Making his mark

Ed Machin has made an impact on the Jasper County Fair nobody can miss. From infrastructure to serving as a board member and helping his own children with their animals and projects, Machin is a well-deserving selection for the 4-H Hall of Fame.

“I didn’t see it coming,” Machin said. ‘I’ve done a lot of work there, though, and I enjoy doing it.”

From fourth grade through high school, Machin built his foundation in 4-H. He continued his passion for 4-H, FFA and the fair when his children were old enough to participate. The biggest step he took to ensure the future of the fair was becoming a Jasper County Fair board member.

As a board member, Machin, who lives in Newton, has used his knowledge of construction — his full-time job — to upgrade many building and systems throughout the grounds. From replacing concrete, installing a new public address system, upgrading the bath house, fixing waterlines and addressing electrical issues, Machin’s expertise is felt everywhere.

His biggest project to date is the new Geisler-Penquite Youth Learning Center. He had dreamed of building a new multi-use building on the fairgrounds and even when the funding didn’t come through as he had hoped, Machin was undeterred. Along with a few friends, Machin went door-to-door collecting donations and came back with 75 percent of the funds needed. The building didn’t quite make its debut at the 2025 fair, but requests to reserve the building are already coming in for when it is complete.

When the Geisler-Penquite Youth Learning Center opens, it will mark more than $600,000 worth of improvements Machin has been a part of at the Jasper County Fair.

“It’s what I do for a living,” Machin said. “It was a matter of coordinating all of the contractors.”

It isn’t just the big projects that Machin takes part in. Despite his busy work and life schedules, weeks before kids and animals descend upon the Colfax grounds, Machin can be found prepping the fair to make it the best it can be for the upcoming year. Likewise, once the fair is over, Machin makes sure it is ready for the upcoming winter season.

His passion has been passed on to his family who can often be seen helping on projects at the fair or helping anyone who needs assistance while at the fair or on a project. His daughter Ella was even selected as Jasper County Fair Princess for the 2025 fair.

“His unwavering support by sharing his time and talents and his countless hours spent have been vital to those who use and enjoy our fairgrounds,” the nominating committee said. “We are proud to induct Ed into the 4-H Hall of Fame.”