Grand Marshals 'Dedicated' to Farm Show

Community, Cooking, Tradition: For this year's Williamsburg Community Farm Show Parade Committee, it was an easy task of who was going to be this year's grand marshals – David Hanna and Judy Schnarrs.

This couple have been arguably one of the main driving forces in keeping the farm show up and running since they both began on the farm show board.

Hanna said he has about 30 years involved with the farm show with either being a volunteer or being a member on the prestigious board of directors.

When Hanna began dating Schnarrs about seven years ago, she, too, found a passion with the farm show.

Farm Show President David Bigelow Sr. describes the pair as "a real joy to have on the board, such giving people; they are always willing to help, and it's nice to have people like that to rely on."

Bigelow says that Hanna has been instrumental in the maintenance of the farm show grounds and Schnarrs has been a driving force in the kitchen.

Asking around, the impact that Schnarrs has had on the culinary aspect of the farm show has been seen far and wide.

I couldn't mention Judy's name without the admiration of her cooking. Since being a member, Schnarrs has taken over the cafeteria and kitchen duties – preparing food for most of the farm show events, the farm show itself and the weekly Violet's Auction held at the farm show building.

Some of the other activities the couple are involved in with the farm show is organizing events such as the fishing/hunting contests and recruiting new members onto the board. The couple are also excited about having junior board members onto the farm show board to help bring the youth into the farm show.

When asked of this honor, Schnarrs said although it's "nervewracking, it's a big honor."

Both Hanna and Schnarrs said they "don't feel worthy, I feel there are others more worthy."

The Williamsburg Community Farm Show, to them means, "all for the community and keeping those in the community entertained – those of all ages."

Another aspect that Hanna remarked about the farm show is that, "it's nice to see the city folk getting to look at the farming that Williamsburg is rich in – a lot of those who visit the farm show don't know what some of the antique tractor and farm equipment are used for."

Hanna adds, "I like to think of the farm show as passing the information that I learned from my grandparents and family alike to the next generation of those attending the fair."

The couple credit Joe Very, Chick Brenneman, Ken Brubaker and David Bigelow Sr. as just some of those who have had a positive impact on the fair and who have played an integral role in their passion of the farm show.

According to Ken Brubaker, a member of the farm show board of directors, the admiration is mutual

"They [Hanna and Schnarrs] are the hardest workers, so dedicated to the farm show. They work hard for the farm show, going above and beyond."

Brubaker's wife, Sue, praises Schnarrs' ability in the kitchen.

"She can run circles around anyone in the kitchen," Sue said.

Bigelow agrees, "these two have been the main cylinders that have helped run this organization for years now."

The impact that this couple has on the Farm Show can be seen anywhere during this week in Williamsburg – this loving pair bring together all that is great about our farm show – the community, the food, the agriculture and most importantly, the tradition. Look for the grand marshals in the parade tonight, Aug. 22, beginning at 6 p.m.