“Fairing” Well

Tim and Glenda Huffman join the Ohio State Fair Hall of Fame

You could say that Huffman’s Market is something of a good luck charm.

Tim and Glenda Huffman have owned the Tremont Center market for 25 years, and earlier this summer, they were inducted into the Ohio State Fair Hall of Fame.

It just so happens that the previous owner of the store, Tom Tarpy, was also inducted into the Hall of Fame. He was inducted in 1977 for being an important supporter of lamb sales and the Sale of Champions.

“This store has always been a very strong supporter of state fair and county fairs,” says Tim.

The Huffmans have been going to the fair as long as they have owned the store, and were recognized for their support of the Ohio State Junior Livestock Fair program and involvement with the Sale of Champions, as well as their involvement with the Youth Reserve Program, which rewards youth exhibitors for participating in the fair.

“It’s just a fantastic honor,” Tim says. “We spent a lot of time over there, and I never thought we’d be recognized that way.”

The Ohio State Fair Hall of Fame was created in 1976 as a way to honor those who have helped make the fair one of “America’s premier expositions.” The governor selects the inductees each year.

The Huffmans’ involvement in the fair began when they started setting up at the reserve sale. They’ve purchased a lot at the land auction every year. Eventually, they started going to the cattle show and became heavily involved in the reserve

By Jessica Salerno

sales. And for the past 17 years, they have been part of the Sale of Champions after buying a pen of chickens their first year.

Tim’s favorite thing has been watching the youth involved in 4-H and Future Farmers of America demonstrate their skills and knowledge with the animals, he says. He and Glenda have even gotten to watch the kids they have bought from throughout the years grow up and have children of their own, who go on to participate in the livestock fair as well.

Their passion for fairs doesn’t end at the Ohio State Fair; they also participate in the Franklin, Hocking, Allen and Perry county fairs.

Along with running the market full time, the Huffmans are very active in the Upper Arlington community. They belong to Tri-Village Rotary and Knights of Columbus, volunteer at Tremont School and St. Agatha School, do part-time auctioneering, and work with numerous charities.

“We’re pretty much involved in anything that’s set up with Upper Arlington,” Tim says.

Jessica Salerno is a contributing writer. Feedback and comments welcome at gmartineau@pubgroupltd.com.