Wednesday, July 3, 2024
The 2024 Coryell County Youth Fair and Livestock Show wrapped up a week of events and competition with a Premium Auction Saturday evening at the Gatesville Civic Center.
This year’s 65th annual youth fair was dedicated in honor of Charles Graham and the late Linda Graham. The Grahams were honored for their contributions both monetarily and altruistically to the Coryell County Youth Fair and to the youth of Coryell County for almost 40 years.
During the dedication ceremony, Coryell County Youth Fair representative Miranda Allison said, “Not only have they given personally, but also through their various business interests as well. If we were to look at their contributions, historically, they have been in the top ten of contributors to the fair through purchases at the annual auction including individual add-ons and for many years.”
Linda Graham, who passed away in July of 2023, was a local teacher who retired after 32 years in education. She established the Dorsey-Graham Memorial Scholarship and enjoyed awarding scholarships to area youth to further their education. Charles and Linda Graham also contributed to the founding of the Gatesville ISD Education Foundation.
Never ones to expect or want recognition, they have continued to impact the lives of Coryell County youth for decades by giving freely with no expectations.
“Their kindness and generosity cannot be overlooked as their contributions to our county fair have allowed the annual fair to grow and flourish through the years by awarding the youth’s hard work monetarily for both their future goals and projects,” Allison said.
When told that the fair was being dedicated to him and his late wife, Charles Graham said that he kindly accepts the recognition and was very appreciative.
