Everett, Wash. Published: Thursday, August 21, 2008
Evergreen State Fair is year-round passion for volunteer
By Justin Arnold Herald Writer
MONROE –– For some, the Evergreen State Fair is a destination. For volunteers such as Stephanie Hagarty-Moening, it's a lifestyle.
"Some people don't understand why it is we do what we do here at the fair," Hagarty-Moening said. "Some people play sports, some people fix cars, some people play golf. Me? I've got the fair."
Hagarty-Moening has been a volunteer with the Evergreen State Fair since 1988. In 1991 she became one of 72 fair superintendents, an expert in a particular area who organizes and directs exhibitions. Her area is food preservation.
She oversees more than 1,000 entries that include jarred fruits, dried fruits and vegetables, pickled products and cake mixes in jars.
But do they get to eat any? The answer, sadly, is no.
"Entries run the range from berry jams to herbal vinegars," said Hagarty-Moening, who works for a Catholic church in Bothell. "The contest is about their food preservation technique, how they do it. Look but don't touch."
She's proud of the quality of the entries she has seen while volunteering for the fair; she considers the crafts, goods and art to be just as good -- if not superior -- to what can be found elsewhere in the state.
"People are very proud of what they've done, their entries. My youngest contestants are 4 years old to the eldest, which is 80, but it doesn't matter if they are 8 or 80: They are proud to show that jam," Hagarty-Moening said. "And it doesn't have to be a blue ribbon, they are just happy that they are in the fair. That's what motivates me."
Fair superintendents and volunteers such as Hagarty-Moening work an exhausting schedule. From sunup to sundown, volunteers are crawling over every inch of the exhibition halls carrying out hundreds of tasks that are essential to making the fair a success. Because of the prodigious workload, coupled with the long hours, the fair offers volunteers RV and camper spaces.
Hagarty-Moening worked for the Seattle Repertory Theatre as a stage manager, the two experiences similar in that "the show must go on."
"Sometimes it gets me down. It's physically grueling like putting a show together. You do whatever it takes to get ready for the first day," Hagarty-Moening said. "I've slept maybe three hours a night over the last week. But what is amazing is that everyone toughs it out and does their job, and does it well. It's phenomenal."
Sherry Stovner, the superintendent coordinator for the fair, works with all 72 fair superintendents throughout the year as the fair takes shape. She can attest to the long hours and the workload, but most of all she sees the spirit that carries these volunteers through the rigors of the fair.
Aside from the exhibition superintendents, the fair has 400 to 500 volunteers every year.
"It amazed me, the hours that the volunteers put in," Stovner said. "But that's the difference between someone who gets paid and a volunteer: They love to do it."
This year, Hagarty-Moening and her husband, who died of a heart attack in February, will be recognized for their personal efforts over the years at making the fair a success. Doug Moening, 54, was the official voice of the Evergreen State Fair.
For most volunteers the fair doesn't wind down until Labor Day, but for Hagarty-Moening the fun starts all over again. Judges take notes on what needs to change for the following year's judging, others are ordering ribbons for next year. The process doesn't seem to really stop -- just slow down occasionally, Hagarty-Moening explained.
"I'm out here throughout the year, every month talking to people about the fair. Come January there is judges training, then classes on teaching people how to enter and win. Going to farmers markets and telling them how to get involved," Hagarty-Moening said.
"There are ebbs and flows but it never really stops. Seeing the pride these people have, them showing up and saying 'See what I can do?' is very inspiring. That's what makes it all worthwhile."
