7/26/13 Grundy
County Fair, though in it's last full day of delivery, proved to be lively and
interesting. Like many county fairs, they had a competition amongst clubs
decorating with a specific item. In this case, it was tires. A hopscotch field
and tractor were among favorites.
Of
course, a highlight for the Iowa 4-H Foundation was to be present for the Drew Scott
Memorial Scholarship (surprise) presentation and Drew Scott Memorial Open Class
sheep show. Lee, Janet and Mallory Scott couldn't have been more welcoming and
hospitable. This was the 5th year
for the award, so they were having a special pre-show dinner to thank donors
and sponsors. I even got to enjoy the wonderful home-prepared meal and adorable
cake. When served a shredded BBQ meat, I asked "surely
this is mutton, right???" :) |
| The Scott Family - Lee, Janet, and Mallory, with Cory and myself. |
Drew
was killed four years ago in a one-car accident. While he was particularly fond
of sheep, he was an avid advocate of 4-H and promoted foundational character of
being there to help and support, no matter what the breed of livestock.
His parents wanted this same character present in the scholarship winners.
Titan
is also a "matching gift" sponsor of this scholarship, making it a
$1000 gift. They also co-host a tractor ride to help raise funds for the
scholarship. This is the tractor, given to Drew after
his death, restored by his friends & grandparents, then driven in the ride
by someone different each year.
The Open Class show is an attraction for all ages...
note how little some of these kids are, already inspiring the passion to show
livestock. Drew certainly is leaving a legacy far beyond his twenty short
years here. Thank you to the Scott family for incorporating the 4-H tie
into his life's story.
 |
| Pictured are the 5-year history of winners, with Cory Noteboom, this year's winner, at the center. |
7/30/13
I
had yet to attend a queen coronation at a county fair, so this was a super
chance to do so at the Kossuth County Fair. While this is not a specific 4-H event, many current and
aspiring 4-H'ers participate. I overheard one attendee say "I think
the queen absolutely should be a 4-H or FFA member... I mean, what do they know
about participating in the fair if they haven't done either of these?" (I
jus smiled quietly to myself)
In
this case, it was a double dose of fun because I got to see the queen crowned,
but also see the Kossuth County 4-H Friends and Foundation award their
scholarship. I was very pleased to see that 4-Her and Iowa 4-H Foundation
individual donor Stormie Johansen was honored Queen runner-up and also won the
4-H Scholarship. Thanks for all you do to promote Iowa 4-H Stormie!
Shamelessly
a proud aunt, I was also able to see my own niece (Joanna Fullerton) and
first-year 4-H'er in the Lil Miss competition.
Finally,
an old, old recipe I had once upon a time made for my 4-H club had made it's
vintage way through time... a fellow club member's daughter made them for the
fair, and they won Jr. Recognition. :) She was so proud of that, she had her
mom Facebook me! So, I had to seek them out for myself in the 4-H building. Way
to go, Laura Stowater!
8/4/13 The
Woodbury County Fair, #19, was my last opportunity before State Fair to catch
the local Iowa tradition. I got to take two South Dakota boys to
experience a county fair, one of them being my husband and the other his best
friend who had never been to a county fair in his life. I told him just one had
quite a measuring stick for a scale by others to be judged! Almost even
mini-State Fair like!
One
thing I find impressive about every County fair is that they make certain no
one starts tearing down their booths, wares or food offerings until the fair is
completely over. For someone who comes on the last day like I have on several
occasions, that means I get to have the same experience everyone else has
throughout the fair. I appreciate the commitment that takes on each
participant's part to reinforce that.
You
also know its going to be a good fair when they charge you to get in the gate
but they recognize a state-level 4-H contributor as a "celebrity" and
let you in the gate free. :)
I
made it in time to watch the Clothing Selection, Fashion Review and $15
Challenge style shows. Impressive was an understatement! I
respect the way these opportunities teach young women to model with charisma
and confidence. Complete with music, emceeing by County Council and 4-5
participants on stage at a time, they acted like they knew what they were
doing. Additionally, shifting from participation in one event, emceeing,
and changing clothes for another event, wearing multiple hats proved no
difficulty for these savvy 4-H'ers!
Just
a few more highlights:
I am in love with the county shirts they sold! - My special guests were impressed with how "fun" 4-H clubs make attending the fair.
- These spoon wreaths seem to be at every fair... but this one wins my vote for most unique and stylish
- The Triple S Hawkeyes 4-H Club, totaling only 7 members, wins the award for most creative booth of ANY county fair I've been to.
Thanks for following my county fair tour blog this summer. I will be at more county fairs again next summer! In the name of the clover, Kris.
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