News : Lots to see at the 2015 Benton County Fair; ribbon auction set for Sunday

Do you support the youth of Benton County? Many people seem to think that the fair and 4-H/FFA are only for farm kids and if you don’t live on a farm, why would you go to the fair? Just like everything else in this world, times are changing. We are blessed to have a county that has very high 4-H participation. Along with the internet and the explosion of sites like Pinterest, 4-H has grown and it’s not just farm kids that are taking projects to the fair. 4-H has grabbed the attention of anyone interested in the arts from photography and woodworking to do-it-yourself craft projects. Do you know that there are still 4-Her’s who sew and bake-dying arts in today’s society. There are many kids in Benton County who put a lot of time, sweat, and tears into their projects each year to display at our County Fair. Have you taken the time to walk through the 4-H exhibit building lately to see the new ideas and see the latest projects?

Every day during the fair there are livestock shows. Again, these kids have worked with their animals most of the year preparing them for the five days they get to display their animal and the few minutes they get to parade them into the arena before a judge. On Sunday each year at the fair beginning around noon is the Parade of Champions. Following the parade begins the traditional Beef Auction. Are you looking for beef? This is the prime place to purchase that beef you wanted to fill your freezer. Steaks sound pretty good to grill on a hot summer’s night. You could get a few neighbors or friends together and buy one? Not only are you putting meat in the freezer but you are supporting a child who put a lot of time and energy into making sure that steer was fed and taken care of. Not interested in filling the freezer but still want to show your support to the youth of Benton County? The ribbon auction is the perfect place to do just that. 4-H/FFA kids that bring pigs, lambs, goats or rabbits to the fair are putting their ribbons up for auction. This is a chance for you to purchase their ribbon and tell them you appreciate the time and work they have put into their project. You are given the ribbon to proudly display in your home or place of business to let everyone know, you support our kids. Finally closing up the day will be baskets of dairy products that you can buy to support the dairy industry. Every bid counts to these kids.

These kids that are the future of our county, country and world need all the support we can give them. They are going to take the problem solving, volunteerism, project skills they have developed here into the future with them to help make our world a better place. And while you are out at the fair checking out the projects, stop by the Cattleman, Pork or Dairy booth and have lunch or dinner. These groups are supporting our youth on many levels during the fair. So please stop by and thank them, tell a 4-H/FFA kid they’re doing a good job and help our communities flourish. That’s why we live in Benton County-we’re in small town Iowa where communities help and support one another. See you at the fair!