The Greene County Fair is officially underway today with a fuller day of activities happening on Wednesday.
Greene County ISU Extension 4-H and Youth Coordinator Samantha Hardaway says the morning consists mainly of more livestock check-ins and weigh-ins, along with the Clover Cafe being open from 7:30am-9pm. She states that Clover Hall will also be open starting at 1pm tomorrow, along with the 4-H/FFA and Clover Kids Poultry Show in the show ring at 1pm. Hardaway notes that at 3pm will be the 4-H/FFA Dog Obedience and Showmanship Show. She points out that tomorrow evening at 6:30pm will be a large photo opportunity with the 4-H static exhibit Iowa State Fair qualifiers and Outstanding 4th Graders honor will happen at the new show ring backdrop.
Hardaway talks about why there is a special recognition just for the 4th graders that are in 4-H.
“So at the state fair level, you can only compete after you have finished 5th grade, and the reasoning behind that is just that educational experience. Fourth grade, you still want to get that year under your belt, get that county fair experience before we advance kids to the state fair. Unlike livestock, static exhibits you do have to qualify to go to the state fair and so 4th graders are not eligible to qualify. So we still want to honor them and give them that recognition because they have put a lot of time and effort into their projects. So we give them an outstanding ribbon.”
Greene County Fair Board Vice President Katlynn Mechaelsen says in the evening there will be registration at 6pm for the return of the Little Miss and Mister Contest, before they take the stage after the County Fair Queen Contest at 7pm, both in Clover Hall. She is thrilled to see who gets crowned this year.
“We have five this year. It’s super exciting to read over their applications and how eager they are to be involved in the community and the fair. So we’re really happy to have the five contestants that we have.”
Mechaelsen adds that the Little Miss and Mister Contest is for kids who are 5-7 years old with a $10 registration fee that can be paid that evening during registration. Additionally, Raccoon Valley Radio will also be there broadcasting live from the Greene County Fairgrounds from Wednesday through Saturday from 10am-6pm and Sunday from 10am-1pm. Click the link below to see the entire Greene County Fair schedule.