Jr. Fair Changes and What to Know

Dress Code

Quoted from page 86 and from the Jr. Fair Constitution “the following list of items are prohibited from being worn during ALL Jr. Fair shows and during the Jr. Fair Livestock Sale: shorts, sweatpants, leggings, yoga pants, capri pants, any pants with holes, low-cut shirts, tank tops, halter tops, shirts with inappropriate words, symbols, or logos”. Please read the entire excerpt if you are concerned about what you are planning to wear. A shirt will be provided to anyone deemed in violation of dress code.

Jr. Fair Livestock Sale

Animals must be declared at the time of weigh-in. The livestock sale will be on Tuesday September 3^rd, 2013 starting at 9:00am. Changes can be made, but should be directed to the Jr. Fair Board Office. The Sale order for 2013 is as follows: Milk, Champion Steers (due to slaughter facility availability,) Dairy Feeder Calves, Rabbits, Sheep, Swine, Broilers and Roasters, Turkeys, Goats, and Steers. Animals are considered to be the responsibility of the exhibitor until they are picked up for slaughter or released.

DUNF Paperwork

All animals must be drug-residue free by the first day of fair. Papers must be turned in upon weigh-in of the animal. Forms can be picked up from the Extension Office and must be filled out completely in order to be accepted. All market animals and milking dairy animals must complete a DUNF. Dairy Feeders  and Rabbits do not need to complete DUNF.

Member/Adult Involvement

Any parent, guardian, sibling, persons meeting 4-H or FFA age requirements, Ohio Extension Agents, Ohio 4-H advisors, Ohio FFA instructors and Ohio FFA advisors may assist the exhibitor with normal exercising, feeding, grooming, and caring for the animals while on the fairgrounds, and provide educational project activities at the fairgrounds, without registering with the fair board or designees. However any person not meeting the above requirements must register with and be approved by the fair board to provide any of the activities listed above prior to the opening of the Van Wert County Fair.

Pen & Stall Care

All livestock exhibitors are responsible for cleaning and maintaining their pens in good order. Members should strive to clean their pens daily or more if needed. To preserve the image of good animal husbandry, pens that are found to be unsatisfactory will be reported to adult junior fair board advisors as being in question. Adult junior fair board advisors will document and communicate with exhibitors to give them a verbal warning. Members who do not clean, or continue to be reported will be subject to a red card violation. Members with 3 written violations will be asked to remove their exhibit and forfeit their sale and premium money.

Thank you & Donor Recognition

We are very thankful for the amount of time and money that our numerous donors dedicate to the Jr. Fair program. We ask that all winners take a moment to write a thank you to their award donor. Also, those who receive money from the livestock sale should send thank you cards or a photo thank you (which can be picked up at the Jr. Fair Board Office or at the Extension Office). It is also suggested that youth who have been supported recognize their donors from the previous year (such as a sign on their pen or cage that says thank you to their specific donor). Taking the time to say thank you is something that we very highly encourage.

Premiums

Jr. Fair premiums will be paid at the fair and can be picked up at the Treasurer’s Office near the Grandstand. If you are under 18 your parent must be with you in order to receive your premium. All projects receive a premium if displayed in your 4-H Club’s booth. The exception to this is the market animals which will not receive a premium due to being in the livestock sale. If you do not pick up your premium by the end of the fair you may pick up your premiums at the Senior Fair Board Office starting on September 12^th, 2013. Premiums not picked up within 1-2 weeks will be forfeited.

Animal & Project Release

Non-Sale animals will be released Monday, September 2^nd, at 9:00pm. Projects are released from the Jr. Fair Building at the same time and must be out of the building no later than 12:00noon on Tuesday, September 3^rd, 2013. Those who will be in school should ensure that arrangements are made to get their projects out of their booth as the curtain company usually is there close to 12:00noon to take the curtains down.

