Fair Board Candidates!

Check out the current Fair Board candidates for the upcoming 2026 Fiscal year annual meeting!

ANNUAL MEETING

October 19, 2026 from 2-4pm 

Followed by 4-H Council Award 4-5pm

MEET YOUR 2026 FISCAL YEAR

candidates for fair board:

Tanya Badge

Hello, my name is Tanya Badge. I've been involved with Boots and Dreams alongside my three children since 2016. In 2018, I stepped into the role of admin leader for our club, and in 2019, I was honored to be elected Vice President of the Horse Leaders Department. Just a year later, I was voted in as President — a role I proudly held for five years.

When I took over the Horse Department, there was a noticeable divide between it and the rest of the fair community. I wasn’t given much to start with and had little idea what I was stepping into — but I jumped in with both feet and got to work. Over time, and with the help of many dedicated people, I believe we've made real progress in closing that gap and creating a more unified fair experience.

One of my proudest achievements has been helping rebuild and grow our department’s numbers after the setbacks caused by COVID. We've introduced engaging activities for Cloverbuds throughout fair week and opened the door for Walk/Trot participants to share horses with upper-level riders — ensuring that every child, regardless of budget or resources, has the opportunity to participate and shine. For me, it’s always been about inclusion. Every child deserves the chance to show.

A little about me personally: I live in Howard City and work as a pharmacy technician at Hometown Pharmacy. Horses have been a part of my life for as long as I can remember — calling me a horse lover would be an understatement! I’ve been married for 17 years, and my husband and I have two amazing children here with us and one angel watching over us.

I also serve as an active board member of the Red Flannel Saddle Club with my kids, and I co-coach the Tri County Equestrian Team. Whether I’m cheering on the kids or riding my own horses, Cricket and Star (my best friends!), I bring a fun-loving attitude and a strong belief in the power of encouragement and teamwork. My family is also involved in both the rabbit and goat departments. My kids have had their moments to shine in those departments as well as in the horse arena.

I would be honored to serve on the Montcalm County Fair Board. I’m passionate about supporting our youth, growing the fair for future generations, and making sure every 4-H and Cloverbud member feels valued — whether they’re showing a market animal, a handmade craft, a photo, or anything in between. At the end of the day, we are here for the kids — not the politics. We’re here "To Make the Best Better."

Thank you for your time and for considering me for the Montcalm County Fair Board.

Eric Christensen

I’m a retired military veteran and proud father of two daughters active in 4-H.

Supporting their projects and growth through the program has been a rewarding part of my life.

I enjoy spending time outdoors—whether it’s hunting, fishing, camping, or simply appreciating nature—and I value the lessons of responsibility, leadership, and community that 4-H helps instill.

I would bring a fresh set of eyes, dedication and a lot of ambition to the board if elected! 

Shirley Dean

I am a former Montcalm County Fair 4-H exhibitor and current 4-H club leader. I have previously served on the MCFA fair board from 2021-2024. During my stint on the fair board, I served on the marketing, kids day, fair book, and budget and audit committees, and I continue to work on those committees in some form.

 

Some of the accomplishments of these committees include expanding Kids Day to include a passport, bringing Reading for Rides to Montcalm County Fair, promoting Special Needs Day, securing grant money, proofing fair book edits, creating a balanced budget, auditing the finances of the MCFA and MCFAAC.

My goal is to serve the youth of Montcalm County and grow the fair in order to preserve and promote agriculture, through educational and social activities, which aligns with the mission of Montcalm County Fair Association.   

Melissa Eldridge

Education:

Central Michigan University 

Bachelor's of Science in Business Administration with a major in Marketing 

 

Certifications:

Advanced Master Gardener

Project Learning Tree

Project Wet Curriculum 

Project Wild Curriculum 

Project Fish Trainer

Hazmat-24 hr hazwopper

 

Affiliations:

Farm Bureau 

Montcalm Master Gardener Association 

Conservation District Employees of Michigan

4H Leader Gold-North Central

4H Council

MACC FFA Advisory Council 

Youth Livestock Committee Advisor

 

I am committed to the agricultural community both personally on the family farm, and in my professional career at the Soil Conservation District. I participated in 4H from age 9 to 18 and had a range of projects including: swine, beef, dairy, horse, rabbit, poultry, sheep, foods, horticulture, photography.

I am married with 3 children who have also participated in fair. My new grandson and grandnephew give me an added boost to continue my service. The 4H and Fair community is a great training ground for young people, and I feel that it is important to make sure the MCFA continues to be successful. Please vote for me so that I can help contribute to that success.  

