The name Carol Aberle is synonymous with Floral Hall at the Fairbury Fair which is why it is only appropriate an area of the hall is dedicated to her memory.
A memorial display has been placed next to floral displays at this week’s fair to honor the longtime fair participant who passed away in April.
“She always entered so many flowers,” said fair board member Mary Beth Crews. “This was her life.”
The fair board wanted to show Aberle’s family how much they appreciated her as she was always on the grounds when the fair was happening. A wreath which includes ribbons won by Aberle over the years is on display through Sunday inside Floral Hall.
“The wreath was made by her granddaughter,” explained Crews.
Aberle’s friend Diana Tull wrote a letter to the fair board which is part of the display that thanks the group for honoring her.
“Carol was the backbone of the Floriculture Department for the fair for many, many years. If you had a question or needed something done, contact Carol,” Tull stated in the letter.
Tull said Aberle was instrumental in getting her to place flower entries in the fair. Tull recalled Aberle’s fondness of preparing floral entries each year and her many trips up and down the basement stairs to collect flowers from the yard and place them in the correct vase.
“Lloyd and Carol were daily and nightly visitors to the fair. If they had a Fairbury Fair queen pageant, I’m sure she would have won.”
Not only was Aberle an active participant in Floral Hall, but she had served on the Fairbury Fair Board and was a member of the Fairbury Garden Club. Gardening was one of her passions along with playing bridge.
Members of Aberle’s family are expected to be at the fair this week to see the display and visit with fairgoers and members of the community. The 146th annual Fairbury Fair runs through Sunday at the fairgrounds on the south end of town.
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