SIDNEY — Shelby County youth are asking for support of several fundraising events from June 19 through June 23, their first ever Junior Fair Week.
Youths from 4-H, FFA and the Girl Scouts have planned three events.
Monday, June 19, from 5 to 8 p.m. patrons of Culver’s will be able to donate to the Shelby County Junior Fair when they present a digital or physical copy of a flyer, which can be found online at shelby.osu.edu under the 4-H youth development program tab.
A similar event will be Wednesday, June 21, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Hot Head Burritos. A flier for this event can be found at the same web address.
The grand finale for the week will be a Friday night family game and movie night. At the fairgrounds, this event will feature carnival games and traditional fair concessions like hot dogs and popcorn, all costing $1 each. When the sun sets, the movie “Sing” will be shown in a drive-in style. People can watch from their cars or take lawn chairs or blankets. Donations will be accepted at the gate.
Throughout the week, Junior Fair fans can follow the Shelby County 4-H Facebook account to win prizes.
Cassie Dietrich, the extension educator for 4-H youth development, says the idea for fundraising was presented by the senior fair board, who are attempting to upgrade fairground facilities. Some junior fair funds may support those efforts.
“It takes on average $23,000 a year to keep the fair running, so fundraising is necessary for improvements,” she said. “It’s a good skill for our youth to learn.”
Original fundraising plans for this year were to hold a rummage sale, which will be Aug. 19. Last year’s fundraising activity was the family game and movie night, which raised around $500.
Dietrich hopes Junior Fair Week will create a more inclusive environment as well as raise money.
“A lot of people come to the fair but stay in their own areas,” she said. “Too often it’s not about youth development. I’m hoping this week will show that there are faces behind this — and real skills.”
According to Dietrich, about $9,000 is used each year for premiums, which are about $3 a piece, so even a small donation could help keep those costs from being passed to the exhibitors.
“We really want people out and supporting our kids,” she said. “They’re our future, and people should be encouraged that they’re out and doing this.”
