While many are at the lake for a last summer fling, and some are busy mowing the weeds and grass that have exploded since our recent downpours, the 4-H and FFA families and many other longtime exhibitors are busy this weekend making final preparations for their entries at the Roosevelt County Fair. The fair officially opens on Tuesday, but booths go up Sunday, and entries are to be checked in on Monday. Livestock exhibitors, parents and fair officials have been busy over the past several days with grounds cleanup and organizing to make sure everything is in top shape for next week. Exhibitors are getting their animals primped and poised for the shows and purchasing last minute grooming and show supplies to get them through the week.

Many have been canning, pickling, woodworking, welding, sewing, quilting and doing many other crafts which will be on display next week in the Home Arts and 4-H Buildings. Baking is usually done in the days just prior to the fair to ensure the freshest products, but many have been baking for weeks in order to perfect their recipes. I was personally lucky enough to be a mock judge for one of our young bakers in the county. After church a few Sundays ago Ali Terry asked me to sample her cupcake creation for this year’s fancy cupcake contest. I and a few others gave her our opinions and a few suggestions (not that she needed many, yum yum) and she humbly said thank you for all your help. I’m sure Ali is just one of the many who have been searching for the perfect recipe to touch the taste buds of this year’s judges! The Terry Family has been busy……while Ali has been busy baking, her younger brother Eli has been making a bench. I can’t wait to see the finished products!

The fair is a great place to see families in action working together to show a prized pig or goat. It’s a place to visit with friends while enjoying some Tasty Taters or a Funnel Cake as you watch two-stepper’s twirl around the slab or enjoy a ride on the Tilt-a-Whirl. It’s a place to show your support of our youth who are learning skills to make them better individuals, and better citizens in our communities. I was blessed to be in 4-H and FFA in my younger days and I made sure my own kids got the most out of their 4-H and FFA careers. Make plans to come out for a great night at the fair. Every night you’ll find some great entertainment, great food, and great friends! And stay tuned for updates from all the contests, shows and other events! See you at the Fair!

Leslie Creighton