06/02/2026
FAIRBOARD SPOTLIGHT
Meet Robert "Bob" Maher, he has served on the Jasper County Fairboard for 48 years and has seen a lot of changes throughout that time. He is always supportive and wants the best for the fair and fair families.
His participation with 4-H began in 1976, when he starting helping with the Poweshiek Pals 4H Club. He later became the leader of the club when his father in law, Loren Wing retired. At one time the Poweshiek Pals under Bob's leadership, had over 50 members in it. They were a very active clubs - field trips, special speaker, outings, club tours and monthly meetings. All great memories. In 1978, Bob was elected for his first term of the Jasper County Fairboard. Bob has also been a Sheep Superintendent for 45 years. He was honored by being inducted into the 4H Hall of Fame in 2017.
Bob's family has been involved with 4H & FFA for many years. His wife, Lila, was in the Poweshiek Pals (Boys Club) and 4H Hustlers (Girls Club). She also managed the concession stand for the Mingo School and Colfax/Mingo School for 30 years at the fair. Now both Bob & Lila help organize the Feed Shed at the Fair. Lila is also the Youth Superintendent for Photography and Music. Lila was chosen as the Friend of the Fair in 2019 and was the 2023 JCF Parade Marshall.
Bob & Lila's children, Kelly, Kendra, Kurt & Keslie were also very active at the fair. They showed dairy, beef, swine, horses, rabbits, garden & photography. Kendra is currently serving on the Fairboard with her dad. Four of their grandchildren, Taylor, Logan, Kalyn and Jacob showed at the Jasper County Fair. The Third generation of Mahers has started, with Tayten, Tinsley & Teslyn in 4H/FFA. While Taegyn, Karter, Archie, Quade, Killien, Penny and soon to be Ross are involved in the Little Kids Activities.
The most challenging year that Bob can remember was 1993, the year of the flood, where all the fairgrounds were covered with water just a few weeks before the fair. The 1993 Jasper County Fair was held at the Iowa State Fairgrounds that year. It took more than a year to clean up the grounds and make repairs. Then the Flood of August of 2010, was another challenging year.
Bob enjoys working with the other board members, improving the fair and the grounds and making the Jasper County Fair, a fair for everyone can enjoy and make memories.
Thank you Bob and Lila, too, for your love the the Jasper County Fair and your continued support and dedication over the year. ❤
Stay tuned for more FAIRBOARD SPOTLIGHT in the weeks to come.
