Austin County Fair announces Carolyn Balke as Grand Marshal for 2025 fair parade

Carolyn Balke is a fifth-generation Austin County resident who was raised on her family's farm in Bleiblerville. As a student at Welcome School, she joined 4-H, where she was introduced to sewing and baking. These experiences led to her exhibiting at the Austin County Fair and competing in dress reviews. At Bellville High School, she broad-ened her knowledge in Home Economics classes and defined her leadership skills as an officer in Future Homemakers of America. She obtained an Associate's Degree in Business from Blinn College in Brenham, while working at Germania Insurance. Balke served the congregation of Nelsonville Brethren Church as a Sunday School teacher and pianist throughout her teenage years. Balke has been married to her best friend, James, for 58 years. They began their married life while James was serving four years in the U.S. Navy. During this time, their first daughter, Kelly Beth, was born at NAS Memphis, Tenn. In 1972, they established a home in Waco where their second daughter, Susan Anniece, was born. While living in Waco, she opened a craft consignment shop with her friend and participated in weekend craft shows. After returning to Bleiblerville in 1991, she became active in the Bleiblerville Extension Education Club. She has been elected to numerous officer positions in the Bleiblerville EE Club as well as the EE Association of Austin County. She was honored with the District 11 EE Association Texas Treasure Award in 2017 for her outstanding community service and leadership. Balke was the Postmaster Relief in the Bleiblerville Post Office, where she enjoyed helping her neighbors for 21 years. In the spring of 2003, she received a phone call from Mary Ann Inglish asking her to consider accepting the position of Austin Country Fair Country Store Chairman. With the encouragement of the then-president Harold Luhn, she accepted the position and she was elected to the Board of Directors. As chairman of the country store, Balke was fortunate to have a group of dedicated committee members and exhibitors who worked together to expand the variety of quality handcrafted items, canned foods-and baked goods. She co-chaired the Extension Education Department, along with serving as Expo Building Superintendent. She was a member of the Memorial Dedication Committee as well as organized the dessert auction at the annual Shrimp Boil. One of the contributions she is most proud of is helping to establish Senior Citizens Day at the fair. This event honors the people in our community who have been volunteers and supporters of the fair for decades. Balke enjoyed serving on the fair board and helping the youth and adults of Austin County for over 20 years.