FAIR DEDICATION
THE 2023 HEBRON HARVEST FAIR IS DEDICATED TO
Michael “mike” tarbell
Michael “Mike” Tarbell was known by many names by the Hebron Lions and all that knew him. Some called him Big Daddy Mike, Magic Mike, Tardy Bell or just Mike Tarbell. Mike grew up in Hebron, so it was no surprise that the Hebron Lions Club and the Hebron Harvest Fair were special to him. It wasn’t until March 2011 that he finally decided to become a Hebron Lion, and it was at that time that the club truly realized what they gained with his membership. Mike was a dedicated Hebron Lion and Hebron Harvest Fair Superintendent for multiple years, (he would tell you under duress, however, all that knew him, knew he loved it). For most members, the term served as the Fair Superintendent is 2 years, however, for Mike, his term lasted 4 years and then after a couple of years off, Mike came back as Fair Superintendent for the 5th year. One of his most heard phrases during the fair planning was that “the current year’s fair needed to be great and have a WOW factor” to bring fans back the next year. Under his guidance, the Hebron Lions always succeeded in having great Fairs providing all that attended unforgettable memories and helping to put the Hebron Harvest Fair on the map as one of Connecticut’s Best Fairs. However, Mike, being a humble person, would tell all who asked that the secret to the fair’s success and all the praise should go to the other Lions that were there to help.
There was so much more to the man known as Mike Tarbell than being a repeat Fair Superintendent, as his knowledge and reach throughout the club extended so much more beyond that role at the Hebron Lions Club. Mike took great pride in the upkeep of the Hebron Lions Fairgrounds, to him, the grounds took priority over the club meetings. Mike would commonly stroll in late to the Hebron Lions meetings after tending to the grounds upkeep, it was because of this behavior that earned him the nickname within the club as Mike “Tardy Bell”. The Hebron Lions Fairground was a second home to Mike, if you were on the grounds, you would find him working his magic in the loader, skid steer, or in maintenance fixing lawn mowers or golf carts. It was truly amazing how much Mike did behind the scenes, sometimes without anyone knowing or asking and without expecting or wanting any praise for the work that he had done.
Occasionally, there would be times when there was a need to go off the fairgrounds with Mike, Mike was never one to be considered as outspoken or extremely extroverted, but somehow, this man of few words was so known and loved by the public and it always showed by how many people would stop and talk with him. Mike was deep rooted in the town of Hebron and served on several town committees and because of this, he knew so many of the residents in town. His professional job also brought him in touch with many of the town employees, which helped him fill in as the Hebron Lions liaison with the town officials and businesses in town. His kind manner and knowledge of the town was a true asset to the Hebron Lions as well as the town. Many members believe that his wanting to hold the “best fair” each year was his way to give back to his hometown.
Aside by being loved and respected by his peers and fellow Lions Member, he was also loved by the children of the club members. He always took the kids under his wing and would be like the fairgrounds “grandpa figure”. If there were children around, Mike seemed to shine as he loved talking with kids, taking them on golfcart rides and showing them ways that they could help with the cleanup of the grounds from how to seed to the importance of helping to pick up the sticks and rocks so that the mowers don’t break. His inclusion of the kids of the Lion Club’s Members was one of the biggest reasons that the kids loved and respected Mike and always looked for him when they were on the fairgrounds.
Mike was the person that was always willing to help, and always the first to thank others. He also managed to always somehow be the one that made others laugh, whether it be something he said or the infamous searches for the fair superintendent golf cart. There are so many fond memories that club members shared with Mike, and if you asked, you would be told that he is greatly missed by the Hebron Lions family and all that knew him.
It is with great honor that the Hebron Lions present Mike Tarbell with this final recognition as the 2023 Hebron Harvest Fair Dedication Recipient and making this year’s fair better than last year in his honor!
