Zane Copas, who showed a market pen of rabbits at the 2022 Richwood Independent Fair, surprised Auctioneer Johnny Regula, Fair President Cody Johnston and the crowd of buyers at the livestock sale with the decision to donate all proceeds from his sale to the senior fair board to build an ADA-compliant ramp at the Richwood Fairgrounds. He raised $10,000 for the project, and buyers also contributed another $14,000 to him and his family.
(Journal-Tribune photo by Ally Lanasa)
—
An unforgettable moment took place at the 130th Richwood Independent Fair Livestock Sale on Monday as roughly 85 bidders donated a total of $10,000 to support a junior fair exhibitor’s project.
As Zane Copas entered the show arena to sell his market rabbits, Auctioneer Johnny Regula announced that he would donate all the proceeds from the sale to the senior fair board for the construction of an ADA-compliant ramp at the grandstands at the Richwood Fairgrounds. Copas, who uses a wheelchair, has a mission to make the fairgrounds more accessible for himself and others.
“Virtually everyone that was there wanted to be a part of it,” Regula said in an interview on Tuesday.
Regula added that “this is something that is going to benefit this community.”
Cody Johnston, president of the Richwood Independent Fair and record keeper of the sale, said on Tuesday that typically with his involvement in the fair there are no surprises, but “that one had me completely blind.”
“I didn’t know anything about the ramp until yesterday,” Johnston said Tuesday.
Regula shared that “this thing was totally out of the blue” and was handed a letter with the announcement during the auction.
“That’s what makes it special,” he said.
Johnston added regretfully that an ADA-compliant ramp “wasn’t even on our radar” until Copas’ proposal, but he said it is a necessary addition to the fairgrounds. He explained that the senior fair board will meet to discuss the project.
“Zane made us look through his eyes,” Regula said. “He made us realize we take things for granted sometimes.”
During the sale, Brandon Nace from Nutrien Ag suggested the auctioneer sell Copas’ animals again. Copas remained in the arena, as Regula said, “We just built a ramp. Let’s sell this animal now, for him.”
Nutrien Ag, Bahan Farms and Excavating, Honda Marysville and Craig Moran Construction contributed another $14,000 to support Copas’ family.
“We have seen something special here,” Regula said during the sale.
The generosity of the community brought tears to fairgoers’ eyes as they applauded.
“I wish I could say that I was surprised, but it’s normal,” Johnston said. “It’s all about the kids.”
He said every year there is a similar gesture to support the exhibitors or the fairgrounds but “never to the magnitude that a kid donated 100% of the proceeds.”
Regula said he was more proud to sell Copas’ project than to sell the $225,000 grand champion steer at this year’s Ohio State Fair because of “what that moment meant for the community.”
With a decades-long career, Regula said he has been fortunate to see the giving nature of local businesses at many auctions.
“This experience helped me lead the crowd of buyers who were there to what happened,” he said.
He added that he is “very proud of this community.”
Johnston said the 2022 livestock sale was a record breaking sale, raising $383,000. Last year’s sale raised $340,000. Honda Marysville remains the No. 1 buyer at the fair.
“Richwood has always been such a giving and gracious community,” Regula said.
He explained that the generosity of the community is never a surprise but “you never know when it’s going to happen or why it’s going to happen.”
Money continues to pour in, as Regula said he has been receiving calls from individuals who want to contribute to the cause but were unable to attend the fair.
“I don’t think this is over by a long shot,” he said. “That’s what really makes the hair stand up on your arm.”
Regula, who has been auctioneering the Richwood Independent Fair Livestock Sale since 1979, said “you go for those experiences.”
Johnston agreed, saying, “there’s always something special about our fair.”