Steve Summers named Winnebago County Fair Person of the Year
By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — Steve Summers, a recognizable voice on Rockford radio who has emceed county fair pageants for four decades, was named this year’s Winnebago County Fair Person of the Year.
The Winnebago County Fair Association board said it wanted to show its appreciation to Summers, his wife Yvonne, and their family for their years of dedication to the fair and the people of Winnebago County.
“We couldn’t ask for a better emcee. He keeps the program flowing. We know he can always count on him, and it will be professional when he does it,” said Deb Runte, president of the Winnebago County Fair Association board. “He is the voice of every audio, TV commercial you have heard for probably 40 years. He always promotes them. He makes everyone feel comfortable.”
Related: Khloe Wiegers crowned Winnebago County Fair queen. She’s Miss Congeniality, too
Summers was asked by Marcia Stavros in 1985 to emcee his first Winnebago County Fair queen pageant. He’s been doing it ever since. He has also held that role in Boone County for roughly the same time span.
“I’m genuinely touched that the Winnebago County Fair Board awarded me the honor. I just love being a small part of the fair each year by hosting the pageants,” Summers said. “The connection you create and relationships you build is real. To witness the ladies continuing to help each pageant, and give back year after year is inspiring and contagious.”
This year dozens of past Winnebago County Fair pageant contestants returned to the stage as part of a thank you to longtime director Kim Mathieu in her last pageant. Nearly all the former contestants said they also had Summers as an emcee.
“As a kid I grew up hanging out on fair grounds each summer,” Summer said. “So if I’m asked to be a small part of anything at the fair, to be a contributor, it’s just in my nature to say yes.”
Summers has been in radio for 43 years, starting in 1982 at 97ZOK. He’s been with 95.3 The Bull, where he leads The Morning Stampede, since 2016. The Bull is a partner radio station of the Rock River Current.
This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on X at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas and Threads @thekevinhaas
