This year's Durham Fair Exhibitor's Guide has been dedicated to current Durham Fair Association president, Eugene "Gene" Chiappetta.
Norm Hicks, who serves both as vice president of the Durham Fair Foundation and as a member of the fair's executive board, presented Chiappetta with what he described as "one of the fair's highest distinctions" Wednesday night at the association's monthly meeting.
Hicks said Chiappetta is a "testament to the volunteer spirit" at the fair.
"A person who gives tirelessly and humbly of his time and energy to meet the activities of the fair through good times and bad, whether it's fighting to repeal the Connecticut Mass Gathering legislation, ensuring there is clean water for the residents of Durham to drink, or battling rain on fair weekend," Hicks said.
Chiappetta started volunteering with the fair in 1981, as Superintendent of Special Exhibits and held the position of secretary before becoming president of the Durham Fair Association, according to Hicks.
A resident of Woodbridge, Chiappetta travels 25 miles one-way to Durham.
"Just like all of you, I don't do this for any kind of recognition. I do this because I love the fair," he said. "Thank you very much."
Fair officials said the Durham Fair Exhibitor's Guide will be released soon.
