Ken McAnallen at the Butler Farm Show: ‘One of these guys that when something needs done, he does it’
Ken McAnallen embodies the characteristics the founders of the Butler Farm Show had when they started the event 76 years ago, according to Ken Metrick, secretary of the farm show board of directors.
McAnallen was awarded the Founders Award at the 75th Butler Farm Show, which took place last year.
Nominated by members of the farm show board and voted on by the board members and superintendents, the Founders Award honors a person who carries the values and goals of the Butler Farm Show’s founders.
“Ken McAnallen is one of the most humble people you’ll ever meet,” Ken Metrick from the Butler Farm Show said.
The Butler Farm Show’s story begins in 1947 and started as a plowing contest. After the event’s success, organizers decided to host it again, officially naming it the Butler Farm Show.
“The whole goal of the farm show is community, to bring the community together. And our youth, you know, the youth is very important,” Metrick said. “He’ll just do whatever needs done, and that’s the farm show at heart.”
McAnallen kept the farm show’s milk house maintained for many years. He also has served on the board of directors.
“He’s never in the limelight, but he’s one of these guys that when something needs done, he does it,” Metrick said.
“He’s a very humble man, but he’s a very well-rounded individual ... He’s a good mentor for these young people,” Metrick said.
The Founders Award at the 76th Butler Farm Show will be announced following the youth award ceremony at 7 p.m. Aug. 9 at the livestock barn.