Jamie Goodrich

Let me introduce myself, my name is Jamie Goodrich.  I am a lifetime MCFA member. 

My daughter has been involved in Montcalm County 4-H and at the Fair for the past 5 year, and also my son in past years.

My wife is a project leader within the 4-H program in Montcalm County.  During that time, I have enjoyed volunteering on the building and grounds committee, as well as, helping wherever I can to maintain and improve the fair and fairgrounds year around. 

I would like to continue my commitment to MCFA by running again for a full-term position.

I currently maintain a small “hobby” farm, and I am involved in the maintenance and control of the Belding Hydro Dam.  I have 18 years of experience in operating and repairing all types of heavy and small equipment.

I really enjoyed being on the board this year and hope to be given the chance to bring more of my experience and skills to help our fair grow. 

Please consider re-electing me as a director on the fair board.

Todd Hetherington

My name is Todd Hetherington, and I am the current Fair Board president and a former 4-H exhibitor. I have served on the Fair Board for 18 years and am a lifetime member. My wife and I have raised 3 children through 4-H and the fair and currently have 5 grandchildren that participate.

 

I’ve served the fair during my time on the board as beef superintendent for 19 years, mowing and weed eating the grounds, performing a lot of maintenance repairs, winterizing the facility, helping with fundraisers like the Haunted Barn and Mega Raffle, and serving on committees while being fiscally responsible and always keeping the youth as the center focus.

 

I would like to continue in my role as a board member for another term and hope to have your vote.

Dan Humphrey

Hello, I'm Dan Humphrey. I currently run my own business, Dan's Auction Service, which I started in 2005. 

I'm running because I believe it’s important for everyone to feel heard. I’ve noticed that sometimes people may feel hesitant to share their concerns, and I want to change that by being approachable and supportive. My goal is to help build an environment where no one feels afraid to speak up, and by being open and understanding, I hope to guide our group in working through challenges together.

This year, I helped establish Pen Pals, a new 4-H club, after noticing there was little communication in our previous club. Since members often turned to me, I wanted to create a space where people could communicate more openly and ensure all members felt included and valued.

My son has been active in the 4-H community for the past three years. Last year, I served as Swine Superintendent while he served as Junior Swine Superintendent. For the past two years, I have assisted with the hog show by announcing the order of participants’ names to help the flow of the event. I have also volunteered for the still exhibit auction, and for the last 4–5 years, I have helped call the livestock auction. 

I believe 4-H is strongest when we work together, and I would be honored to represent you on the board. I would greatly appreciate your vote, and I look forward to working together to keep 4-H a place where everyone feels included, supported, and valued. 

Lisa Johnson

My dad was a member of the fair board when I was a youngster showing my dairy cows at the fair. I loved the fair, 4-H and and the lifelong friends I made at the fair.

When the opportunity to run for the fair board came up a few years after I returned home from college, I threw my hat in the ring and was elected to the board. Other than a two-year break, I have been a member of the board since.

One of the fair board’s biggest accomplishments through the years has been building and moving to our current fairgrounds in 2011.

As the years have gone by and I have become the most senior member of the board I’ve taken on more and different roles. Currently, I serve as the treasurer.

I also serve several other roles on the fair board. In addition to paying our bills, I oversee our garbage service, rug/soap/linen service, water testing and pest service in the Ash Building. I also work with our rental coordinator and assist her when needed. The fair phone is set to ring through to my phone so I can direct questions and inquiry’s to the correct person or committees. I also organize much of winter storage. An effort that netted the association $13,000 last year.

I do all of these things and more because I think it is important to the success of the fair and because I can. I have a flexible schedule for all but Feb. though mid-April.

Honestly, I would probably make myself available to do many of these things even if I’m not re-elected to the fair board. It’s because I know how important the success of the fair is to the many children and adults who love the fair as much as I do.

Jennifer Senn

Jennifer Senn is employed with the Michigan Department of Transportation and has long-standing ties to the Montcalm County Fair community. As the mother of two boys, Karter and Clay, who grew up in 4-H showing and are now active volunteers at the fair, Jennifer has seen firsthand the positive impact the fair has on youth and families. Her deep family roots and personal experiences fuel her passion for continuing to strengthen and grow the fair for future generations.

Jennifer previously served on the Montcalm County Fair Board and is currently the Chair of the Campground Committee. She is dedicated to supporting the fair community, with a special focus on youth opportunities and experiences. With her past board experience, professional skills, and strong commitment to the fair, Jennifer hopes to continue contributing to the success of the Montcalm County Fair Association. She asks for your support and your vote to help her carry this vision forward.