COEUR d’ALENE — Merry Ruth Dingman knows a thing or two about "keeping tradition alive."

Though she began working in the Fair Office in 1984, the Coeur d’Alene native’s earliest memories of the North Idaho State Fair are rooted in childhood, when her parents were 4-H leaders.

“In those days, (the fair) was small enough that we could just run free,” Dingman recalled with a smile. “As a little kid, I could run up the grandstand and see the whole fairgrounds.”

It was her sister that got her the job in the Fair Office. When her sister passed away in 1996, Dingman took over her many duties that would become tradition, including organizing events like Tuesday's Mayor’s Chocolate Contest and the Commissioner’s Apple Pie Contest.

Nearly 30 years later, Dingman carries out those duties with pride — and not without emotion as she remembers her sister.  

“Fair time is always a little hard for me,” the 70-year-old admitted.  

Even so, Dingman works year-round to continue the traditions that make the Kootenai County Fairgrounds, and the North Idaho State Fair, special. 

Dingman and her husband, Kenny, start preparations in May by planting colorful flowers in the grounds’ many flowerbeds — part of Dingman’s landscaping work on the grounds that she picked up in 1986.  

The flowers are a labor of love, with the couple watering them every morning.  

“She and her husband are out here watering at 5 a.m. every day,” said Jerry Johnson, fair board chairman. “People like her are what make the fair successful.” 

Because of Dingman’s efforts, traditions like the chocolate and apple pie contest have remained even as the fair has seen dramatic growth over the years.  

“Seeing all the people, the fun that’s here always brings me back,” Dingman said.  

Like Johnson, General Manager Alexcia Jordan believes Dingman’s dedication is instrumental to the fair’s success.  

“She’s one of those irreplaceable volunteers,” Jordan said.  

Of course, Dingman won’t take the credit.  

“There’s all kinds of community involvement that keeps this going,” Dingman said. 

    Merry Ruth Dingman chats with Joseph Denning of the Kootenai County Sheriff's Office as she sets up the Mayor's Chocolate Contest on Tuesday.