The Lancaster County Agricultural Society Hall of Fame Award, established in 2009, formally recognizes individuals who have dedicated time and effort to the Lancaster County Agricultural Society beyond the normal volunteer and who have made significant contributions to the establishment, development, advancement or improvement of the Lancaster County Fair. The 2018 Hall of Fame recipients were Marty Cruickshank and Allan Wood.
Marty Cruickshank was an Extension Associate at Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County for over 13 years prior to her retirement in 2017. Her primary role involved teaching youth. She could have left it at that, but she reached above and beyond instruction. Her invigorating spirit encouraged youth across Lancaster County to take their passion to a higher level. She impacted thousands of lives with innovative work in the 4-H poultry, rabbit and horse programs. Notable projects included the Lincoln Public Schools embryology curriculum and an equine “horse course” academic program. Her natural ability as a leader and role model for 4-H youth grew the Lancaster County Fair’s horse entries from a regular event to one rivaling a state horse show. Her compassion, advocacy for youth and hours of hard work made the Lancaster County 4-H horse program the largest in the state. Her promotion of a fun and competitive county fair lives on today.