Fair ends with BBQ, awards, inflatables and buzz cuts

RANDOLPH — The Randolph community held its last event of the community fair last Sunday in the park with a spectacular turnout.

With kids swarming inflatables, parents cheering at the pedal pull and families in line for the BBQ and funnel cakes, it seemed the whole town showed up and showed out.

Because of the turnout, volunteers continued to add tables throughout the evening, all of which were full once award time came around.

They started by rewarding Patricia VanSlyke with the “good neighbor” award, thanking her for her “years of providing dependable and loving babysitting services for families in need” and family support through hospice care.

“Pat is ready to lend a helping hand, often before anyone even asks,” said the announcer.

She has been a leader at the St. Frances Funeral home for 10 years and has dedicated much of her time to the annual rummage sales and fundraisers with the Lied Public Library.

“Beyond organized events, Pat makes personal connections that have a lasting impact,” said the announcer. “Her quiet acts of service, big heart and unwavering community spirit make her more than deserving of this recognition.”

VanSlyke said she couldn’t have been more surprised or honored to receive the award.

“Surprised is not the word; I really thought they had made a mistake,” said VanSlyke. “Through the years, I have received so much help. It was my turn to give back, and you know what, I get more satisfaction out of this than I ever could have imagined.”

She wanted to thank the citizens of Randolph for their support of her and her family.

“I am so very glad that I live in this community,” said VanSlyke. “It has been good to me, my family. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.”

Corby and Salle Robinson received the “outstanding farm family” award next.

Corby was born and raised in Randolph and returned after high school with his wife to the now family farm.

“We are so blessed to have them as wonderful role models of what a farm family is and does for the community,” said the announcer.

The “employee of the year” award went to the city administrator, treasurer and deputy clerk, Josh Rayford.

“He has not only filled his own position but also taken on the role as the city administrator,” said the announcer. “His dedication shows his pride in our community.”

Rayford also serves on the Randolph Area Foundation board of directors and the Cedar County Tourism Board.

“Josh Rayford is not only a city dweller but is dependable, trustworthy and puts in extra effort for his community through his employment and volunteerism,” said the announcer.

Rayford was also surprised by his nomination and recognition and gave thanks to the people of Randolph for their support.

“I had no idea,” said Rayford. “I think it is just great, Randolph is a great town, and I am just happy to be a part of it.”

The Randolph community didn’t stop showing their support after the awards, though.

The firefighters auctioned off their hair to support 4-year-old Lee Drobny. The son of Charlie and Hudsen Drobny and grandson of Assistant Fire Chief Chad and Brandy Winkelbauer, is in an ongoing fight against a cancerous tumor, diagnosed as a Wilms tumor on the family’s GoFundMe page.

The community successfully raised $32,000 through the auction, and all proceeds went to the family to help cover ongoing medical treatments.

A tight-knit community can lead to wonderful things, as was shown by the Randolph citizens in concluding their fair celebrations.