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Jonathan Cato named Delta Fair Volunteer of the Year
The Delta Fair brings families from across the region together year after year, but few people see what is involved in making the event come together each time.
For 2022 Delta C-7 graduate Jonathan Cato, his chance to step backstage on the midway came around seven years ago. Now, he's been named the 2023 Delta Fair Volunteer of the Year.
“It's a lot different,” Cato described of his volunteer experience. “Since I was little I wondered how things worked out here and now I get to see behind the scenes. I get to see things different, like when the carnies get here I get to see how everything's built.”
Since Marty Cato, Jonathan's father, became a member of the Delta Fair Board, he's been helping out in a multitude of ways. For around seven years now, Cato has stepped up whenever help is needed.
“I normally help in the ag building and get things ready for the animals, take things up to the American Legion and help out around on derby night,” Cato said. “It's a year by year thing, just play it by ear. It just takes time to get everything done.”
The work's never done in the months leading up to the fair, and when the young volunteer spoke to the DDD on August 22, work was starting on prepping the track for the demolition derby.
When Cato isn't serving as one of the 10-20 volunteers on the fair grounds, he works at Nucor Hickman in Blytheville, Ar., a job he took during fair week last year.
“About now is when we start puzzling everything together,” Cato said. “I'm just here and help wherever I'm needed. I'm a hard worker and I don't stop until the job's done.”
The 2023 Delta Fair kicks off with the Delta Fair Parade on Tuesday, Sept. 26, at 5:30 p.m. The fairgrounds open to the public that day at 5 p.m., and will last through Saturday, Sept. 30.
Visit deltafairfun.com/2018 for more information.