Column: That’s a wrap on a record-breaking year for the 2025 Wayne County Junior Fair & Sale

We are excited to announce 2025 was a record-breaking sale year. The total amount raised from the junior fair livestock sale hovers at an impressive $2.02 million. Roughly $185,000 represents the add-ons from various donors. This is simply a testament to the wonderful community in which we live.

It is hard to believe the 2025 Wayne County Junior Fair has come and gone. We are certainly grateful for those involved who help us make it possible for our roughly 1,400 youth exhibitors here in Wayne County. The 4-H team could not do the work we do without all the support we receive before, during and after the fair each year.

Throughout the year the 4-H team and junior fair board members partner with the Wayne County Senior Fair Board and countless volunteers. We are certainly thankful for this relationship as we work together to support the youth in our community.

The time and effort the youth put in throughout the year — not only on their individual projects, but also on events to get ready for the fair — is remarkable. This includes — but is not limited to — Skillathon, Quality Assurance, project judging, Style Revue and the list goes on. All are required events for project completion and for junior fair youth to be eligible to show at the fair.

Each JFB member is assigned to a committee at the start of the year. Prior to fair week, JFB members work hard to set up the barns and buildings, pick up trash, paint trash cans and then place them around the grounds, sort awards and more. During the fair JFB members are tasked with helping at the various shows and events all week. These duties vary from setting up, announcements at the shows and handing out awards to lining up exhibitors, show-ring help and much more. What goes up must come down, so the cleanup process starts immediately and continues following fair week until all is complete.

This year the livestock sale committee decided to pilot a double sale ring format in the event center for Wednesday only. Lambs and goats were sold in one ring while poultry and rabbits were sold in the other. Although change can be uncertain at times, this was a necessary move to make the overall experience better for everyone involved.

The initial 2025 project entry numbers per department including nonmarket were as follows: 350 dairy, 89 steers, 37 beef/dairy carcass, nine beef breeding, 411 swine, 261 sheep, 468 goats, 100 horses, 597 poultry and 332 rabbits. While a high volume of animals is a great problem to have, it is important that changes are made to reflect the need for the sale to be done in a timely manner. Online and in-person add-ons were available for donors to give extra money for each youth exhibitor, livestock and nonlivestock project members.

Thank you for the continued support of the amazing youth we have the pleasure of getting to know year after year. Although the 2026 Wayne County Junior Fair is a year away, the planning and preparations have already begun.

Hannah Getz is an Ohio State University Extension 4-H youth development educator and may be reached at 330-264-8722 or getz.107@osu.edu.