08/12/2026
No one really understands, unless you are an exhibitor and the family that supports one, how much physical work goes into 4H projects. Bringing 4H project animals to the county fair is not just chucking them in the car or trailer and showing up. Animals have to pass a rigorous home health and grooming inspection, then the same again at fair check in, then animals stay in the heat for five days so that the public can view them. The heat is extremely hard on the animlas, especially rabbits. The 4-H members must be in the barn constantly, making sure their animals are completely cared for nonstop and that no fair visitors interact with their animals in an inappropriate ways such as sticking their fingers through the cages or bringing dogs through the exhibitor barns.
Then cost of bringing animals to the fair is astronomical, my family spent $30 for parking passes for the week (which I find ABSURD), no food discounts or vouchers, gas for generators because there's not enough electrical hook ups, and then camper rental fees. It's exhausting to say the least. Yes, the kids get fair premium money back in the fall, to help with the show fees, but from what I can tell they have not accommodated for inflation since 1990 and the doubling of parking passes and adding a whole day onto the fair.
Despite this, I want to give a shout out to all the kids this year at the Salem County Fair that were there with their animals in the brutal heat, persevering, and showing the community what agricultural and livestock fairs are really all about.
I know as a parent I've found the fair frustrating. I am 3rd generation 4H member in Salem county. I as well as many family members, are former 4H horse club leaders and members, now my son has been in rabbit club for 9 years. I have found I feel like the 4-H clubs don't have the best relationship with the Fair Association. I also feel like the fair is really difficult to maneuver for any member or family member that doesn't have great mobility. Scooters just don't cut it on the grounds because of the high grass for family members that need help moving around and difficulty for people who don't walk well going to the rest room. 2 years ago my dad brought his kubota side by side to drive back and forth to the rest room and was confronted in the rudest way about it. Yet minor children were driving golf carts wrecklessly throughout the fair the entire week. That has continued to happen and be openly visible the past two years.
I think this was our last year at fair, despite my son having 4 more potential years. Some of our best memories were made at fair, but it's a hard week. So, it's bitter sweet that my son is considering this as being our last year. Upon reflection - signed a 4H Mom who is just being honest and is sad