Livestock Specific Updates

Beef

Event	Date	Time	Location
In Place	8/27/2013	8:00pm	Beef Barn
Weigh In	8/27/2013 (Tues)	2:00-8:00pm	Beef Barn
Show	8/1/2012 (Sat)	12:00 noon	Farm Focus Arena

Dairy Feeders

Event	Date	Time	Location
In Place	8/27/2013 (Tues)	8:00pm	Beef Barn
Weigh In	8/27/2013 (Tues)	2:00-8:00pm	Beef Barn
Show	8/31/2013 (Sat)	8:30am	Farm Focus Arena

Dairy

Event	Date	Time	Location
In Place	8/27/2013 (Tues)	8:00pm	Dairy Barn
Show	8/30/2013 (Fri)	9:00am	Farm Focus Arena

Swine

Event	Date	Time	Location
In Place	8/27/2013 (Tues)	8:00pm	Hog Barn
Weigh In	8/27/2013 (Tues)	10:00am-8:00pm	Hog Barn
Showmanship & Farrow to Finish Show	8/30/2013 (Fri)	1:00pm	Farm Focus Arena
Market Show	9/2/2013	8:30am	Farm Focus Arena

Sheep

Event	Date	Time	Location
In Place	8/27/2013 (Tues)	8:00pm	Sheep
Weigh In	8/28/13 (Wed)	12:00-1:00pm	South end of Sheep Barn( Baby land)
Show	8/29/2013 (Thurs)	7:00pm	Sheep & Goat Arena

Goat

Event	Date	Time	Location
In Place	8/27/2013 (Tues)	8:00pm	Goat Barn
Weigh In	8/28/2013 (Wed)	1:00-1:30pm	South end of Sheep Barn (Baby Land)
Show	8/31/2013 (Sat)	3:00pm	Sheep & Goat Arena

Chickens

Event	Date	Time	Location
In Place	8/27/2013 (Tues)	6:00pm	Poultry Barn
Weigh In (Broilers/Roaster Only)	8/27/2013 (Tues)	6:00pm-8:00pm	Poultry Barn
Show	8/30/2013 (Fri)	9:00am	Poultry Barn

Turkeys

Event	Date	Time	Location
In Place	8/27/2013 (Tues)	8:00pm	Babyland
Weigh In	8/28/2013 (Wed)	10:00am (Last Name A-M) and 11:00am (Last name N-Z)	North of Babyland
Show	8/29/2013 (Thurs)	9:00am	Babyland

Rabbit

Event	Date	Time	Location
Exhibits in Place	8/28/2013 (Wed)	4:00pm	Rabbit Barn
Weigh In	8/28/2013 (Wed)	4:00-6:00pm	Rabbit Barn
Show for meat pen, doe and litter and single fryer	8/30/2013 (Fri)	4:00pm	Rabbit Barn
Showmanship Show	9/1/2013 (Sun)	11:00am	Rabbit Barn
Show	9/1/2013 (Sun)	Following Showmanship	Rabbit Barn

Horse

Event	Date	Time	Location
In Place	8/27/2013 (Tues)	8:00pm	Horse Barn
Pleasure Show	9/1/2013 (Sun)	9:00am	Jr. Horse Arena
Contesting Show	9/2/2013 (Mon)	4:00pm	Jr. Horse Arena

Special Interest Events during the Fair

Jr. Fair King & Queen Coronation – Wednesday, August 28^th at 5:30pm in the Gospel Pavilion

4-H Special Awards Ceremony – Wednesday, August 28^th following the King & Queen Coronation in the Gospel Pavilion.

Livestock Animal Dress Up Contest – Saturday, August 31^st, at 6:30pm. Event is open to anyone, can only dress up animals that are presently on the grounds. For full information please contact the Jr. Fair Board at their Office next to the show arena before 12:00noon on Saturday.

4-H Talent Show – Sunday, September 1^st at 1:00pm in the Entertainment Tent. Event is open to all 4-H’ers and enclosed you will find an entry form to participate. Come show us your talent!

4-H Style Review – Sunday, September 1^st  at 2:00pm in the Entertainment Tent. All 4-H members who have made a sewing project are strongly encouraged to model their project.

