The 2026 Loudoun County Fair is dedicated to Dermot Harris!
The Loudoun County Fair is proud to dedicate the 2026 Fair to Dermot Harris in recognition of his years of dedicated service, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the fairgrounds, the fair community, and the traditions that make the Loudoun County Fair such a special place.
Dermot’s involvement with the Loudoun County Fair began in 2013 when his daughter joined the Temple Hall Non-Ownership Sheep Club. Like many 4-H parents, he started by lending a helping hand wherever it was needed—volunteering in the ice cream shack, assisting with fair setup and cleanup, and supporting his daughters’ participation in 4-H activities.
What began as a parent volunteer soon grew into a much deeper commitment. Over the years, Dermot became an indispensable part of fair operations, always willing to tackle any task that needed to be done. Whether directing parking, setting up for the demolition derby and rodeo, operating equipment, making repairs, maintaining the grounds, or helping solve last-minute challenges during fair week, Dermot became known as someone who could always be counted on.
His dedication and willingness to serve did not go unnoticed. In 2023, Dermot joined the Loudoun Fair & Associates Board of Directors, where he quickly earned the respect and admiration of his fellow board members through his leadership, reliability, and steady presence. During his first year on the Board, he was elected President of Loudoun Fair & Associates. He is now serving his fourth year on the Board and was recently re-elected to a second three-year term. His fellow directors once again selected him to continue serving as President, a reflection of the trust and confidence they have in his leadership and commitment to the organization.
Today, Dermot remains one of the fair’s most active volunteers. Visitors can often find him at the fairgrounds long before and long after fair week—mowing grass, making repairs, maintaining equipment, organizing projects, and helping ensure the grounds remain a welcoming place for the many events held throughout the year. During fair week, he is often among the first to arrive and the last to leave, working tirelessly behind the scenes to make sure everything runs smoothly.
The Loudoun County Fair has truly become a family affair for the Harris family. What started with 4-H projects and sheep club meetings grew into a tradition that continues today. His daughters, Reagan and Neave, both spent years participating in the Temple Hall Non-Ownership Sheep Club, and his son, Aidan, while never involved in 4-H, has also become a familiar presence at the fairgrounds through his work and support of fair activities. The Harris family can still be found helping and working throughout fair week. From volunteering and assisting with events to pitching in wherever needed, being part of the fair has become woven into the fabric of family life. For the Harris family, the fair isn’t just a week in July—it’s a tradition they love, a community they value, and a place that feels like home.
Perhaps what best defines Dermot’s contribution is not any single title or accomplishment, but his willingness to do whatever is needed for the good of the fair. Whether it’s fixing a broken gate, setting up for an event, mowing the grounds, directing parking, or making sure fair week runs smoothly, Dermot leads by example and is never afraid to roll up his sleeves and get the job done. He is the person who quietly shows up, works hard, and helps others along the way.
For his countless hours of service, his leadership, and his dedication to the people and traditions that make the Loudoun County Fair special, we are honored to recognize Dermot Harris as the 2026 Loudoun County Fair Dedicatee.
Congratulations, Dermot, and thank you for all you do for the Loudoun County Fair.
Beginning in 1963, a Fair Dedication was made to an individual, family or business that had served the Fair and the 4-H program in an outstanding way. We express our sincere appreciation to all those recognized for their commitment to our community.
| 1963 – Eugene Sykes | 1984 – The Frank Keesling Family | 2005 – Mike Wieben |
| 1964 – Robert J. McCray | 1985 – “Golden Anniversary” year. Dedicated to all who made the past 50 years possible. | 2006 – Steuart Weller |
| 1965 – Frank W. McComb | 1986 – Loudoun Times Mirror & WAGE Radio | 2007 – Mary & Mitch Miller |
| 1966 – Lawrence H. Taylor & Marvin Simpson | 1987 – Juanita & Caroline Graham / Helen White | 2008 – Marty Beamer |
| 1967 – William I. Whitmore | 1988 – Edgar Tillet | 2009 – Terry Corle |
| 1968 – J. Lupton Simpson | 1989 – William H. Harrison | 2010 – John Smith |
| 1969 – Ellen “Granny” Stowers | 1990 – Carol S. McComb | 2011 – Dan Virts |
| 1970 – Mr. & Mrs. William Cockerill | 1991 – Henry Stowers | 2012 – The Robert Kimble Family |
| 1971 – Mr. & Mrs. Joe Dillon | 1992 – W. Jack Brown | 2013 – Jim Colbert |
| 1972 – W. R. “Dot” Heasley | 1993 – James R. Wordsworth | 2014 – Mike Bramhall |
| 1973 – W. Jack Brown | 1994 – Jim & Edna Cross | 2015 – Robert Miller |
| 1974 – Mr. & Mrs. Charles Fletcher | 1995 – Elsie Maylott & Barbara Sidwar | 2016 – Kevin & Reece Murray |
| 1975 – The Ernest Herndon Family | 1996 – The Homer Thompson Family | 2017 – Doug & Stephanie Fidler |
| 1976 – Mr. & Mrs. Edwin Arnold | 1997 – Barbara Jennings | 2018 – Claire Griffith |
| 1977 – The William Moreland Family | 1998 – Jane McCall | 2019 – Faith Barney |
| 1978 – Mr. & Mrs. R. Nelson Ashby | 1999 – Eddie & Marty Potts | 2021 – Kim & Rodney Monroe |
| 1979 – Francis, Virginia, & David Peacock | 2000 – Tommy & Tamma Payne | 2022 – The Ketterman Family |
| 1980 – Henry & Gladys Creele | 2001 – Richard & Laura Brown | 2023 – Cindy Huddleston |
| 1981 – Barbara Baird | 2002 – Dr. George Washington | 2024 – John Mosesso |
| 1982 – Dan Clemons | 2003 – Bob & Ann Hereford | 2025 – Carly Griffith Wright |
| 1983 – Mabel Rollinson | 2004 – Bob Tillet & Craig Damewood |