MOUNT VERNON — The 176th Knox County Fair is right around the corner and one of the traditional highlights leading up to fair week is the Junior Fair Breakfast.
CES Credit Union sponsored this year’s breakfast Thursday at the Ramser 4-H Center on the fairgrounds. The Knox County Chamber of Commerce coordinated the event.
CES Marketing Director Jay McLaughlin said the junior fair exhibits are the highlight of the fair, going beyond the Midway, fair fries and the tough truck show.
“This is where you see junior fair participants stepping into something new, overcoming fears, learning new skills, and having fun while doing chores and making memories and friends,” McLaughlin said.
“The friends you meet through 4H, FFA, Grange and scouting are among the very best lifelong friends.”
McLaughlin said he is amazed by the skills that fair kids learn, such as:
•The ability to catch a nap pretty much anywhere during fair week.
•The ability to chew on a porkette sandwich while balancing a pitchfork and a 5-gallon bucket of water while pushing a wheelbarrow uphill.
“Those are real skills,” he said, drawing laughter from the group. “The anticipation leading up to fair week is surpassed only by finishing the laundry at the end of fair week.”
On a more serious note, McLaughlin said, “Participation in these junior fair events puts our kids in situations where finding leadership skills and growing friendships is practically inevitable and unmatched anywhere else.”
“The advisors are mentors who are learning right alongside the kids. Many lifelong mentorships and friendships started on these fairgrounds. And probably a few marriages started here, too,” he said.
“For many of us, some of our very best memories of Knox County revolve around Knox County Fair week or the preparations leading up to the fair.”
‘The heart of the program’
Andrea Rees just celebrated 24 years with OSU Extension Knox County. She said she is humbled to hold the position of 4-H youth educator.
She acknowledged the youths involved in 4-H, and said, “These members are the heart of the program.”
Rees also acknowledged the 4-H volunteers and parents. Some members could not complete many projects or attend programs, such as the breakfast, without them.
“I’m very passionate about my job. I love it, and I wouldn’t change anything in the world for it,” she said.
“The Junior Fair showcases the very best in our corner of the world.”
Jay McLaughlin, marketing director, CES Credit Union
“But I am a support system, and I am here to support the kids and the program. I can’t do it without everybody in tow. So I appreciate the work that everybody puts in it and what everybody does to support me and the program.”
Rees said the junior fair board members put in many dedicated hours helping with judging and running the shows. They also undertake many behind-the-scenes activities that community members may not realize go into planning Fair Week.
“So thank you to all of our junior fair board members. Your job is thankless,” she told them.
Tradition and community support shine at Junior Fair Breakfast
Junior Fair Board President Kennedy Auker reviewed the responsibilities of the board, noting “every task we take is rooted in pride” for the tradition of the fair.
“The fair isn’t just an event we attend. It’s something we build, and through it, we’re building our futures,” she said.
Auker said the support and continued investment in Knox County’s youths by CES and the chamber do not go unnoticed.
“Your belief in us means the world to us, and to all of you here this morning — buyers, parents, volunteers, community members, and lifelong supporters of the fair — thank you,” she said.
“Whether you’re in the barn every day, at the sale ring, in the stands, or cheering us on from home, your encouragement, support, and presence are what keeps this tradition alive. You make this fair the special place that it is.”
Auker also acknowledged the species liaisons, Junior Fair Board members who serve as the main point of contact between their barns and the Senior Fair Board.
Highlights of the breakfast include several youths showcasing their still projects. Projects ranged from sewing and soap to gun safety and rockets.
The king and queen candidates introduced themselves, and the Junior Fair Board members presented Rees and Amy Carpenter with fair survival kits.
“Your leadership, patience, and dedication are what holds this board together,” Auker told the women.
Chamber President Carol Grubaugh presented a $3,000 check to the Junior Fair Board.
The money was raised through donations and pledges from those attending. The board will use the money for junior fair awards.
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