101st Burt County Fair a success!

“I thought the 2013 fair was EXCELLENT,” stated Mary Loftis, UNL Extension Agent-Burt County.

John Wilson, Burt County Extension Educator, agreed with Mary, and had this to add, “I think the cooler weather made it a lot more enjoyable for fairgoers.”

This was John Wilson’s 36^th Burt County Fair, and 34^th for Mary Loftis.

Burt County Fair pictures, courtesy of Mary Loftis.

Mary and John are very involved in many aspects of the fair, each with different responsibilities.

Mary hires all of the 4-H judges, except livestock. “I oversee the cat, dog, rabbit and companion animal shows. I help the 4-H members decide which fair class fits their exhibit best as they pre-enter in the Extension office,” Mary said. She also takes hundreds of pictures during activities throughout the year that are displayed on posters in the 4-H building to raise awareness of the year round activities and the 4-H members who participate in them. “I am the walking, talking 4-H Kiosk, meaning that I share information about the 4-H program at every turn. If I don’t know an answer, I’ll find it for you,” Mary stated.

John works with the swine, meat goat, sheep beef and horse shows. “Then help out wherever else I’m needed. I also work closely with the shooting sports contests before and during the fair,” John said.

Both agree that the 101^st Burt County Fair was well attended. “I work primarily with the livestock and horse shows. I think the attendance was as good or better than last year,” John stated.

“The 4-H Fashion Show, awards and coronation had great attendance as did the small animal shows. The annual fair parade was amazing with all of the people involved and lining the streets. Activities on the fairgrounds were also well attended, such as the shows in the new fair pavilion and in the grandstand area,” Mary said.

With their many years of service to the Burt County Fair, they also have observed the many changes that have occurred. “I have to say we have fewer 4-H members, but the quality of the 4-H members remains exceptionally high and I truly enjoy working with each of them and seeing them grow in the program,” Mary stated.

John has noticed a change over the last three years with the variety and entertainment at the fair. “It is probably one of the biggest improvements in the fair. In the livestock area, our numbers aren’t close to what they were 20, 30 or 40 years ago. A lot of that deals with the demographics of the county. There aren’t nearly as many farm families out there. Our livestock numbers would be lower if it wasn’t for some farm families reaching out to their friends and neighbors in town and letting the “city kids” keep animals on the “farm kid’s farms,” John said. Another big change he has seen is the variety of projects offered to potential 4-H’ers.

There are many people involved in making the Burt County Fair a success from one year to the next. “The Burt County Fair Entertainment Committee has really coordinated and arranged for a lot of these things and the physical improvements as well as funding for much of the entertainment is a direct result of the fundraising efforts of the Burt County Fair Foundation,” John stated.

To volunteer to help with the 4-H program or to enroll in 4-H please call UNL Extension in Burt County at 402-374-2929.