Knox Co. 4H/FFA Gearing Up for ’07 Fair

By Carol Kincaid
 
Youngsters (and parents) all over Knox County are gearing up for the 2007 Annual Knox County 4H/FFA Fair.  The week of July 9 through 13, it’s just around the corner.  It’s the time when all the hard work for the last year comes to fruition for the youngsters, age eight to nineteen in the area 4H Clubs and the Knox County FFA.
This year’s theme is "4H/FFA makes the world closer together".
"In addition to developing practical skills and knowledge," says 4H Youth Development Specialist Karen Loyd-Minear, members are developing ‘life skills.’  Under the leadership of adult volunteers, 4H and FFA members learn to make sound decisions, work cooperatively in groups and develop a sense of self-worth and accomplishment.  4H also fosters leadership, as older youth share their talents with younger 4H members."
   Shama of Heartland submitted the winning Fair Book design again this year.  He is 14 years old, and involved in Beef, Meat Goats, and Wood Science with the Heartland 4H Club.
   Work begins on Saturday morning with the set-up of the Art Hall and the 4H Building.  All the exhibitors are encouraged to participate in the set-up.
   The Fair begins in earnest on Monday morning.  This is "art Hall entry day" and the day of the Regional 4-H Dog Show/ Knox County 4-H Dog Show.  The classes of the Dog Shows will run simultaneously, except for the Puppy Class.
   Monday evening will be the Style Show, the Art Hall Awards and the 2007 Royalty Coronation.
   On Tuesday the day will be devoted to the Beef Division, breeding cattle and beef cattle.  There will be a bit more "beef" on Wednesday morning, with the Dairy Cattle and then Goats.
   On Thursday morning the Swine will take center ring, then the Sheep show begins in the early evening.
   Following the Sheep Show this year there will be a new feature.  Bed Races will be held on North Main Street.  Contact the Extension Office for more information.
   Friday morning is the time for the Rabbits and the Poultry.  Each year a wider variety of poultry and rabbits manage to show up, but come early if you want to view the exhibits, for many of the animals get too hot to stay long past the judging.
   The Awards presentation (bonds, etc.) are held at 6:45 and the Sale is set to begin at 7:30.
   As always, there will be good food in abundance at the Fair.  The Knox County Farm Bureau will be on the grounds Monday through Friday.  Specialty meals will be held (weather permitting) in the courtyard.  Monday there will be a complimentary meal of hamburgers and hot dogs, served by The Citizen’s Bank of Edina, followed by an Ice Cream Social by the Matilda Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star.
  Tuesday, the Knights of Columbus are serving rib-eye sandwiches with lots of sides, Wednesday evening the United Methodist Youth Group are serving hot dogs and sloppy joes. Thursday night the Knox County Chamber of Commerce will be serving their Pork Steak B-B-Q with all the trimmings, and Friday evening will be the annual Rescue Squad pork B-B-Q meal with all the goodies.
   There should be just enough time to grab a meal and get back to the sale.  So come on out and support the young people of Knox County.