The Kobobel Family is honored to be selected as the 2024 Fair Family of the year.
Bill and Margaret have been married for 60 years and have lived in the Longmont area their entire married life on the family farm east of Longmont. Bill was born in Greeley and grew up on his third-generation family farm in eastern Colorado. He and his family raised sugar beets, grain and potatoes as well as livestock. Bill showed cattle and hogs growing up and loved to participate in local rodeos. Margaret was born in Providence Rhode Island then moved to Denver as a child. She quickly adapted to farm life and love for the livestock and supporting the community. Bill and Margaret have one daughter, Jenea. Her husband John their children Devin and Alexzandria (Alex) continue to be involved in the Boulder County Fair today.
Bill attended Colorado State University before working for Goldens then Flatiron Paving beginning his career in the construction and paving industry. In 1992 he opened Idaho Creek Gravel Company. Margaret began her successful real estate career and has been selling Real Estate along the front range for over 50 years. When Jenea was 8 years old, she became a member of Rinn Valley Livestock and Pleasant View Sheep keepers 4-H clubs, raising cattle and sheep. Jenea held various offices in each club during her 4-H career. Jenea was a member of the Boulder County Wool Judging team who went on to judge wool at the national level in Texas. During her 4-H career, Jenea exhibited her projects at Local, State and National arenas.
Bill served on the Boulder County Junior Livestock Sale Committee. The family hosted the Boulder County beef weigh in/tag at the family farm for 12 years. While Jenea was in 4-H the family held sheep workshops at the farm, and parties and events for the 4-H club members and their families. The family made so many friends through 4-H, all lasting relationships that still exist today. Bill would often transport livestock to various shows for members of the 4-H club. The first year Jenea showed at Boulder County Fair was the last year the fair was held at Roosevelt Park. Bill was instrumental in working on the new fairgrounds project through his job.
Alexzandria began showing cattle when she was 8 years old and was a member of Hooves and Chutes and held various offices over the years. Alex had a rewarding show career at the Boulder County Fair with Grand Champion and Reserve Market Beef, Grand Champion and Reserve Breeding Beef. She also was awarded Reserve Champion Market Beef at the NILE in Billings Montana. She has exhibited her cattle at the local, state and National level. Alex graduated from University of Northern Colorado with a biology degree in 2022. Alex announces and organizes the beef show at the fair and assists Ronda Weber (Jenea’s best friend) who serves as the hog superintendent with the hog show. Alex also works the Boulder County Junior Livestock Sale every year. She enjoys giving back to the Fair and has fond memories of her years showing at the Boulder County Fair.
The family continues to support the fair. John and Jenea volunteer their time and are on the Boulder County Junior Livestock Sale Committee. Jenea has volunteered as the Beef Superintendent for the past 5 years, with the help of John, Alex and Ronda. She loves working with young people, watching them learn and succeed. John and Alex enjoy assisting in clipping and fitting cattle and assisting exhibitors with their projects. John is always willing to pitch in and help—especially with anything to do with cattle. Bill and Margaret continue to support the Market Sale each year.
Raising and showing livestock has always been a family affair and a very rewarding part of their lives. They continue to raise cattle on their farm and exhibit cattle at various shows.