Showman of Showmen – Sunday, September 1^st at 6:00pm in the Farm Focus Arena. Outstanding showmanship winners from each species compete against each other for the title of showman of showm


PDF Version of this Document

Young Riders Help Cleanup Efforts at the Fairgrounds

Preparing for the Jr. Fair Livestock Sale

FAQ’s and Helpful Hints to a Successful Sale!

BEFORE THE SALE

1.     Who is responsible for contacting the buyers?

a.     You are responsible for contacting your buyers to attend the livestock sale to support the sale. While many old supporters are contacted from the Junior Fair it is important to make sure that you personally invite your possible buyers. Some possible ways to contact buyers could be through:

                                                              i.      Letters

                                                            ii.      Cards

                                                          iii.      Phone calls

2.     Who should I contact?

a.     Feed store/other businesses your family patronizes

b.     Family members/friends of family

c.      Old buyers looking to support new youth

d.     Make a goal of asking two new buyers!

3.     What should I put in my letter to the potential buyer?

a.     Give some background about your project

b.     Who your parents are

c.      Ask them to support the sale, NOT purchase your animal directly

d.     Include pictures if possible.

4.     When should I send the information to the potential buyers?

a.     2-3 weeks should be adequate.

5.     What other things should I remember when contacting buyers?

a.     Make sure words are spelled correctly

b.     Neatness counts!

c.      Dress nice if you are going in person

6.     What things should I AVOID saying to a potential buyer?

a.     Do not demand that they buy your animal

b.     Do not pass out letters during the sale

c.      Do not make promises

d.     Do not threaten to take your business someplace else if they are not interested

DURING/AFTER THE SALE

1.     How can I ensure that my donor is thanked for their contribution?

a.     Make sure that you verbally thank your buyer at the sale. (If you aren’t sure who they are, ask an adult helping with the sale and they will assist you.

b.     Offer to take a picture with your buyer, or if a champion animal ensure that you get your picture with your buyer.

2.     How can I make sure that my animals and I are ready for the sale?

a.     Make sure your animals are clean.

b.     Make sure that you dress appropriately.

3.     What can I do to ensure that people know I appreciated their contribution?

a.     Follow up with a written thank you and picture card for their contribution.

b.     Thanking donors the following year with posters above pens is a good idea and will support your sale for the upcoming year.

Venedocia Lads & Lassies Meeting!

The Venedocia Lads and Lassies joined July 15th and July 30th to discuss the upcoming Van Wert County Fair project judging and events of "wrapping up" the 4H year. Discussions were held for the booth display for the Lads and Lassies to be a "Hollywood theme" and plans were made for the group to complete the booth project and have and end of the year celebration. The next meeting will be held on August 22, 2013 at 7p.m.  

Addison Mueller

-Reporter-

4-H is a Family Event!

4-H lingo, registration forms, choosing a book, enrolling in judging, enrolling in the fair, premiums, weigh ins and move in for livestock. 4-H projects are truly something that parents must be a part of for the youth to be successful. They often say it takes a community to raise a child, but I believe it takes a 4-H family to complete a project.

Now, don’t let that scare you out of joining 4-H. While it is a family event, it can be fun and useful for everyone! Cooking projects teach safety in the kitchen, quick recipes, and you may even get a night off in the kitchen to try a homemade meal! For those youth interested in hobbies, finding the right hobby that a family can enjoy together can be fun also. I have seen families that train their dog together, take pictures, learn about small engines, or even explore their family genealogy.  Projects often become the hard efforts of a youth member, with the support of a highly enthusiastic family member. Projects have the ability to bring families closer, improve communication, and give your child a new passion for something you might find equally compelling.

Being a 4-H parent also means that you are engaging in helping your child learn about their new responsibilities as a club member. Sometimes youth are forgetful, so parents are needed for gentle reminders of upcoming deadlines. Of course, this is always received pleasantly or with a groan of “yes mom/dad, I know”. Looking back at the kind and sometimes necessary nudging from my own family I realized they were helping me learn from what I did in a way that only experience itself could teach.

Through the projects, the club meetings, the fun events, and the socialization parents and youth alike begin to see the family effect that 4-H has. It works very nicely with the Ohio State University Extension’s impact area: strengthening our families and communities, and preparing our youth for success.

