Thomas L. Ansteatt
A Passion for the Sounds of the County Fair
Tom Ansteatt graduated from Clermont Northeastern High School in 1960, originally attending Owensville High School before it was combined with other smaller schools to make CNE High School in 1958. While in high school, Tom developed a passion for electronics and audio engineering. He was placed in charge of the school’s PA system and was known for playing friendly practical jokes using the system.
Just like many of our current students, Tom developed a love for the Clermont County Fair. He was initially elected to the Clermont County Fair Board in 1968, the youngest person ever elected up to that point. Tom was an advocate and champion of the County Fair serving on the Board for over 50 years. He was instrumental in the construction of the new grandstands and new buildings on the Fairgrounds. He sought to ensure the annual Fair was an enjoyable and memorable experience for all who attended.
Tom’s work was defined by his passion for audio engineering and his love of the County Fair. He eventually formed his own company OKI Sound which provided sound systems and programming for the Ohio State Fair, various county fairs, PGA Golf Tour Events, the Indianapolis 500, various TV shows, and over 300 concerts. Tom was inducted into the Ohio Fair Managers Association Hall of Fame in 2012.
Inducted in 2013