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Deer Lodge County

Tasks with Masks

Published: 2020
By Kimberly D Richardson
The Tri-County Fair, held the third week of August, is a collaborative effort between Deer Lodge, Granite, and Powell counties. The Tri-County Fair is the highlight and culmination of our 4-Her's projects and 4-H year. Because of the COVID-19 global pandemic, our Tri-County Fair took on a much different form. Initially the Fair Board agreed to hold a traditional fair, but in June, that plan came to a halt when the Deer Lodge Public Health Department cancelled the fair, exempting the 4-H livestock portion. Facing uncertainty and inevitable changes, MSU Extension agents decided that all 4-Her's should be allowed to exhibit projects and through over 100 hours of dedication from agents and county volunteers, the Tri-County 4-H Event was reborn. Deer Lodge County created a 126-page document outlining a COVID-19 event proposal, incorporating input from county commissioners, county attorneys, MSU Extension agents, market committee members, fair board members, 4-H leaders, 4-H volunteers, and 4-H families and members. The Tri-County 4-H Event plan was formally submitted to the public health department and was approved and accepted on July 28. The Tri-County 4-H Event hosted a full day exhibit for static projects from baking to woodworking. Animal projects were exhibited on specified days and times. The livestock auction was offered in-person and virtually. Despite all the changes and guidelines, our livestock auction was one of the most profitable on record and our 4-H constituency proved they could overcome challenges to “Make the Best, Better” while donning masks and practicing social distancing. In total we had 150 4-Her's participate in the Tri-County 4-H Event, showcasing 1,023 exhibits which were viewable by constituents on several virtual platforms.
Kirby Shindurling-Gustafson showing a Holstein calf.