Poppe’s to lead parade as Grand Marshals
By Samantha Goff
Grant Tribune-Sentinel
Kevin and Monica Poppe have been named Grand Marshals of the 2025 Perkins County Fair, honoring decades of dedication to their community, family roots, and tireless service.
The Poppes are lifelong residents of Perkins County, deeply intertwined with its agricultural heritage and community life. Kevin traces his family’s presence in the area back generations.
“My great-grandfather Fred Poppy bought farmland west of Grant, and my grandfather Otto moved here to farm it,” Kevin said. “I was raised on the home site north of Brandon. After my father Lawrence passed when I was 13, I worked on the family farm with my uncles and at Wendell’s Fertilizer.”
Kevin later began a 43-year career with Great Plains Communications, serving the last 24 years in management.
Monica, born and raised in Perkins County, shares a similar story of deep local roots and community commitment.
“I graduated in 1979, married Kevin, and we raised our girls here. We love our community,” she said. “Out of high school, I became a business owner, and Kevin and I built Country Gardens Greenhouse. I’ve also worked at the school, First Insight Eyecare, and as a caregiver.”
When asked what keeps them in Perkins County, both point to the people and the land.
“It’s the wide open spaces and the rural ag environment that few people get to live in these days,” Kevin said.
“I love the people and their pride in the community,” Monica added. “I’ve been here 63 years, and I still feel it every day.”
Their nomination as Grand Marshals came as a surprise.
“I must be getting old—seems like all the good ones have already been nominated,” Kevin joked.
Monica admitted, “I immediately said no, there are so many more deserving! But reading the nomination letters, I felt deeply humbled and grateful.”
Asked what may have inspired the nomination, both pointed to their lifelong commitment to improving the community and helping others.
“I believe it is the culture in this area that is characterized by a competitive environment where individuals aim to achieve positive outcomes for their families and communities,” Kevin said.
“It’s about showing pride and caring about future generations,” Monica added.
The honor, both agree, is meaningful because it comes from the people of Perkins County.
“It’s humbling,” Kevin said. “There are so many deserving difference-makers here. Like the country song says, ‘Back in Perkins County, I’ve got some famous friends you’ve probably never heard of.’”
“It’s heartwarming,” Monica said. “And truly an honor.”
Over the years, the Poppes have given back in many ways. Kevin has served with the Jaycees, Perkins County Chamber of Commerce (including as president), Pheasant Run Golf Course board, Southwest Nebraska Community Betterment Corporation, and the City of Grant Economic Development Committee. He’s currently active with the Grant Community Redevelopment Authority.
Monica has been especially active in youth programs—teaching Sunday School for 43 years, leading youth groups and FCA, coaching cheer, and serving as a mentor.
“Anything for the improvement of our town and businesses—I’m in,” Monica said. “Even something like cleanup days. We want travelers to remember how clean and progressive our town is.”
Asked about role models, both are quick to credit the people of Perkins County.
“It’s the culture here,” Kevin said. “I’ve had many mentors, and I’d hate to leave someone out.”
Monica agreed. “It’s true—it takes a village. My parents taught us to treat everyone with kindness and empathy. We all have something to contribute.”
Looking back, both take pride in simply being there when needed.
“Just being able to contribute when asked or to step up when I see a need,” Kevin said.
Keeping a community going “takes a village” Monica said, and added the importance of youth involvement.
“I believe in the importance of teaching youth to take pride in their contributions and to share their talents. We need their voice—and their muscles,” she said.
Their favorite memories of the fair include free entertainment, childhood parades, and good old-fashioned fun.
“I can remember when the entertainment was free. Reba McIntyre was singing on the stage thought she sounded pretty good from outside of the fence, but I didn’t go in,” Kevin said.
“I’ve always loved the parade—never thought I’d lead one,” Monica added..
As for their favorite part of the fair today?
“Now it’s the entertainment. All the local volunteers working hard so that others can be entertained and demonstrate to the rest of the state what Perkins County can do.,” Kevin said.
“A good burger and seeing friends,” Monica said with a smile. “But we are pretty pumped about the entertainment.”
When asked who they’d ride with if they could choose anyone past or present, Kevin said “ I’m not much impressed with celebrity would have to be a military veteran that gave everything he had for the country like a Dwight Eisenhower, for instance.”
Monica chose her grandparents. “Grandpa Bud would throw Black Jack chewing gum. Grandma Evelyn would toss cookies. They loved this place. Let’s just get a party bus and invite everyone!”
As Grand Marshals, the Poppes embody the values Perkins County holds dear—hard work, humility, faith, and an enduring love for community.
And they’re not taking the honor lightly.
“Thank you to those who nominated us,” Monica said. “We are very humbled and grateful.”