Norma Kennedy Honored with Manatee County Distinguished Citizen Award
Norma Kennedy, a longtime community leader and advocate, has been named a recipient of the Manatee County Distinguished Citizen Award, recognizing her decades of service and unwavering dedication to Parrish and the greater Manatee County community.
Kennedy has long been a familiar and respected presence throughout the community, known for her leadership, volunteerism, and steadfast commitment to civic engagement. Her dedication to youth, families, and community-building initiatives has strengthened local organizations and left a lasting, positive impact across generations in Parrish and throughout Manatee County.
The Distinguished Citizen Award is one of the highest honors associated with the Manatee County Fair, presented annually to individuals who exemplify outstanding service, integrity, and dedication to the community. Recipients are selected for their meaningful contributions to improving the quality of life in Manatee County and for embodying the spirit of volunteerism that the fair itself was founded upon.
The Manatee County Fair traces its roots back to 1912, when local agricultural leaders organized the county’s first fair to showcase farming, livestock, and homemaking skills vital to the region’s economy. Over the decades, the fair evolved from a small agricultural exhibition into a signature countywide event held each January in Palmetto, blending education, entertainment, youth competitions, and community pride. Today, it remains one of Florida’s longest-running fairs and continues to emphasize agriculture, youth development through 4-H and FFA programs, and family-friendly traditions.
Kennedy’s recognition reflects not only her personal contributions but also the fair's broader mission to celebrate service, leadership, and community values.
Community members and fair supporters alike have praised Kennedy for her tireless efforts, steady leadership, and genuine care for the people of Parrish and Manatee County. Her selection as a Distinguished Citizen underscores the profound difference one dedicated individual can make through years of service and commitment to the community.
The County Fair will open on Thursday, January 15th at 5:00 p.m. at the Manatee County Fairgrounds in Palmetto. Opening night features free gate admission thanks to Palmetto Build and Detwiler’s Farm Market. Guests are encouraged to bring a canned good to support The Food Bank of Manatee.
Really appreciate coverage like this that zooms in on the people who actually build community fabric over decades. Kennedy's trajectory from youth programs to broader civic engagement illustrates how local impact compounds in ways that flashier interventions never quite match. The fair's historical throughline from 1912 agricultural roots to todya's broader mission adds extra weight to the award itself.