MEEKER | When it comes to a local legend in the town of Meeker, Colorado, no one stands out quite like Ed Coryell. Coryell recently made the difficult decision to step down from the Rio Blanco County Fair Board after the most recent fair. He has served on the board for the past 48 years and has always done it with a smile on his face.
Coryell has been a fixture in Meeker since the spring of 1973. “I was working for Bart Strang in Carbondale and came over here in the spring of 1973, and I’ve been here ever since,” he said.
During his time in Meeker, Coryell has contributed to the community in countless ways. He served on the Meeker School Board of Education, officiated many athletic events, worked on the ditch board, and was a longtime branding inspector. However, he is perhaps best known as the voice of the Rio Blanco County Fair.
Reflecting on his involvement in 4-H, Coryell said, “I was involved in 4-H in Carbondale. I’ve always enjoyed it, and I got a chance to get on the board over here 48 years ago and have been there ever since.”
When asked about his motivation for serving on the board for nearly five decades, Coryell said, “I just enjoyed working, especially with the kids. I always tried to do what was best for them, if I could help them along the way or whatever. I always enjoyed doing that.”
Coryell also spoke about the changes he has witnessed over the years. “A lot of things have changed, but still, in my opinion, the important thing is we still got the kids involved and tried to help them all you can,” he said.
Coryell, who has never used technology in his work with the fair, highlighted this during the interview, saying, “These last 48 years that I’ve been doing this, we’ve never used any technology. I’ve always used paper and a No. 2 pencil.”
Discussing the challenges of organizing a public event like the Rio Blanco County Fair, Coryell acknowledged, “Well, there’s always been a few questions, very, very few from the kids, the 4-H people. Parents get involved, so there are a few challenges there.”
“But we managed to try to visit with them and talk things out even if we don’t always agree. We feel we come up with a pretty good understanding,” Coryell added.
Having served on the fair board since 1977, Coryell has many fond memories. “There’s been a lot of them—watching all the little kids do well. When they get a ribbon or an award, why, the look on their face is worth a bunch to me,” he said.
Coryell’s impact on the community extends beyond his role at the fair. Fellow board member Clint Shults praised Coryell, saying, “There is no bigger heart and the generosity for his time and his sincere example that he has set for being sincerely on the kids’ side on anything from athletics to this fair is unprecedented and unmatched.”
Former Fair Board President Quentin Smith also expressed his admiration for Coryell. “Ed’s dedication and desire to watch the youth of Rio Blanco County’s 4H and FFA programs succeed drove his many years of dedication to the count,” Smith said.
“You can bet those decisions made within the board Ed was always at bat and could be heard saying in any discussion, “What’s best for the kids!”” continued Smith.
As someone who has been a significant influence in the community, Coryell offered some advice to the youth of Meeker. “Stay involved, whether it’s 4-H, playing ball, or whatever activities you enjoy doing. As you well know, anymore, the little kids could be doing a lot worse things than participating in 4-H or playing athletics,” Coryell said.
Ed Coryell at the Meeker Cafe on Aug. 6, 2024. “Once a week me and my wife Bonnie come have lunch at the Meeker Cafe with our kids and grandkids to catch up and see how they are doing,” Coryell said. JARED HENDERSON Photo
By Jared Henderson