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Powell County

Tri-County 4-H Fair Continues Despite COVID-19

Published: 2020
By Bo Walker
The COVID-19 pandemic made planning and conducting the 4-H portion of the Tri-County Fair a challenge this year. After several months of working with local public health officials, an event plan outlining numerous changes to the logistics of 4-H events was accepted by public health. Perhaps the biggest difference was the lack of the rest of the fair activities that normally occur in tandem with the 4-H events. The pavilion where most events were held was plastered with signage encouraging participants and attendees to mask-up, keep physically distanced, and to hand sanitize frequently. Temperature checks were required prior entry for everyone. Even the schedule of events was different with only one animal species being shown each day. But, even in the face of challenging times, animals were shown and judged, ribbons and awards were given out, and 4-Hers were able to show off and be celebrated for all their hard work. While things felt undeniably different than previous years, not all changes were bad. One great addition to this year’s fair was the livestreaming of events via the Flint Creek Courier website and Facebook page. This allowed family and friends who could not attend to view their favorite 4-Hers from across the country. The total number of 4-Hers participating in this year’s event decreased when compare to previous years as did the total number animals enrolled in the market sale. Thankfully, members of the local community and beyond made sure that the market sale was a success. The sale brought in $243,650 – a nearly $300 increase when compared to the averaged sales of the previous three sales. So, even though the 4-H portion of the fair looked and felt a little different this year, our community was able to come together and make the event a success for our 4-Hers.
Local 4-Hers being judged during the Sheep Showmanship Show at the 2020 Tri-County 4-H Fair.