Florida 4-H Hall of Fame

Walter B. Arnold Jr.

Walter B. Arnold Jr. took a small youth fair in Miami and turned it into the Miami-Dade County Youth Fair and Exposition.  Known as “Mr. Youth Fair” Arnold worked in the insurance business for 62.  He joined the Youth Fair’s Board of Directors in 1959 and served 41 years on the board until his death in May 2000. During those 41 years he was Fair president for five years and also served as secretary, treasurer and general manager. He was also Miami-Dade County’s first resident to be elected president of the Florida Federation of Fairs. Arnold lived by his philosophy that “We were born into this world without paying for a whole lot of things. Our payment can be what we do for other people.” His entire life was dedicated to youth programs, community service and recognition of youth achievers. Arnold’s life ended before his lifelong dream could be completed – the creation of a Youth Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame was a dream Arnold had for many years to honor youth who do something for others. The Miami-Dade County Fair and Exposition Board of Directors continued progress towards Arnold’s dream and on May 8, 2000 they officially established the Walter B. Arnold Jr. Youth Hall of Fame.