There’s a new head honcho for the Carbon County Fair.

Her name is Malinda Fox, and her mission is to preserve the legacy that her father, Robert Silliman, built through years of hard work and dedicated service.

Fox, who took over as president of the Carbon County Fair on Oct. 1, was named to succeed Silliman, who earlier this year wrapped up his 21-year run as the head of the table.

“I was very excited to be elected into this role and take the reins from my father,” Fox said. “I’m hoping to (bring) some fresh new ideas to the table and see through his plans.”

From volunteer to leader

A graduate of Palmerton Area School District, Fox said she literally grew up at the fair, which was first held on the fairgrounds in Lower Towamensing Township back in 1999.

“I’ve been volunteering here since its beginning, doing any tasks I could to help the cause,” she said. “I always helped here at the fairgrounds with my dad.”

Most recently, Fox served as the chairwoman for the chance auction for the past 10 years.

Fox, of Lehighton, is associated with the Palmerton Lions Club and saw firsthand how the group helped her sister, Susan Lichtenfels, many years ago.

“She had many obstacles throughout her childhood due to her visual impairment. The Palmerton Lions Club was able to assist her with funding for vision equipment she needed and also camp for the blind,” she said.

“My family has been very grateful for the Lions’ kindness, and thought we could become involved and assist others the way we were once helped; thus, started our passion for volunteering and giving back to our community.”

Fox stressed the importance of community service, and added she would like to see more youth get involved and volunteer.

Like father, like daughter

Fox said Silliman will work with her to ensure her transition goes smoothly.

“He’ll be guiding me the whole way,” she said.

Much like her father, Fox said she’s eager to eventually get onto the new fairgrounds.

She said the new fairgrounds has been subdivided to prepare for development.

“We plan to apply for permits this winter to start the development process,” she said. “As it may not be feasible to be on the new property for the 2022 Carbon County Fair, we hope to be there for 2023.”