Nominated for City Newspaper’s ‘Best of Rochester’ 2021 “Best Local Author”
Inducted into the Hall of Fame at the New York State Association of Agricultural Fairs' Convention
“I am a fair junkie. Wherever I go, I’m constantly on the alert for the smell of sausage, peppers, and onions. ”
Frances I. Tepper
In 1992 Fran embarked on a career that would become her passion for the next twenty years: executive director of the Monroe County Fair and manager of the Fair Association’s events center. During that time she published many columns and essays in local newspapers—and in the fair industry publication Fairs and Expos—about the life of the fair, writing with her trademark candor, insight, and humor. She was eventually elected president of the New York State Association of Agricultural Fairs as well as president of the Henrietta Chamber of Commerce, which even named her Business Person of the Year in 2000. Fran retired after twenty years, but “fair fever” is still in her blood, and she can detect the aroma of fried dough from blocks away.
PRAISE FOR FAIR LADY
“Fran was a pioneer and role model for female fair executives in an industry dominated by males in the 90s.”
–Robert W. Johnson, Retired President & CEO, Outdoor Amusement Business Association
“The mixture of humor and hardship is a good reminder to focus on the goals rather than trying to please others.”
–Edward T Rossley, 1st Vice President, NYS Association of Agricultural Fairs, Inc.
“Fair Lady is a laugh-out-loud read highlighting some of the unique and sometimes crazy situations that fair managers face.”
–Margaret O’Neill, former Monroe County 4-H Program Leader
When Frances Tepper, a mother of three and former 4-H leader, precipitously became executive director of the Monroe County Fair and Recreation Association in 1992, there were few women in what was traditionally a “good ole boys” network. Despite the obstacles stacked against her, she held the position for twenty years before she retired in 2012. With humor, candor, and lots of teachable moments, this memoir tells the true story of how Fran, starting as a bewildered novice, grew what was once called “an embarrassment to the industry” into one of the most innovative fairs in New York State.
