After 22 years at the helm of the Pennsylvania State Showmen’s Association, Beverly Gruber, who retired in 2020, was honored for her longtime dedication at the annual Showmen’s banquet on Jan. 21 in Hershey.

The PSSA is an organization working to keep the outdoor amusement industry alive and strong.

PSSA is an association of 550 members who represent food concessionaires, carnival owners, ride and game operators, county fairs and entertainers.

Mary Ott, executive secretary of the association commented on Gruber’s honor.

“We were happy to be able to get together in person to honor Bev’s contributions, friendship and support over the years,” Ott said.

Through Gruber’s tenure with PSSA, she was instrumental in securing space for the merry-go-round at the Pennsylvania Farm Show.”

The money raised from the ride is donated to the Farm Show Scholarship and the PSSA Scholarship Funds for annual scholarship awards.

Gruber, who currently serves as the chairwoman and chief executive officer of the Lehigh County Agricultural Society, the owner and operator of The Great Allentown Fair, commented on receiving the award.

“It was a real pleasure to work with the PSSA all those years,” Gruber said. “The membership is very diverse but always comes together for the common good of all.

“I have made many lifelong friends over the years and have many memories that I cherish.”