Mike and Evelyn Filson of Birmingham have been named recipients of the 2026 Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame award, according to a social media post from Jefferson County Iowa 4-H.
The Filsons have two sons — Michael and his wife Courtney, and Adam and his wife Lisa — and two grandchildren, Keaton and Kinzey, all of whom have been involved with Jefferson County 4-H and the Jefferson County Fair.
Mike’s involvement began as a 4-H parent before growing into a deeper volunteer role. He served two terms on the 4-H Youth Committee before joining the Jefferson County Fair Board, where he has served for more than 20 years in a variety of capacities including sheep, goat, and swine superintendent, and as both Fair Board President and Vice President. He serves as a liaison to the Jefferson County Extension Council and is a familiar presence at livestock weigh-ins, working closely with Extension staff to ensure events and livestock shows run smoothly. Through his work on the Grounds Committee, he has also contributed to improvements to the campgrounds, track, and facilities.
Evelyn’s connection to the fair runs deep — her father and brother both served on the Fair Board, and she was a 4-H member herself, showing sheep and other exhibits at the fair. Today, wherever Mike is helping, Evelyn can be found nearby. She assists with paperwork at weigh-ins, prepares meals for exhibitors during fairgrounds clean-up nights, and helps with tractor entries at the fair parade and the Truck and Tractor Pull.
Jefferson County 4-H said the Filsons take great pride in their service and have built lasting relationships with exhibitors’ families and Fair Board members over the years, and especially enjoy sharing their love of volunteerism with their family.
