After 17 years of blue ribbons, farm animals, and concessions stands at Superior County Fairs, Mineral County’s seemingly permanent fixture, Sharon Patterson, is leaving.

Not only is Patterson leaving behind the county fair, economic development, and noxious weeds, she’s also saying goodbye to hundreds of bright, enthusiastic 4-H kids, whom she’s worked with over the years.

Patterson will retire as of December 18.

“You know when it’s time, you just feel it in your bones,” she said about her departure.  

She said that she’s learned so much over the years, and working with Dave Brink, and Kevin Chamberlain, both Mineral County Extension Agents, has been a real joy.

Highlights of her career included working with the kids and their parents. As well as with people who wanted to start new businesses, while at the Mineral County MSU Extension and Mineral County Weed District’s office in Superior.  

Along with husband, Bernard, Patterson plans on traveling and spending more time with her five grandchildren who live in Virginia, Texas and Missoula.  

Emily Parks, of St. Regis, will be taking the helm in December.  Parks managed Jaspers Restaurant for five years before accepting the Administrative Support position with the extension office.  

“This is something new,” said Parks, “I’m very excited to be here.”

There will be an open house and retirement party at the Mineral County Extension Office, located at 301 Second Avenue East in Superior on December 18 from 11 to 4 p.m. where Patterson will pass the ‘torch’...make that ‘blue ribbon’...to Parks.