Groups collaborate for fair success

To the editor:

The fair is rapidly approaching. 

Members of 4-H, members of the Jay County Fair Board and the many volunteers for those entities have been busy with preparations, some of which have been completed throughout the year, some currently in progress and those that will soon be happening.

For youth participating in 4-H, purchasing and working with their animals is necessary toward successful showmanship. Other projects such as baking, sewing and creating a model involve repetitive practice to ensure the project is the best final product. The fair then provides the youth the opportunity to demonstrate the results of their hard work. 

In preparation for the fair, the 4-H council is having the Bob Schmidt Exhibition Hall repainted. Also, the cleaning of the buildings for the animals and for display of projects is being completed by volunteers, such as the youth who participated in Jay County Law Enforcement Camp.

Looking forward, the goal is to renovate the bathrooms and to add sound proofing to the exhibit hall by year end. 

Realizing the two organizations share the fairgrounds, it is vital they keep each other apprised of activities, needs and wants. They do so through the establishment of the “4 ON 4 Committee.” Discussion and decisions are shared so they may work well together.

The fair board values its relationship with 4-H, noting the success of the fair is reliant on youth  participation in 4-H along with the events, shows and carnival rides which are enjoyed by all ages. 

In acknowledging the independence of each entity while noting the need to work collaboratively, it is the fair board that has responsibility throughout the year with maintaining the property and preparing for the next event, such as the Tri-State Antique Gas Engine and Tractor, harness racing, Tri-State swap meets and the corn/sunflower mazes. The board continues to expand utilization of the grounds for all types of events and welcome organizations that want to utilize the facilities.

As the members of the fair board prepare for the week of the fair, landscaping, weeding and mowing are being done to enhance the appearance. Planters filled with flowers are being sprinkled throughout the grounds. Buildings are being cleaned, picnic tables and benches are being placed, and prepping of the track for demo derby and rodeo is being completed, along with the final touches of work on the new of the grandstand tower are in process. Notable is the work being done by FFA youth: constructing raised flower/plant beds, painting planters blue and yellow and painting yellow picnic tables.

While much work is needed to make the fair a success, it is the desire of the members of 4-H and the fair board that you and your family and friends enjoy the fair. Your enjoyment is the ultimate success.

Sincerely,

Beth Stephen

Jay County 4-H Council president

Aaron Loy

Jay County Fair Board president