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From barn to show ring, students will shine at the Henry County Fair
From setup to showtime students will highlight their talents across the Henry County Fairgrounds
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MT. PLEASANT — Throughout the year, local FFA and 4-H members serve their communities, create projects, learn about farm life, and raise animals in preparation for the county fair season.
From first-graders showing off their hard work with their bottle calves to high school seniors displaying their projects, the Henry County Fair is an opportunity for the community to appreciate just a small portion of what these students do throughout the year in local 4-H and FFA programs.
Even before the official start of fair week, hardworking students will begin their fair season setting up in the barn. To answer questions about setting up, the Henry County Fairboard provided some guidance.
All animal pens may contain water buckets and feed pans. The swine pens may be bedded and sheep and goat pens may also contain bedding. Additionally, sheep, goat, and beef pens may include fans. Beef pens may also have stall dividers.
Unless the fairboard determines there is extra space in the barn exhibitors may not keep extra feed, hay, wheelbarrows, chairs, show boxes or similar items in the barn. Tables will not be permitted at any time. Outside tents for fitting and feed setups may be setup starting Tuesday evening.
“We understand there may have been some confusion, and we appreciate your patience,” an announcement from the board states. “Our goal is to ensure ample space for everyone's livestock while keeping walkways and common areas clear until all animals are in place.”
Questions and concerns should be directed a member of the Fairboard.
From 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Tuesday, July 15, student projects will undergo judging in the exhibit hall before animals even begin to fill the barn on the fairgrounds Wednesday morning.
Animal shows will kick off Thursday, July 17 morning with the dog show followed by Bucket Calf interviews. Students will then take the ring throughout the afternoon with the sheep and goats with which they worked hard to prepare for this day.
Swine, rabbits, and poultry will take center stage Friday, July 18 at the fair, followed by less traditional showings of 4-H skills.
Students will show off their performing skills and hopefully make their audience smile in Share in the Fun at 5 p.m.
The youngest exhibitors will then receive recognition at the Clover Kid Graduation Ceremony in the exhibit building at 6 p.m.
Students working with some of the largest animals at the fair, cows, will put their hard work on display Saturday, July 19 at 9 a.m. the production animal show will then take place at 3 p.m.
They will display more of these less stereotypical skills during events such as the 4-H clothing event at the Wright Family Pavilion at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, following a day of checking in various livestock.
Animal lovers, however, can catch the dog show, bucket and bottle animal show, and rabbit show throughout the day Thursday.
Friday at the fair, students will show their swine and poultry while beef shows will occur Saturday.
After a week of making memories and showing off their skills participants will pack up and hope to score a solid bid during the ribbon auction Monday, July 21 at 9 a.m.
Comments: AnnaMarie.Kruse@southeastiowaunion.com
