Lisa Williams, Central Nebraska Today
HASTINGS — The Adams County Fairfest opening ceremonies were held during the evening of Wednesday, July 15.
The master of ceremonies for the event was Y102’s Lisa Williams. There were welcomes from the agricultural society delivered by Williams; Lee Hogan represented Adams County and Mayor Corey Stutte spoke for the City of Hastings.
The national anthem was such by Elisha Johnson.
There were three families who were honored with the Nebraska Pioneer and Heritage Farm award.
Presented by the Aksarben Foundation, the award recognizes farm families in Nebraska whose land has been owned by members of the same family for 100 years (Pioneer Award) and 150 years (Heritage Award). A family may receive one award at a time so apply for either the 100 year or the 150 year award.
The farm’s current minimum size required to submit an application is 40 acres, unless the original deed or homestead documents state the original homestead was less than 40 acres.
The awards were presented to:
- The Johnson Family Farm, established in 1901 (Roger Johnson) – Pioneer Award
- The Jacobitz/Torske Family Farm – established 1918 (Deloris Torske) – Pioneer Award
- Asmus Family Farm – established 1874 (Diane Murphy, Debra Pickrel, Sherri Asmus, Mark Asmus) – Heritage Award
The Foundation Scholarship was presented by Susie Brown, which was followed by a parade of the 4-H grand and reserve champions.
Pastor Ben Hanne offered both the opening invocation and closing.