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On June 20, I noted that in six months, it would be Christmas. Yikes! And then I recalled that one month from that day would be the last day of the 118th La Crosse Interstate Fair.

My, how time flies, it seems like it was just a couple of months ago I was writing about last year’s fair.

For many, this is one of the busiest times of the year. Hundreds of individuals are planning to exhibit thousands of entries at the 2008 fair and are scurrying around finishing the last minute details in hopes of winning the blue ribbon. The fair provides an opportunity for exhibitors — youth and adult — to share the skills they have developed and the projects they have worked on throughout the year.

The fair is open to everyone. Youth who participate in any recognized youth organization can enter the junior fair. The 2008 fair includes youth exhibitors from 4-H clubs, FFA chapters, Junior Dairy, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. Those not eligible for the junior fair can enter in open class.

For the UW-Extension staff, it seems like the fair has been here for a long time. In reality, the books are barely closed from one fair before starting preparations for the next. In November preparations for the 2008 fair book started and letters requesting judges distributed.

In March the final draft of the fair book was sent to the printer, the completed fair books were distributed in April, and entries due June 5. Other pre-fair activities such as the Speaking and Demonstration Festivals, Foods Revue and Clothing Revue were held in January, April and June.

And within the past two weeks, it doesn’t seem like the telephone has quit ringing — with questions about this years exhibits and events. So fair activities are ongoing throughout the year.

The fair offers numerous educational opportunities for the participants, their families and the general public. Animal exhibits and baked items are a traditional part of the fair and there are many other fun activities for families to participate in. You can spend hours in the Small Animals Barn with cats, dogs, chickens, ducks, baby animals and the small animal and poultry exhibits.

On Saturday morning, you can watch the “Rooster Crowing” contest and Super Farmer Olympics. Or you can take a look at the computer exhibits.

The food and food preservation judging generally draw a good crowd because the judge discusses the characteristics of standard food projects and identifies reasons why some products are rated differently than others.

I personally prefer face to face judging because the exhibitor has the opportunity to interact with the judge. I believe this can be one of the best learning experiences project members can participate in. 4-H members who enter in the Clothing and Foods Revue participate in face-to-face judging and learn new/different ideas to change and/or improve their projects, skills and personal presentations.

A special opportunity for a conference-type judging is the Cloverbud/Exploring judging on Wednesday. Our youngest entrants are judged on their individual merits. It is great to listen to their responses to the judges questions and to see how big their eyes and smiles get when they receive their ribbon and rating.

Showmanship can be found in various projects throughout the fair. Clothing Revue entrants present a style show of their fashions at the Clothing Preview and Foods Revue entrants present their table displays. Exhibitors learn how to present their projects to the public and develop skills that can benefit them throughout life.

Ribbons and premiums are a part of the fair but not the only part. Participants learn how to deal with competition; they learn how they can improve and enhance their projects, they can gain self-confidence and build self-esteem, sometimes they learn that they have to live by someone else’s rules, they build character; and, as they work on their projects throughout the year, they learn how to communicate and build relationships with family members, club leaders, club members and friends. The fair can be a time of family interaction, with a wealth of opportunities to learn and grow from within.

The success of the fair is the result of many volunteer leaders who work with youth throughout the year to help them develop skills within project areas; volunteers who serve as members of the La Crosse County Agricultural Society and sponsor the fair; volunteers who work throughout the fair as superintendents and clerks, etc. We appreciate all they do. When you see these individuals at the fair be sure to say “Thank you for caring about our community and our youth, and for being willing to share your time to make the La Crosse Interstate Fair a success.”

In particular, “THANK YOU” to the La Crosse County Agricultural Society — your willingness to assume the responsibilities associated with owning the La Crosse Interstate Fair grounds and sponsoring the La Crosse Interstate Fair. Sometimes you have to make challenging and difficult decisions. However, your continued commitment to bringing individuals, families and communities together, all working for the common good of our youth and our families, is appreciated.

See you at the fair.

For more information or to make comments on the information contained in Coulee Consumer, please write to UW-Extension, 400 North 4th Street, La Crosse WI 54601, Attention: Coulee Consumer or call 785-9593.