BY DONNA SWICEGOOD

She may have been working behind the scenes each year at the Iredell County Agricultural Fair, but make no mistake about it, Nancy Keith’s contributions have been critical to the event’s success for many, many years.

Keith, the Iredell County extension director, is retiring on September 1 after a career that has spanned 40 years. Her commitment to the fair was recently recognized by the Statesville Kiwanis Club, which runs the event. This year’s fair begins August 29.

The Kiwanis Club presented Keith with a plaque in recognition of her contributions to the fair and its success every year. The club also presented a $5,000 check to Melinda Roberts, extension agent for agriculture and horticulture, for the Master Gardener program in honor of Keith.

“We do thank you for all you’ve done,” Fair Manager Jim Head said.

Working with the Kiwanis Club to put on the fair has been a pleasure, Keith said, even if it means putting in long hours during the annual event.

“It’s really been good even though we work until 12 o’clock at night and being in the office at 6 in the morning and then do it all over again,” she said.

Head said Keith and her team at the Agriculture Extension Service are vital to making the fair a success and Keith’s presence will be missed.