Honoring Glen Florence, the Heart Behind a Beloved Tradition

CELINA, OH (8-10-25) — The 27th Annual Pie Auction at the Mercer County Fair will take place on Sunday, August 10, continuing a heartfelt tradition that has made a lasting impact on the fairgrounds—and the community that surrounds it. This year’s event will honor the memory and legacy of Glen Florence, who started the auction and dedicated decades to the betterment of the fairgrounds.

The event kicked off with a peach pie baking contest. Then, at 5:00 PM, the excitement begins as the Pie Auction opens to bidders and donors. Pies will be auctioned off to the highest bidder, with all proceeds benefiting improvements to the Mercer County Fairgrounds.

Since 2016, the auction has raised $179,332.50, funding a wide range of improvements that Glen Florence championed—projects like upgraded stone, renovated milking parlor, fairground beautification with trees, manure pit improvements, concrete flooring in the rabbit and poultry barns, no lighting in livestock barns, Cornerstone Chapel, new horse stalls, and updated livestock wash racks.

Glen Florence, who passed away in January, was the driving force behind the auction’s creation and growth. His vision, passion, and unwavering commitment have left a permanent mark on the fairgrounds and on all who knew him. This year’s auction will be held in his honor—a small tribute to a man whose contributions were anything but small.

As the tradition continues, we are welcoming Ryan Fennig as the new chairman of the Pie Auction. While the torch has been passed, Glen’s legacy will continue to guide the purpose and heart behind this event.

Glen Florence love for the fair and his desire to make it better for future generations is evident in every barn, path, and project his efforts helped bring to life. The pie auction is one of the most meaningful events at the fair, and this year, it carries even more significance.

Local businesses and individuals are encouraged to attend, donate, and bid generously. Every pie sold helps build a better future for the fairgrounds—just as Glen envisioned.

For more information or a full schedule of fair events, visit www.MercerCountyOhioFair.com.