Success Story4-H Council Helps to Continue Local Fair Tradition



4-H Council Helps to Continue Local Fair Tradition

Author: Misty Wilmoth

Planning Unit: LaRue County CES

Major Program: Agriculture & Natural Resources

Plan of Work: Empowering Community Leaders & Volunteerism

Outcome: Intermediate Outcome

When the continuation of the longest running county fair in Kentucky was threatened in 2019, the LaRue County 4-H Council stepped up to continue to offer 4-H and open floral hall exhibits, as well as all the traditional livestock shows.  A fair committee was formed and the committee worked to recruit superintendents for each of the livestock shows.  The 4-H Council took over the financial aspects of the exhibit and show premiums.  Sponsors were also secured to help with the expenses above the matching funds from the Kentucky Department of Agriculture.  In addition to the livestock shows, the committee also offered a Kid's Day.  Livestock Shows include:  goat, sheep, dairy, beef, rabbit, and poultry.  Most shows also allow open participation from others outside the county.  Local 4-H and FFA youth have the opportunity to show at a local livestock show, due to the 4-H Council's effort to continue the fair.  Numerous volunteer hours by the 4-H Council Fair Committee and other community members have allowed the fair to continue since 2019.  The 2023 Fair was possible due to donations in the amount of $4,150 toward premiums and around $12,000 worth of in-kind items donated to improve the show barn, water lines for the wash rack, and lighting in the show barn.  The current count of volunteers helping with the LaRue County Fair is 37.  An estimate of over 3,000 volunteer hours was contributed to allow the LaRue County Fair to continue in 2023 and to offer opportunities for local youth and adults to exhibit their projects and livestock.  The 2024 LaRue County Fair is currently being planned with a full schedule of livestock shows and 4-H and open Floral Hall entries.






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