Kevin Hora to represent Washington County in 2021 Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame

Kevin Hora of Washington has been selected as the 2021 Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame recipient for Washington County. He will receive this honor at the Washington County Fair Thursday, July 22 at 6 p.m. at the Lions Club Stage and then later be recognized at the Iowa State Fair.

A familiar and beloved face on the fairgrounds, 4-H’ers have been known to comment, “He’s on the tractor again!” when Kevin Hora drives by during fair week. His commitment to 4-H is undeniable, starting with the strong and long-lasting family tradition of 4-H members. Hora’s father was a fair board member, giving him a behind the scenes view of the work it takes to put on a county fair. That experience paved the way for him to be a future fair board member himself.

Hora was a member of the Jackson Boys 4-H Club from 4th grade through 12th grade. He participated in a variety of project areas, including swine, beef, woodworking, welding, and educational presentations. His fondest memory took place in the “original” Washington County show ring (known now as 4-H Hall) during the Grand Champion Drive at the 4-H swine show, when he was selected as the Reserve Champion.

All three of Hora’s children — Cody, Sarah, and Caleb — followed in his footsteps, going through the Washington County 4-H program as well. In 1992, Hora joined the Washington County Fair Board Association and has served as the all-around handyman ever since.

In his nearly 30 years of service, Hora notes some of the large projects that he helped bring to life, including the building of Dallmeyer Hall — complete with a banquet hall and space for the Extension Office and fair board, creation of a livestock entrance for improved traffic flow, and the installation of a new cattle wash rack. These projects have been only a few on the long list of transformation and growth that have happened on the fairgrounds, thanks to Hora’s hands in dirt work, electrical work, water lines, and sewer lines. In regard to all of those odd jobs that he is tasked with, Hora remarked, “It just needs done” and sees the project through its completion.

“A successful county fair is not possible without dedicated volunteers like Kevin Hora,” said Amy Green, Washington County 4-H/Youth Coordinator. “His impact and love for this place is evidenced on nearly every square inch of the Washington County Fairgrounds. It’s amazing. We invite the community to show their appreciation and honor Kevin at the Hall of Fame presentation July 21 at 6 p.m.”