Friend of the Fair award honors 4-H educator
Pa. Department of Agriculture, Lehigh County Agricultural Society nominated Kelly M. Weisner, Lenhartsville
Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture and Lehigh County Agricultural Society partnered to nominate Kelly M. Weisner of Lenhartsville as the 2017 Friend of the Allentown Fair. At the opening ceremonies of the Great Allentown fair on Aug. 29, fairgoers joined dignitaries and fair staff to present the award.
Kelly, daughter of Victor and Debbie Berger, grew up on a farm near Kutztown. She received her bachelor of science in ag education in 2001 from Delaware Valley College and
her master’s degree of education in 2007 from Penn State University. Kelly began her work with Cooperative Extension in 2001 and has been Lehigh County’s 4-H Youth Development Educator since 2006. From the day she arrived in Lehigh County, Kelly has been involved in the fair and has worked hard at developing our youth for the future leadership roles. Kelly is married to Andrew and they have two sons, Konnor and Alex.
Kelly increased opportunities for the 4-H Livestock Program youth by launching a sponsorship program and transitioning the youth livestock sale. She oversaw the addition of two new animal species curriculum areas (dairy goats and poultry) to the county 4-H program offerings, and has strengthened the 4-H Horse Program. She continues to provide leadership for 4-H animal science programs, including educational programs, competitive learning opportunities, and Round-Ups including animal show and sale management and teaching 4-H Quality Animal Management Programs.
A great deal of time, effort and expertise goes into the Allentown Fair where she has been responsible for all 4-H entries in the Allentown Agri-Plex. Kelly also works with the Dairy Show, Dairy Goat Show, Swine Show, Meat Goat Show, Beef and Diary Beef Show, and the 4-H Livestock Sale.
The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture honors individuals as part of the Friend of The Fair Recognition program. This program recognizes the hard work and dedication put forth by fair volunteers and wishes to acknowledge their efforts. These recipients typically demonstrate outstanding leadership, volunteerism, community engagement, and dedication.