Robert Blalock named Distinguished Citizen of the Year at Manatee County Fair luncheon
By CARL MARIO NUDI
Distinguished Citizen of the Year recipient Robert Blalock poses with his family for media photos. Sitting next to Blalock is his wife, Marlene. Standing behind him, from left, are his grandson, R.G. Sherrill, 15; daughter, Dannie Sherrill; his grandson, Charlie Sherrill, 13; and his son-in-law, Gardner Sherrill.
CARL MARIO NUDI PHOTOS
Life-long county resident and Bradenton attorney Robert G. Blalock was named Manatee County Distinguished Citizen of the Year at a Jan. 12 luncheon on the Manatee County fairgrounds in Palmetto.
In announcing Blalock as the recipient of the award, attorney Janelle Esposito, of the Esposito Law Group, said there was no better way to open the 101st Manatee County Fair festivities than honoring an outstanding citizen. The law firm was one of the sponsors of the luncheon and award program.
Palmetto Mayor Shirley Groover Bryant, an emeritus director of the Manatee River Fair Association, organizers of the program, said this was the 62nd citizen of the year award handed out.
Bryant said the recipients are chosen based on their actions as a role model and their longtime commitment to the community.
Most of the community and the recipient were kept in suspense until the announcement was made to the crowd of more than 200.
The merry-go-round is always a popular ride for children and adults at the Manatee County Fair.
“I was in shock,” said Blalock. “I thought I was coming to see Charlie (his grandson) get an arts award.”
“I got a little suspicious as the program went on and no one mentioned anything about art awards,” said the 78 year old.
The audience remained standing and continued to applaud with great enthusiasm as Blalock made his way up to the stage to receive a framed certificate.
“I want to thank you,” he said from the podium. “My grandfather was active in the Manatee River Fair Association.
“You wouldn’t think I was that old,” Blalock said, as laughter rose from the gathering of well-wishers and county leaders in the audience.
Blalock, a principal attorney with the Blalock Walters, P.A., law firm, said he would proudly display the award in his downtown Bradenton office.
With his wife, Marlene, at his side, and his daughter, Dannie Sherrill, her husband Gardner, and their two sons, R.G., 15, and Charlie, 13, standing behind them during photos, friends gathered to congratulate Robert Blalock.
Robert and Marlene Blalock also have a son, Alexander.
Dannie Sherrill said it was wonderful her father was recognized for his activism in the community.
“I think it’s well deserved,” Sherrill said. “He’s always been a role model to me, and a great role model for his grandchildren in serving the community.”
Blalock has served on the board and was an officer of several community organizations, including the Manatee Community Foundation, Manatee Players, Sarasota Orchestra, The Ringling Museum and the United Way of Manatee County.
He was a former trustee and former vice chair of New College of Florida Foundation and vice president of the Bishop Animal Shelter.
Because of his lifelong community activism, Blalock has previously received several other awards of recognition, including the Manatee Community Foundation Lifetime Spirit Award and the Manatee County Bar Association Community Service Award.
A graduate of Princeton University in New Jersey, and the University of Florida Levin College of Law, Blalock has served as president of the Manatee County Bar Association and was chair of the Manatee Chamber of Commerce.
The Manatee County Distinguished Citizen Award, an annual event since 1956, has been where the Manatee River Fair Association recognizes an individual who has made highly commendable contributions to the county through volunteer community service.
Although the fairgrounds were not opened to the public until 5 p.m. Jan. 12, many fair events took place earlier.
Manatee River Fair Association Director Daniel West said before the fair started that he hoped for big crowds this year.
“With the wonderful weather expected, everyone will have a safe and fun time,” West said.
The Manatee River Fair Association was the organization producing the fair.
Rebekah Bennett, of Parrish, won the first place showmanship blue ribbon in the Junior Class for her 282-pound swine, Destiny, at the Manatee County Fair.
Other fair events included the swine judging:
The swine showmanship judging was held on Jan. 10 and a Yorkshire-Hampshire mixed breed named Destiny took the first-place blue ribbon in the Junior Class, made up of 8 to 10 year olds.
Rebekah Bennett, of Parrish, has been raising the 282-pound pig since September.
“She was only 80 pounds when I got her,” Bennett said.
Bennett, whose family owns a ranch in Parrish that raises steers, was grand champion at last year’s fair.
“It’s fun to have the experience,” she said, “and I also learn how to be responsible, because I have to do all the feeding and grooming.”
The fair continues until Sunday, Jan. 22.
For more information, visit www.manateecountyfair.com.
Sue McGonegal, supervisor of the rabbit barn, left, and Samantha Taylor, an assistant, pose with an English Angora raised by Jacob Cole. More than 20 different breeds are being shown at the Manatee County Fair this year.
Giant stuffed animals are waiting to be won at one of the many games at the Manatee County Fair.
