Wellesley’s Mary Lichty-Neeb to be presented with Len and Ida Patterson Memorial Award

By Gary West

Wellesley’s Mary Lichty-Neeb has been named the recipient of the 2026 Len and Ida Patterson Memorial Award, recognizing her many decades of dedication to agricultural fairs and volunteer service across Ontario.

Lichty-Neeb serves as secretary-treasurer of the Wellesley-North Easthope Agricultural Society and has long been a driving force behind the success of the Wellesley-North Easthope Fall Fair.

The Len and Ida Patterson Memorial Award is presented to a secretary, treasurer, dedicated fair volunteer or individual who has worked tirelessly at the district level within the Ontario Association of Agricultural Societies (OAAS). The award is open to members across Ontario, making Lichty-Neeb’s selection a notable honour among her peers. She will be formally recognized at the annual OAAS convention this February.

Sponsored by Paul Nother of Encore Promotional Products and Nother Awards, the award is presented in memory of Len and Ida Patterson. Lichty-Neeb said she is deeply grateful for the many congratulatory messages she has received since the announcement and credits the fair community for its continued encouragement and support.

As a longtime participant in the Wellesley Township Fall Fair, a member of District 7 within OAAS, and a former OAAS board member, Lichty-Neeb said she has had the privilege of meeting many remarkable people over the years, many of whom have become close friends. When asked why she devotes so much time and energy to organizing a fair that runs just a day and a half, her answer is simple.

“It’s the joy in the eyes of the children at the fair,” she said, pointing to youngsters proudly showing parents and grandparents their ribbons and stickers, the excitement of the midway and inflatables, and the hands-on fun of livestock shows, and corn and bean bins filled with toys. She believes these experiences play an important role in teaching young people about agriculture and food.

Lichty-Neeb added that fair season shapes much of her family’s calendar.

“If you ask my husband, Richard, about plans for spring, summer and fall weekends, they revolve around which fair is happening,” she said, noting that visiting other fairs is both enjoyable and a valuable way to see new ideas and approaches.

Lichty-Neeb extended her thanks to fellow fair board volunteers Wendy, Joanne, Susan and Barb for their continued support and for standing behind her nomination for the award.