PRESS RELEASE
CONTACT: BECKY BRASHEAR, CFE

FREDERICK, Md. — The Great Frederick Fair’s Board of Managers has added two new members to accomplish the goals of the fair. The 141^st fair, "A Country Tradition in the Heart of the City," will be held Sept. 12-20, 2003.

Joseph Devilbiss of Frederick and Charles Cramer of New Market have been elected by the Board to serve on the fair’s Board of Manager. Their new roles took effect in April, and both are only members of The Great Frederick Fair Board of Managers and not The Frederick County Agricultural Society Inc.

"The Great Frederick Fair’s Board of Managers has taken a proactive approach to meet the challenges of increased duties and responsibilities associated with the detailed tasks of putting on the fair," J.R. Ramsburg, Jr., fair board president. "Both new members bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Board that will enable it to expand and broaden its horizons as future possibilities associated with the fair are evaluated. The Board appreciates their willingness to take on this commitment."

Charles Cramer is a life long agricultural educator. He lives on a small farm with his wife,

Bonnie, where they raise purebred Polled Hereford cattle. During his 4-H and FFA experience he raised Angus, Shorthorns, market hogs, market lambs, poultry, and participated in mechanics, construction and home improvement projects.

He has been involved in The Great Frederick Fair his entire professional career through the FFA and with his family's participation. He is actively involved with the fair’s educational program, City Streets, Country Roads. He has worked in the Farm and Garden Building and is now the superintendent of the open class beef breeding department. Related activities are: director of the Maryland Hereford Association and chairperson and/or coach of the following FFA Career Development Events - Livestock, Meats and Carcass, Poultry, Agricultural Mechanics, Safe Tractor Operation, Land and Soil Management, Floriculture, Vegetable, Speaking and Parliamentary Procedure.

Mr. Cramer considers his greatest accomplishment to be the success of the hundreds of students he has taught and coached over the years and his involvement in the transition of The Great Frederick Fair to better "showcase the product and pride of Frederick County Agriculture" to fair guests and participants.

Joseph Devilbiss has always supported 4-H and believes that agricultural education and preservation are important for Frederick County and its citizens.

Mr. Devilbiss worked many years for a local construction company until he started his own company, Joseph F. Devilbiss Construction, in 1993. He brings to the board expertise in construction and building maintenance and knowledge of business and finances and will be serving on the fair’s 4-H, Property & Maintenance and Livestock committees. He has supported the 4-H through sponsorship of the Memorial Steer at the Frederick County 4-H Beef, Sheep and Swine Sale and through donations and service to the 4-H Therapeutic Riding Program.

Mr. Devilbiss has a love of agriculture and farming that has led him to spend his spare time farming. He owns 140 head of beef cattle and owns and/or rents over 375 acres of farmland.

He is involved with his church serving on the Board of Trustees and on the board of the Mount Prospect Cemetery Association. He is also past president of the Professional Remodelers Association. He is a member of the Lewistown Fire Company, the Lewistown Ruritans and the Good Samaritan Program at FMH.