The Interstate Fair and Rodeo started for the Sandusky family in March 1973. Ron was hired at the Coffeyville Light Department in March 1973. Ron was an apprentice Lineman and Cliff Mace, John Moomaw and Floyd Ashenfelter encouraged Ron to help them at the fair. They were Members of the Fair Association at the time. Another Fair Board Member who persuaded him was Floyd Rinkenbaugh. Through them he became active with the Fair Association. The Light Department oversaw keeping the lights on! They were always there to make sure the electricity stayed on, and the lights kept burning.
Ron became a Fair Association Member in 1975. Ron helped on various committees. He has been the Chairman for the Demolition Derby. He then became Chairman for the Entertainment Committee. He always enjoyed the trip to Las Vegas to attend the Conventions to work on booking acts for the fair. Ron has also served on the Rodeo Committee, Sound for the arena and Livestock building and Long-Range Planning. Ron was also one of the original organizers of the Fun Pass. For years the list with phone numbers of the fair members, Ron was and still is listed as Ron “Jack of all Trades”. They always say give Ron/Pickleman a call…. he’ll know how to take care of it!
Ron served as Fair Board President in 1990, 1994 and 2001. This venture turned into quite a family affair. Their daughters Angie, Kari and Emily were always found out at the fairgrounds with their dad. When they were young, they would come out on work nights with their dad. You could find them painting bleachers or fences or whatever their dad told them to do. They loved being out there. Ron and Janet said every summer when they were young, they wanted to know “when was vacation time and when did the fair start’! Emily has also shown livestock in the Livestock Exhibits. Through the years they had been and until this day have been by their parents’ side to help. Angie, Kari, Emily, and Lora have all helped Janet with Exhibits, Bake Sale, Hospitality Room, Senior Fest and Spelling Bee. Emily and Kari have also served as Chairman/Co-chairman of Exhibits. Kari and Emily have both been Interstate Fair and Rodeo Princess. They all at one time or another have been members or are still members of the Association. They have also recruited husbands to join in on helping or becoming a fair board member. Kari’s husband Steve Palmer serves as Parking and Camping Chairman. Even the grandkids help.
Janet started helping wherever help was needed. She began helping with the Contestant Hospitality Tent when they first began serving the cowboys an evening meal. Later on, once the Ron Stevenson Building was built it was moved over to that building. There they finally had air conditioning and running water! Janet also served as the Chairman for the Royalty Committee. When the fun passes started, they started doing the Royalty with a King, Queen, Prince and Princess. The one who sold the most fun passes in their category won that title. She was Co-Chairman of the Exhibits. Then becoming Superintendent in 2007. She was also the Superintendent of the Senior Fest and Spelling Bee. She now serves as the Bake Sale Chairman.
Many memories have been made on these grounds. Here we found long lasting friendships,fellowship and memories beyond measure. You might want to check out the area sometimes to see if any “Dust Angels” are out there!!