The Will County Fair has been a success due to our amazing volunteers. This year, we pay tribute to a few of our long time Fine Arts Superintendents that have been a constant in the Fine Arts Department for years.

David & Marla Bettenhausen
Dave & Marla have been the Vegetable Superintendents since the 1970s. Always with a smile and quick wit, Marla kept things going smoothly in their department with Dave by her side. Quick to help the other departments when needed, Dave was also known to help sample the cookies and candies in the nearby cases. Retiring from their duties in 2025, they will be missed.

Joan Meier & Sharon Bettenhausen
Joan & Sharon has served as Superintendent of the Textiles & Sewing department for over 40 years. Joan led the Fine Arts Building as Superintendent from 1999 through 2005. As a staple in the main aisle of the building, their knowledge of the Fine Arts Building cannot be measured. Joan & Sharon are set to retire from volunteering after the 2026 Will County Fair.

Susan Schubbe & Marie Sallee
Since the 1970s Susan & Marie have been the Superintendents of the Quilting Department. Usually the first to arrive every year on the morning of judging, Susan & Marie’s organization skill set have been a large part of the success of the department.

Charles Patton worked tirelessly to ensure the grounds were in pristine condition, and everything was running smoothly for a fair that was fun for all ages. Charlie started on the board of directors in 1993 and became Vice-President in 1997. He retired in 2010 but never missed a fair and especially his favorite tractor pulls. Charlie will be missed this year and in fairs to come. We know that he will always be remembered for all he has done for the fair.

Bonnie Borms started by entering her famous tasty and beautifully decorated cakes into the fine arts building with all her crafts. In 2007 Bonnie was asked to take over as the Fine Arts Superintendent. She ensured the departments ran smoothly, and was always there to help our superintendents, assistants, and especially our exhibitors. There was nowhere that she would not be happy to help, including working at the tractor pull and helping in the office. Bonnie will truly be missed by everyone, especially our Fine Arts Departments and office staff.

Bruce Samborski could be seen all over during the fair in his vest with his cameras. He was always capturing all the special moments. He would capture the prize livestock and make grandma’s apple pie look as good as it tasted. Bruce made sure every event was highlighted to the best of his ability. His talent and laugh will be missed by all of us at the fair.

Theresa Koehn
Theresa was one of our dedicated fine Arts Superintendents in the Fine Arts Building with her husband Warren for years. She loved visiting with the exhibitors and helping them. Theresa retired several years ago, but the fair still held a special place in her heart, as she will always hold a special place in ours.

They say many hands make lighter work. The volunteers highlighted above, with all the volunteers in the Fine Arts Department make fair week go by quickly and the work enjoyable.