This year’s fair theme focuses on the roots and traditions of the Merced County Spring Fair, and the new grand marshal has roots that run deep. The Merced County Spring Fair Board has appointed Hans Younce as this year’s grand marshal.
Younce has been a supporter of the Merced County Spring Fair for many years. In his role at the Morning Star Company, he often represents the company in his involvement with the fair and the Los Banos community.
As a Dos Palos native, he has looked forward to the fair every year since he was a kid. Growing up, he was involved in 4-H and Future Farmers of America (FFA). His years of first-hand experience in these organizations give him insight into the work kids put into raising livestock.
His biggest role during the fair as a Morning Star representative is supporting the work of 4-H and FFA youth. Younce said, “My biggest role there is supporting a lot of kids in their animal projects and at the auction. And in a big way.”
Younce is a familiar face in the community. In preparation for the fair, kids send him letters, encouraging him to watch them show their animals on auction day.
Younce’s favorite aspects of the fair include seeing how the community comes together to support each other and the strong emphasis on keeping the fairgrounds safe.
“I like seeing the different law enforcement walking around. Makes you feel safe, and it’s just good to say hi to people. It’s the safest place you’ll ever go,” he said.
Younce’s involvement in the fair goes beyond showing livestock as a kid and supporting the FFA and 4-H youth. Throughout the years, he has continued to stay involved by participating in the annual fair parade.
For 15 years, he participated in the parade as “Hans, the Magic Clown.” He donned a clown costume and makeup, all while riding a unicycle and juggling.
This participation did not stop at just Younce. He made it a family affair. His daughters and wife joined in on the community spirit. “Soon, we were clowns on wheels, and that was fun,” he said.
Representing the Morning Star Company during the fair brings Younce a sense of pride. Knowing that he is helping people and giving back to the community is something he enjoys.
A focus of the Morning Star Company’s donations to the community includes building marquees for local schools.
Younce feels it is important for local businesses to be involved in community events because it is good for the business and good to give back to the community.
“Nobody has to, but it’s nice to give back to the community for them supporting you. There’s a lot of different ways you can do that.”
As grand marshal, he will assist in leading a celebration that embodies the community spirit the fair brings to Merced County.
