Bill Jordan has spent countless hours promoting the Meeker Range Call Celebration and the Rio Blanco County Fair for more than 26 years with a spirit of compassion and service. That’s why the Colorado Association of Fairs and Shows (CAFS) has recognized Bill Jordan as the seventh person appointed to their Hall of Fame in 2009, and as Fair Person of the Year in 2005. These are tremendous awards given to a man who has set himself apart locally and statewide among people in his field. Jordan has also served on the association’s board of directors as well as being a past board president.
By hallie bluntSpecial to the Herald TimesRBC I Bill Jordan has spent countless hours promoting the Meeker Range Call Celebration and the Rio Blanco County Fair for more than 26 years with a spirit of compassion and service. That’s why the Colorado Association of Fairs and Shows (CAFS) has recognized Bill Jordan as the seventh person appointed to their Hall of Fame in 2009, and as Fair Person of the Year in 2005. These are tremendous awards given to a man who has set himself apart locally and statewide among people in his field. Jordan has also served on the association’s board of directors as well as being a past board president.Bill Jordan was born and raised in Meeker. His parents ran the Rio Blanco Ranch beginning in 1936. Bill took over running the ranch and continued until 1983. He then began his current position as the fairgrounds manager and has consistently made Meeker a proud host for the traditional 4th of July activities and county fair. These events have become as synonymous with Meeker as cowboys and Jordan’s labor has helped make these events great. Dedicated to service to the community, Bill has served on the White River Electric Association Board for 22 years, the Meeker Cemetery District Board for 20 years and the Meeker Colorado Civic Improvement Corporation for 10 years. He was named citizen of the year by the Meeker Chamber in 2010 for his amazing contributions to the town and numerous volunteer services such as the Meeker Lions Club. He was also awarded the Friend to 4-H award, and rightfully so, as the county fair could not possibly run so smoothly without his tireless efforts.Anyone who has attended Range Call events or county fairs in Meeker has seen Bill at work, or at least seen the results of his work- whether it’s hauling chairs or panels or tending the grounds, the entire site is always ready by showtime and the work continues after dances and shows that go far past midnight. Bill is often the first person on site in the mornings and the last to leave in the evenings. When asked what he enjoys most about his job he said, ”The different people you meet and work with.” He has an amazing way of communicating with people of all ages and from both ends of the county. “I get along with all of them and enjoy working with both communities equally. It is fun to work with the entire county.” Jordan epitomizes the meaning of citizenship and community pride. His many awards are the tip of the iceberg in terms of appreciation for his efforts. He says he will retire from his position, ”When he plays out.”Hopefully that won’t happen for another 25 years. His wife Debbie certainly knows the time he has given to his career and appreciates his hard work. He has served Meeker and Rio Blanco County in so many ways that thank you seems to fall short of what he deserves. Perhaps citizen of the quarter-century seems appropriate.(CFAS is a voluntary, non-profit, service agency organized in 1967 to organize county fairs and associations into one large association to improve the fair industry and allied fields. The primary purpose is to promote fairs, shows and similar events, to assist fair boards, commissions and other members in providing social activities and entertainment for the people in communities where events are held, to help promote agriculture and industrial products and to aid in promoting and sponsoring various types of entertainment and recreational events.)
