The 2025 Golden Clover Awards honor six individuals who dedicate/ed their time and talents to the McLean County Fair and 4-H.

2025 Honorees:

Marie Denzer-Farley, Golden Clover – 4-H leader for over 20 years, a previous director of the McLean County Farm Bureau & Fair Board, Chair of McLean County Farm Bureau Member Engagement committee since 2015, active with McLean County Pork Producers.

Brian & Linda Dirks, Golden Clover – Involved in 4-H their whole lives, 4-H leaders for almost 20 years, superintendents for McLean County Royalty and the Illinois State Fair Junior Swine Department, active in Timeless Clovers, & Brian currently serves as the McLean County Farm Bureau & McLean County Fair Board President.

Virginia Lowery, Special Clover – McLean County Farm Bureau and McLean County Fair staff from 2017-2025 & a great ‘mother hen’ helping incubate chicks for the Ag Exhibit.

Mike Swartz, Special Clover – 36 years of service to McLean County Farm Bureau, including 21 as McLean County Fair manager working to make fair a great experience for 4-H members and an opportunity for the community to learn about agriculture.

Grant Basting, Emerald Clover – McLean County Fair Sheep Superintendent for 10 years, a Sheep Judge for Master Showmanship, and a volunteer for the McLean County Royalty contest.

The Golden Clover awards were presented by McLean County Farm Bureau President Brian Dirks and McLean County Farm Bureau Vice President Darren Davis on July 23 at the McLean County Fair.