RBC | Sparky is part of the new addition to the animal shows as the Rio Blanco County Fair this year. Sparky will be joined by Kira, Cleo, Misstache, Lucky and Alex. With cat names like that, the addition promises to be lively. Five 4-H members will be presenting both the live cat show and the 4-H general cat project at inaugural events on Monday, July 31 at the fairgrounds in Meeker.
Also, new this year will be the presence of CAM’s Ag Academy. Colorado State University’s agricultural science departments have developed educational modules to interact with youth and adults. Topics can vary, but all have goals of highlighting farm and ranch practices and how they relate to everyday people. There are activities planned, such as a scavenger hunt. The CSU students will be on the fairgrounds Thursday and Friday of the fair week. Lok for CAM’s classroom around the ball field.
After being absent for many years, a gilt swine breeding class will be back for both 4-H/FFA and Open. This gilt class wil now represent swine along with the breeding areas of beef, sheep, goat, rabbit and poultry. So, don’t forget the county Open shows allow for public participation as exhibitors, and the public is encouraged to exhibit.
The indoor 4-H General projects have expanded due to the interests of 4-H members. The STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) projects have grown and now have members in computer, robotics/engineering, global citizenship and leadership, with beekeeping, sport fishing and horseless horse also being popular. The shooting sports project has hired one judge to be dedicated to just archery, as there are 29 exhibitors expected to show their creative projects. The local FFA chapters have also expressed they would like to show their completed projects and will be in or around the exhibit halls.
All open indoor exhibits will be accepted on Wednesday, Aug. 2. This scheduling change will help indoor superintendents arrange items for judging all day on Thursday. Exhibits will only be accepted from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday. In past years handmade quilts have been a big draw for the indoor exhibits. Plus, artwork and photography have been experiencing increases in the youth and high school divisions in recent years. So, this year try your hand at creating the 2024 coloring contest design. This is a great chance to win this special contest’s $100 prize and bragging rights.
Wool fleece judging is one of our indoor departments with deep roots. The bundles of fleece are judged on commercial quality. The industry involves shearing, cleaning, carding and spinning into yarn and/or material. Wool garments are one of the sentimental and functional items in my clothing collection.
Anything that has been created in school can be exhibited at the fair. And all open departments are open to anyone. We even have exhibitors from other counties. Fair books will be printed in the coming weeks and will be available at popular locations in Rio Blanco County. They can also be acquired through smartphones and QR codes. Watch Facebook for Rio Blanco County Fair announcements and invitations. The CSU/4-H Extension Facebook sites also have valuable, informative information.
Each year there are surprises in every department. We still have the projects with solid participation: daisies, zucchini, knitting, leatherwork, pie baking and pickles. But even those have changed. It’s time to get ready for the Rio Blanco County Fair! Contact the CSU Extension office with 4-H questions, CSU and the Fair Board are here for you!
BY THE RIO BLANCO COUNTY FAIR BOARD
Submitted to the Herald Times
