Bev Freng Honored with the Bob Duxbury Award at The South Dakota State Fair

HURON, S.D. – Bev Freng was awarded the Bob Duxbury Award on Saturday, September 3, during the 2022 South Dakota State Fair.

The Bob Duxbury Award began in 2006 to annually honor a Friend of the Fair for their service and dedication to the South Dakota State Fair. The award is presented by the South Dakota State Fair and is administered by the South Dakota State Fair Commission.

Bev and her husband, Dick, launched the Courtesy Golf Cart Program, which helps transport those who have difficulty with the amount of walking necessary to take in all the fair has to offer. The program started with four golf carts and has grown to 24. Bev spends many hours on the phone prior to the fair looking for the 72 drivers needed to fill 3 shifts per day. Bev feels it is important not only to help the elderly and those with disabilities, but also the kids involved with 4-H, FFA, and other activities.

Bev is an avid fairgoer and is involved in many activities taking place on the fairgrounds throughout the year. She was instrumental in starting the VFW Hobby Fair that takes place every October and frequently volunteers to help with other activities hosted on the fairgrounds.

Bob Duxbury was the first recipient of the award. Since 2006, other recipients have included a former Secretary of Agriculture, long time fair employees and exhibitors, and a State Fair commissioner.