Orion Samuelson gets award at Lake County Fair

Legendary agriculture reporter Orion Samuelson received another prize for his mantel Friday at the Lake County Fair — a lifetime achievement award for his decades covering the farm industry.

Decked out in a red, button-down shirt, blue jeans, black cowboy boots and a cowboy hat, Samuelson — already a member of the Radio Hall of Fame — was dressed the part as he took to the small Funpalooza stage in Grayslake to receive the honor.

Standing alongside fair organizers, local beauty queens and young farmers participating in the 4-H program, Samuelson spoke almost solemnly about county fairs.

“In this day and age, the county fair (is) a bridge for city folk and farm folk to come together,” he said.

He also spoke warmly about the farmers he's covered for years on WGN 720-AM radio.

“I call it the most important minority in America, the 2 percent of the population that puts food on your table and mine,” he said in his famous deep voice.

The son of a dairy farmer, Samuelson talked of milking cows during his youth in Wisconsin, but also of a prestigious career that led him to meeting seven presidents and foreign leaders.

At one point he turned to the boys and girls also receiving awards Friday for their livestock entries and shared a little advice.

“You can't dream big enough,” Samuelson said. “So dream big. And when the dream is realized, dream bigger.”