FREMONT, Ohio—The Sandusky County Jr. Fair took a moment to honor the memory of Connor Miller, a 13-year-old from Vickery, who tragically lost his life in a car accident earlier this summer. Connor, who had been an active 4-H member, was remembered by his friends and the local agricultural community during the fair, where his presence was deeply missed, according to a press release from the Seneca County Commissioners office.
Last year, Connor earned the Champion Broiler Pen 1 at the fair, but due to 4-H rules, he was ineligible to sell his award-winning birds. Determined to succeed again, he had planned to return to this year’s fair.
However, Connor, his father Joseph Miller, and his grandfather Richard Miller were all killed in a crash on July 11 while returning from a hatchery with chickens for Connor’s 4-H project. The accident occurred in Scipio Township, Seneca County, when another vehicle failed to stop at an intersection.
In response to this tragedy, members of Connor’s 4-H club, Target Masters, rallied to honor their friend’s memory. They initiated a fundraiser named “Stuff the Chicken” to raise money for a rabbit and poultry pavilion at the fairgrounds, ensuring Connor’s legacy would endure.
During fair week, a pen was reserved in the barn with Connor’s name on it as a tribute. The fair board also included Connor’s name in the Jr. Fair Livestock Advertising Sale, allowing his friends to stand in the show ring in his place.
The sale, which typically features live animals, raised nearly $25,000 in Connor’s name, with all proceeds donated to his mother, Jenna Barnes Miller, and his siblings, Haley and Wesley Miller.
“It’s such a tragic loss to lose a 4-H member,” said Mary Ann Miller, Connor’s 4-H advisor. “His hard work and dedication inspired the generosity that is now helping to support his family.”
Seneca County Commissioners Bill Frankart said he wasn’t surprised by the outpouring of generosity. “It goes to show that the community and 4-H families come together to support one another through their trials and tribulations,” Frankart stated in the press release.
The outpouring of support at the sale was overwhelming, reflecting the deep bonds within the agricultural community. “Agricultural people take care of their own and take care of their community,” said Jr. Fair Livestock Sale Coordinator Becky Geyman.
