Auglaize County families take pride in 4-H fair events

WAPAKONETA — Auglaize County residents endured suffocating heat and humidity at the fair Thursday.

For people like Brendon Reed and his family, seeing his daughter Emma showcase her chickens in the junior fair was worth it.

“It was really neat,” he said. “For her first year, she was slightly nervous, but she got out there and did a good job.”

Cathy Varno, from the New Knoxville area, said she came out to support her grandchildren in the chicken, beef and rabbit shows.

“The Auglaize County Fair is a nice county fair as small as it is,” she said. “I love looking at the quilts and fine arts displays and just watching the kids at their functions. I also like to look at the cake decorating and all the baked goods because I am a baker and decorator.”

The fair has seen 4-H events, the country star playoffs and harness racing, featuring the biggest crowd fair board president Chris Spellmire said he has seen yet, but the best is yet to come with Thursday night’s demolition derby, the rodeo Friday and concerts featuring 127 North and Connor Smith on Saturday.

“It’s kind of a privilege to bring the rural community together with the 4-H shows,” he said. “People still have their projects in the barn, and they take care of them, learn about them and get that expertise about how to raise and nurture an animal that you then train. It’s a really good education experience for the kids.”

Reed’s wife, Christie, said the family, also with two other children, took full advantage of all the fair has had to offer.

“We’ve really enjoyed watching other livestock shows throughout the week,” she said.

Brendon added, “We know a lot of people in the community who are affiliated with the fair as well, so it’s nice seeing and talking to people about it.”

Varno said she hoped competitors took a lot away from the experience.

“Realize it is hard work and sometimes you may not always get first place, but you have done your best,” she said. “And that’s the most important thing.”

Spellmire remarked on how involved parents were with the junior farmers.

“They are very proud of what their kids do, and they really encourage them to stay involved for personal development,” he said. “Learning how to make a presentation, speak to people and shake their hand to buy their animal all counts. It grows with the teenager as they mature and some of these kids are very impressive.”

ON THE WEB

For more information on Auglaize County Fair and to view the schedule, visit auglaizecountyfair.org.

Reach Jacob Espinosa at 567-242-0399.