Harrison County Fair board hears youth, community project updates

The Harrison County Agricultural Society met Sept. 8 to discuss ongoing fair operations, with updates on youth involvement, community projects and shooting sports programs.

Caity Romshak announced the search for new Junior Fair Board members, encouraging local youth to step up. “We’ve typically accepted youth of 14 and up or really mature 13-year-olds, and so if you have a member in mind please let them know,” Romshak said.

She also relayed a proposal from junior leaders of 4-H for a community engagement project in partnership with the senior fair board. The plan would involve placing and decorating flower beds throughout the fairgrounds, with clubs designing the beds and using them for promotion. Romshak said efforts are underway to secure donations of the flower beds and the project has already had an initial planning meeting.

Romshak further highlighted the county’s shooting sports program, now in its sixth year, noting that Jefferson and Tuscarawas counties are invited to participate. “Shooting sports isn’t just shooting sports,” she said. “It’s also nature and conservation. We work with Harrison Soil and Water, Turkey Federation, the Lodge, the police department and other organizations that touch safety and hands-on experience with firearms.”

She added that Harrison and Jefferson counties are partnering with the National Rifle Association to hold a banquet in October. Proceeds will go to a state fund that supports safety education, youth sports and local fire and police departments. “By having this banquet it allows for Harrison County to have a voice in where those funds go,” Romshak said.

No formal action was taken by the board.