WASHINGTON COURT HOUSE — The Fayette County Cattlemen’s Association will hold its annual banquet on Monday, Feb. 27 at the Mahan Building on the Fayette County Fairgrounds.

The social hour will begin at 6 p.m. with dinner served at 7 p.m. with a guest speaker and short program. The Fayette County Cattlefeeders were recently recognized as the Ohio Cattleman’s Association 2022 Affiliate of the Year. It will be a fun-filled night, according to Randy Miller with the Cattlemen’s Association.

The guest speaker will be the 26th President of the United States, Theodore Roosevelt, as portrayed by Josef Otmar. Otmar is a fifth-generation cabinetmaker, amateur historian, and pantomimist of Theodore Roosevelt.

Otmar was born in Australia and he does research on family history during the WWI period. He has three children that are currently serving in the United States military or are veterans. As a proud American, it is his great pleasure to share with you the life and times of one of the greatest presidents of the United States.

Besides being the youngest President at age 42, Roosevelt was a soldier, writer, conservationist, and cattle rancher. In 1884, Roosevelt established a cattle ranch north of Medora, North Dakota with the purchase of the Elkhorn Ranch for $14,000. Shortly thereafter, Roosevelt lost 60 percent of his cattle herd during the blizzard of 1886-1887, effectively ending his cattle endeavor. However, Elkhorn Ranch is permanently protected and is part of the Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Otmar will fascinate and entertain the crowd with stories of Roosevelt’s life, Miller said.

Several other items are scheduled, including the crowning of the 2023 Fayette County Beef Queen, the presentation of the Distinguished Cattlemen’s Award, and college scholarships to junior beef exhibitors. There will also be raffles for a Henry Repeating Arms .45-70 Rifle, Ruger America 350 Legend, and 50/50 cash drawing.

Additionally, youth who exhibited beef projects at the 2022 Fayette County Fair will be recognized at the banquet. All 2022 Fayette County Fair youth beef exhibitors will receive a check from the Fayette Cattlemen’s Association, recognizing their hard work at the county fair. Furthermore, all youth in attendance will be entered in a drawing for over $2,000 worth of door prizes, including a top-of-the-line Pro Air Blower, Andis Pulse Clippers and numerous other great door prizes provided by generous sponsors and the Fayette County Cattlemen’s Association.

The meal will feature smoked ribeye by “Smokin’ Joe’s,” with homemade side dishes and desserts by Rachel’s House Catering. All the proceeds go to support Fayette County youth participating in beef projects.

“We hope to see you at our banquet,” said Miller. “We are sure you will have a wonderful and entertaining evening with your family and friends. Please contact the Mahan Building for banquet tickets or any Fayette County Cattlemen member.”