Looking for a good way to build your family relationships? Take a look at joining 4-H! Enrollment begins January 1, 2014 and is due no later than April 1, 2014. You can contact the OSU Extension Office at (419) 238-1214 for more details!

2013 Jr. Fair King and Queen Candidates

Leah Lichtensteiger- Leah Lichtensteiger, a senior at Crestview high School, is running for Van Wert County Jr. Fair Queen. Leah is a four-year member of Crestview’s FFA and a ten year member of 4-H. She is currently on the Van Wert County Jr. Fair Board, a Buckeye Ambassador, and volunteer with CARTEENS. After High School, Leah plans on attending The Ohio State University majoring in Veterinary Science with a minor in Business Management. In FFA, Leah has achieved her Greenhand Degree, Chapter Degree, and has completed her State Degree. She has also been a teacher’s assistant for her Chapter’s Advisor for the past two years. FFA courses include Wheat, Soybeans, and Hay. Also in her spare time, run errands for her Chapter Advisor, and other school teachers. Leah represents her FFA Chapter as a member of the Jr. Fair Board. She is on the Livestock Committee, Media Committee, and Awards Committee for the Board. At tagging and weigh-ins, she helps with the prep and record keeping. While in 4-H, she has held the office of Secretary, and is currently President of the Young Riders 4-H Club. Leah’s projects include goats, chickens, horses, turkeys, and rabbits. She qualified for The Ohio State Fair with her horse in 2010 and 2012. In 2012, she placed in the top ten in the Stakes race. Also in the Young Riders, she helped with the putting up of horse stalls for the past 5 years. With her horses, she shows on weekends competing in barrel racing and pole bending. During the Fair, Leah helps with exhibit preparation, Babyland set up and assembling monitors to watch the animals as well as clean up when the fair concludes.

Sarah Klinger- Sarah Klinger is the daughter of Bruce and Sandy Klinger, and granddaughter of Joyce Baer, and the late Paul H. Baer, George Klinger, and Chrystal Klinger. She is from Convoy, Ohio and attends Crestview High School, where she will be a senior this fall. Through 4-H, she is an 8-year member of Bunny Hoppers, and is currently secretary; a 7-year member of Ohio Challengers, and is currently the President; a 3-year member of the Buckeye Ambassadors, and is currently secretary; a 2-year member of the Jr. Fair Board, and is on the coronation committee, and is Chairmen of the Awards Committee, Rabbit and Turkey barn Superintendent, and is treasurer; and is a 3-year CARTEENS Junior Facilitator. Over the course of her 4-H years, Sarah has taken rabbits to the county and state fairs and has raised them for nine years. She has also raised turkeys for eight years, and broilers. Other projects she has taken include cooking, vet science, leadership, and self-determined; and has also qualified several times to take her miscellaneous projects to compete at the State Fair. Over the course of the years, she has taken her livestock projects she has learned a great deal, and through this has participated in the Showmen of Showmen competition for five years, continually learning about different species. Through her school, she has been a member of Model UN and High School Chorus, and is a member of the Honor Roll, FCCLA, and is currently vice-president; Writing Club, National Honor Society, and is currently secretary and treasurer; and the High School Scholastic Bowl Team. She is also involved in the annual school musical. Sarah has also received many awards for her hard work as a student at Crestview, including the Award of Excellence, which she has received every year for the past 3 years. Sarah is also a Junior Curator for the Van Wert County Historical Society, was a Buckeye Girls State Delegate, and is also a member of First Baptist Church, where she is active in the church and youth group. Also at First Baptist she was given the opportunity to be a part of a 7-person team who went to Brazil for two weeks in July/August of 2010. She enjoys reading and volunteering in the OSU Extension office in her free time. She also volunteers in her church and community. Sarah wishes to have the honor of being Jr. Fair Queen in order to be a role model for younger Jr. Fair members, and desires to show them that with hard work and determination one can reach his or her goals. Sarah also wishes to give back to the Jr. Fair has given her over the years, and have the opportunity to meet new people, learn more, and make life-long friends.

