Dennis Mars inducted into Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame

Dennis "Denny" Mars, of Paullina, was inducted into the 2022 Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame during a ceremony at the Iowa State Fair on Sunday, Aug. 21.

Ninety-eight Iowa counties participated this year and selected 133 inductees for their outstanding service and dedication to 4-H. Inductees or their surviving family members were presented a certificate by Iowa 4-H Foundation President Julie McGonegle and State 4-H Program Leader Debbie Nistler as they were introduced on stage.

Mars was a nine-year 4-H member in rural Paullina. As an adult, he was a member of the O'Brien County Fair Board for 38 years, retiring in 2019. He served as a Swine Superintendent most of those years, helping with weigh-ins and working in the show ring. He was often busy behind the scenes to make sure things ran smoothly each year at the fair, moving bleachers, tending to hand washing stations and other daily tasks

Mars enjoyed visiting with 4-H'ers and exhibitors at each fair and worked to make their experience a pleasant one. He was always there to help a 4-H'er with a question about their hogs, help in the ring or be supportive when they made their last walk to the sale ring.

Counties select inductees for their exceptional work in contributing to the lives of 4-H members and the overall 4-H program. Many inductees serve as club leaders, youth mentors, fair superintendents or fair board members, county Extension council members, county youth council members, fair judges, financial supporters, chaperones or Extension staff members. Inductees have demonstrated dedication, encouragement, commitment, and guidance to 4-H'ers through the years.