The Van Buren County Fair has announced that this year’s fair will be dedicated to the memory of Melvin Carr, a lifelong Van Buren County resident and devoted supporter of agriculture and youth in the community, according to a social media post from the Van Buren County Fair.
Carr was known throughout the county as a dedicated farmer, mentor, and steward of livestock, raising dairy cattle, sheep, and Border Collies throughout his life. He was a consistent presence at the Van Buren County Fair’s sheep show for 24 consecutive years, often with lambs from his own farm in the show ring.
Beyond his own farming operation, Carr was deeply committed to helping young people develop their skills in agriculture. He assisted numerous 4-H and FFA members with sheep projects over the years, helping them select lambs for the fair and working with them on the details of raising and showing livestock.
Those who knew him described his passion for the show ring as unwavering. As his nephew relayed to his daughter, “Uncle Melvin chats between classes, but once a class enters the ring he is all eyes and ears on the ring until the judge is done talking about that class.” He also never shied away from engaging with the judge after a class, asking questions and respectfully sharing his own perspective on the placings.
Carr took great joy in watching his grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great nephew show livestock, and equally enjoyed visiting with 4-H kids, neighbors, and friends at the fair each year.
The Van Buren County Fair officially runs July 15th through the 20th, though festivities begin early with the Junior Miss and Fair Royalty Contest on Saturday, July 11th. Additional pre-fair events on Sunday, July 12th include horse shows and communications judging. The organization said it is honored to dedicate the 2026 event to Carr’s memory.
