Ruby Hummel, Bret Hodges. Photo courtesy of Guthrie County ISU Extension and Outreach.

Though the Guthrie County Fair had many changes this year, with some buildings closed and local organizations not participating because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Fair Board and ISU Extension staff fulfilled their promise to focus this year’s event on the youth.

Livestock exhibit shows were further spaced out over the Labor Day weekend with exhibitors typically having their animals on the fairgrounds for the day they were shown, and those who couldn’t attend the fair in person could watch a free live stream of all the shows through the Panorama FFA Facebook page. The youth also got to display their static submissions in the new 4-H and FFA Education Center that was recently constructed to replace the old static building. This year’s JR Hodges Award was given to SESS Rangefinders 4-H Club President Ruby Hummel, in recognition of her examples of citizenship, leadership, and showmanship in the county. The fair concluded with the Clover Kids Show Monday afternoon, giving area kids who are not yet enrolled in 4-H the chance to experience the fair and learn what it takes to be an exhibitor. Raccoon Valley Radio broadcasted with the Big Red Radio all throughout the fair, and you can find more stories and interviews from the fair at raccoonvalleyradio.com/guthriecountyfair, and find photos on our Facebook page.