County Fair Was A Scorcher

By PR Extension Office

There is nothing surprising about heat in August, and last week during the County Fair was a scorcher. "This year, the heat was relentless as all four days were either in the high 90's or triple digits," said MSU Extension Agent Mary Rumph. "All who participated were greatly appreciated," added Rumph.

"All rose to the occasion," said Rumph. "The animals were especially well taken care of with port-a-cools provided by the EB Ranch, and the Talcott and Schroeder families to whom we were all grateful as we shared the cooler air circulating in the barn, making it bearable. It helped to have electricity throughout the Fair, too, with last years' experience still fresh in our minds."

It is definitely a community Fair; it takes the entire community to make it happen, commented Extension agent Julie Riley. A few highlights to share include Jimmy Collins spending two days taking market livestock photos and pictures of award winners in support of the youth, using a backdrop designed by the Schroeder family, complete with potted sorghum. Emmons Ranch provided an electronic scale, along with Barry's expertise, who spent a long, hot day weighing in livestock with Fair Board Chairman Drew Gaskill.

The County Road Department was busy with unexpected arena challenges early in the week enlisting the help of Teel Mullanix and his crew. The new Emergency Service Director, Adam Johnson, and volunteers were the first to arrive at the fairgrounds on Tuesday morning and provided much needed services Tuesday & Friday night. The Fire Department helped with keeping the dust down throughout the week with Chase Talcott at the wheel. Cass Zimmer and Donna Wilson with the City of Broadus helped with garbage removal and traffic control. The Mayor of Broadus, Chad Gatlin, kissed a pig with "class" to help raise funds for the 4-H Shooting Sports program. Other contenders vying for the privilege included Lee Randall, Ayche Draine and Hattie Arithson. Meanwhile, city crew members were dealing with emergency water line breaks affecting the town's residents...unsung heroes! The County Maintenance team kept the fairgrounds supplied with all the essentials and quickly responded to unexpected needs.

The food vendors braved heat and flies to keep Fair attendees well fed and hydrated with a variety of delicious choices...with the traditional VFW hamburger a reason to come to the Fair! The Lutheran ice cream brownie delight was a daily supplement for the Extension staff and contributed to Fair survival. Other vendors were on hand to provide nourishment as often as needed and kept up with a hungry crew.

Mills Auction Service came in force with three renown auctioneers: Slug, Charlee and Beau and sold the bejeezus out of the 4-H market livestock. Buyers showed up in force to reward the hard work of the youth. Our local Yellowstone Bank with Phoebe, Dawn, and Stephanie sweated through an intense livestock sale, keeping track of who bought what and for how much – which is not an easy task.

Meat processers who showed up and immediately hauled livestock to their final destination included Terry and Jeff Considine with Broadus Meats and Auggie with Auggie's Meat Processing. Broadus Meats also provided a buyback option for buyers who were interested in supporting youth, but not in need of meat.

And behind the scenes of every judge and exhibitor interaction were the department superintendents who designed attractive displays and coordinated the judging...volunteers who spent time setting up, checking in, and cleaning up to help provide a community Fair.

Working with positive, capable Fair Board members and 4-H volunteers is the icing on the cake. Whatever needed to be done, there was a willing set of hands to carry the load. Ex-officio Fair Board Member and current County Commissioner John Olson, along with spouse Jennie and baby Mariah, raised hogs and braved the heat to help make the muddy pig wrestling indeed muddy and fun. "Once a Fair Board member, always one" rang true when Christine Appleman showed up to help with barn set up on Tuesday morning ...and was one of the last to leave. "I just know how much work it is," she said with a dirt smudged face and a grin.

If you picked up trash, packed a table or chairs, sponsored an award, swept the bathroom, watered the grounds, emptied trash cans, brought a critter, bought a critter, participated in an event, spectated at an event, your presence and support were a gift to a good County Fair. Thank you!

Please see this week's photo gallery for more photos from the fair!