McClain, a community leader, dies at 84
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Clifford Franklin McClain passed away Monday afternoon at River Park Hospital following numerous years of service to the community, which included his efforts to establish and maintain the Warren County A&L Fair.
McClain was bestowed the moniker of “Father of the Fair” for his work in starting what is the modern county fair, one of only a handful of free fairs remaining in the state. His work began in 1953 when he was called upon to chair a committee to look into starting a free fair in Warren County. Up until that time, there were fairs here, but they were for profit which was discouraging to many residents.
After establishing the fair framework in 1954, McClain, who was a farmer by trade, served as its first president until 1958. He later served a long term as president from 1979-1993 and in 1994 was honored for his work during the fair’s 40th anniversary celebration.
In addition to his work in establishing the free fair, McClain also had a passion which led to the restoration of the Old Philadelphia Church building which had fallen into disrepair since it was built in 1830. From there, he embarked on the establishment of Fairfield Village at the fairgrounds. Today, the village’s main street, located near the grandstands, boasts numerous replicas of historical buildings.
Among McClain’s many awards is the Book of Golden Deeds, Morrison Ruritan’s Citizen of the Year, the McMinnville Jaycee’s Public Service Award, the Warren County Chamber of Commerce Distinguished Service Award, the Dairyman’s Award, the Young Farmer’s Award and the VFW’s Citizenship Award.
According to fair vice president Kevin Lawrence, McClain’s guidance was key to making the fair what it is today. Lawrence has been involved with the fair for about 20 years.
“I don’t think it would have grown as fast without him,” Lawrence said. “He was always pushing the fair forward and pushing us to stay involved with it. He was always real active.”
Lawrence said McClain’s guidance will be missed, given his long-time work in developing both the fair and Fairfield Village.
“We will all miss him,” Lawrence said. “He started the upgrowth of the fair. He had the vision.”
Fair president Steve Grandey pointed out McClain was one of the early supporters of a free fair and, without his efforts combined with those of other fair pioneers, the fair would not be as big of a community event as it is now. Grandey has been president since 1994 and involved with the fair all his life.
“He’s always been considered the Father of the Fair,” Grandey said. “He’s been a fixture at the fair for many years. We’re all going to miss him.