This year we were able to continue the momentum we gained in 2022. We continued to work on facility upgrades with the help of lots of dedicated volunteers. We found new and additional ways to get involved in the community. We also had another amazing year at the fair and were able to match our record attendance numbers at the Demolition Derby. This year we restarted conversations on the future on the fairgrounds while doing some fundraising efforts with the help of our 4-H Community.

This year our main focus for facility upgrades was the Goat and Beef Barns along with replacing some signage at the fairgrounds. With the help of lots of volunteers, we were able to replace rotten boards on the Goat Barn and give it a fresh coat of paint and the 4-H Leaders also purchased new pens. We also addressed some much-needed repairs in the beef barn by replacing the beef wash rack and leveling the floor. We also invested in some new signage for our buildings and replaced the sign along Cherry St.

In 2023, we were able to find some new ways to get involved in the community. With the support of Sydell and other local businesses, we were able to host the “Showmans Best” clinic for sheep and goat exhibitors in the region. Our 4-H Ambassadors have found ways to get more involved in the community this fall by participating in multiple Trunk-o-Treat events, doing crafts with the Boys and Girls Club, and also taking over the Parade of Lights. Their leadership as ambassadors of 4-H within the community will have a great impact on our future enrollment numbers.

The 2023 Clay County Fair was a great success! We introduced an Animal Costume Contest this year that was well attended and we had lots of participation. The kids had a lot of fun with this event and we are looking forward to growing this event in the future. In partnership with Ben’s Brewing Company, we were able to host a craft beer sampling event that we look forward to building on in years to come. The 4-H Ambassadors hosted the Buddy Show this year in which they were able to mentor adults and kids with disabilities while they showed a hog, sheep, or goat. None of this fair success would be possible without our record sponsorship totals.

After taking a break during COVID, we restarted our conversations about the future of the fairgrounds this year. This fall we had a meeting with the 4-H Community, Fair Board, several County Commissioners, as well as some 4-H alumni that was facilitated by Matt Fairholm. Our conversations during this meeting focused on our strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats, and a possible relocation of the fairgrounds. The meeting generated lots of great information and thoughts that we will use as we continue to address the future of the fairgrounds. We appreciate everyone that attended the meeting. Their feedback and engagement will be key as we look to continue these difficult conversations in 2024.

This year we also introduced the Chasing the 4 of Clubs Fundraiser that ended with a Grand Finale during the fair. The twenty-six-week event started slow due to weather but we quickly gained a great following, and we were able to build a pot of $22,606. The winner of the event received $11,303. All proceeds raised will help with construction and equipment costs for a community kitchen at the 4-H Center.

None of our success this year would be possible without the support of our community. Their endless hours of volunteer work, financial support and fair attendance continue to make the fair possible. We look forward to continued success in 2024.

2024 Chasing the 4 of Clubs