people it takes to put the fair together, not just during fair week, but all year long.

“That’s who the Spirit of the Fair is about.”

In presenting the award, Romalia also mentioned Nelson’s late wife.

“I wish Ila could be here to see you today,” she said.

Ila was also on Darwyn’s mind after receiving the award.

“What’s ironic is my wife won the award one time years ago before she passed away,” Nelson said. “It’s really about the people … and having fun.”

Nelson seemed to have plenty of fun on Wednesday, getting the chance to help auction off purses in the annual Family Fun Day fundraiser and also enjoying the company of family members who surprised him for the award ceremony.