On December 30 & 31, 2011 fifty trees were planted at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds. These trees, all potentially large shade trees, were planted along Leetown Road, along the perimeter of the parking lots, around the arena area and behind the grandstand. A combination of Sugar Maples, Red Maples and Japanese Zelkovas were planted making this truly a legacy for the future that will not only delight the visitors at the Fairgrounds with beautiful foliage but serve the fair goers with much needed shade and protection from the wind.
This was all made possible through the generosity of Bob and Nancy Tabb of Town and Country Nursery located in Leetown. Bob and Nancy have been long time supporters of the Fair with Bob serving on the Board of Directors for many years. Both Bob and Nancy have been active Department heads in the past. Bob, of course, is a lifelong resident of Leetown and located his business there with his wife to raise their family. Bob now serves as Deputy Commissioner of Agriculture of the State of West Virginia and Nancy handles the duties at the nursery. Bob and Nancy both have thought for many years that the Fairground needed more trees, especially after the addition of the Arena area and parking lot. During the month of December they contacted the President of the Fair association, Bob Gruber, with their intentions to donate fifty trees. President Gruber graciously accepted the gift.
Planting had to be done prior to the ground freezing so President Gruber called for volunteers and organized the planting for December 30 and 31. Planting was done by Fair President Bob Gruber, Jefferson County Superintendent of the Eastern Region Conservation District; Fair Vice-President Scott Coyle, a Certified Aborist and Master Gardener; and Joe Grantham, a new member of the Board of Directors. All of this was accomplished under the watchful eyes of the benefactors Bob and Nancy Tabb who seemed to be as proud of the results as the recipients of the "legacy".
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