Meredith Arn- Meredith Arn, daughter of Rex and Patti Arn, is a senior at Van Wert High School. Her activities in school include BETA Club, Service Pack, French Club, Van Wert Swim Team, Van Wert Band, and being a Cougar Mentor. Activities outside of school include 4-H Bunny Hoppers, Van Wert County 4-H Camp Counselor, Dance at PSD Stars by Erin (formerly known as Pam’s School of Dance), teaching assistant at PSD Stars by Erin, and St. Mark’s Lutheran Church Youth Group. Meredith was also chosen to be a sponsored delegate at Buckeye Girls State this past summer by Van Wert American Legion Auxiliary Unit 178. After high school, Meredith plans on attending college and study Pharmacy.

Jacob Germann- Jacob Germann will be a senior at Crestview High School. He is very active in Knight Vision, FFA, National Honor Society, Cross Country, Track, and being a class officer. He enjoys his horse and a wide array of other animals on the small farm where he lives. He is also very active in the church with outreach opportunities and worship team. Jacob works at Century Trading Co. in Van Wert. After graduation from high school, he will attend college to pursue his love of animals with the goal of reaching doctorate work for exotic animals. Jacob is the son of Doug and Marcia Germann.

Daniel Joseph- Daniel Joseph, son of Kirby and Samantha Joseph, is running for Van Wert County Jr. Fair King. He will be a senior at Crestview High School this fall where he is active in many clubs. He plays trumpet in the band and sings tenor in Knight Vision, which is the school’s show choir. Daniel has also been in all the last three school fall productions, but played in the backup band in Junior High. He is also active in a student government club, Model UN. He is a member of the First United Methodist Church in Van Wert where he helps with many worship services. Joseph is a member of the Ohio Challengers 4-H Club and the 4-H Exchange club. He has qualified and participated at the state level all 9 years that he has been a member of his club. He takes Food and Nutrition projects and also makes Black Inc. presentations each year. Recently, Daniel represented the Convoy American Legion Post 208 at the annual Buckeye Boys State held at Bowling Green State University. He was also chosen as a member of the All-Ohio State Fair Band, where he will play the trumpet while marching and playing at the State Fair.   

Logan Miller- Logan Miller, son of Dennis and Melanie Miller, is a senior at Lincolnview High School. His school activities include basketball, golf, Science Club, Industrial Technology Club, and Student Council. Logan is very active in the 4-H community by helping with many events through his nine years in 4-H such as being a camp counselor. He has also shown goats, swine, sheep, and rabbits at the Van Wert Fair.

Macey Ashbaugh- Macey Ashbaugh, daughter of Rick and Dianna Ashbaugh, is a senior at Lincolnview High School, where she is involved in National Honor Society, Agents of Change, BETA Club, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Student Council, Spanish Club, Golf, and Softball. She is also a very active member in her FFA chapter, where she is the President, and has also received her State FFA degree this past spring. Macey is a member of the Leaders of the Future 4-H Club, and also attends First Baptist Church. She is also a member of the Van Wert County Jr. fair Board, where she is continually busy helping with preparations for the upcoming county fair. Macey recently attended Buckeye Girls State as a representative of Lincolnview Local Schools. Macey also enjoys playing golf, softball, helping out if possible, and hanging with friends in her spare time.

Ashlynn Henderson- Ashlynn Henderson, daughter of Jeff and Pam Henderson, is a senior at Parkway High School. Her school activities include FFA, basketball, and softball. She is also a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, and the Willshire Wide Awake 4-H Club. Ashlynn also works at the Willshire Drive-In. At the Jr. Fair, she has taken many 4-H projects, including chickens, turkeys, vet science, cooking, scrapbooking, bee-keeping, and cake decorating. She is also a member of 4-H Ambassadors, Jr. Fair Board, and 4-H Camp Counselor. Becoming the Van Wert County Jr. Fair Queen is a great honor that Ashlynn is eager for and the duties that it will bring with the 2013 Van Wert County Fair.