THE BALLOON MAN

Galva Lions visitor knows his way around fairs

Galva Lions Club member Lion Bill Cardiff (left), stands recently with Jim Kopel after Kopel told the club about his trips to all 50 state fairs in the U.S. Cardiff arranged Kopel’s appearance at the meeting.
Galva News, Dec 21, 2010
Galva, IL — The Galva Lions Club recently hosted an interesting guest – a man who’s visited the state fairs of all 50 U.S. states.
Jim Kopel of Moline, spoke about his unique accomplishment, travelling from Alaska to Florida and all states in between.
It took him 14 years to visit all 50 fairs, traveling about 80,000 miles and spending about $40,000. He has seen some interesting sights – such as a 90-pound cabbage in Alaska.
Mr Kopel and his wife, Harlene, attended 13 fairs before she became too ill to travel. After her death in 2004, he decided to see the remaining states as both a memorial to her and a challenge to himself. His second wife, Betty, now accompanies him on trips.