Sold! Local businesses put money where their mouth is in support of Holmes County Junior Livestock auction
The Holmes County Fair has touted itself as one of the only true junior fairs left in the state, and with the way local business people take care of the kids by making sure that there are plenty of bidders available during the auction portion of the junior fair, they certainly back up that sentiment.
Every year 4-H'ers send out letters to area businesses, looking to garner their support in purchasing their animal at auction. The harder the kids work, the more likely it is that their efforts will result in gaining support from more than one business, which oftentimes means a lucrative auction.
"We probably get some 40 to 50 letters from 4-H'ers asking us to support them through the auction," said Lee Miller of Commercial & Savings Bank (CSB). "Sometimes the letters can get pretty creative and funny. You can always tell when a kid puts a lot of effort and thought into their letters, and that does help a lot when it comes to supporting a 4-H'er."
CSB actually implements a plan in which employees can purchase some of the meat that is purchased, and president Rick Ginther said that because they do this for the kids, it becomes much easier.
Of course, like many businesses, CSB goes to great lengths to support their customers' children first, whenever possible. That has been the case for Sugar Valley Meats, McDowell Insurance, TMK Farm Services, Millersburg True Value Hardware and Killbuck Savings Bank, a tiny fraction of the businesses who throw their support toward the kids.
But even when 4-H'ers don't put the effort in to send letters out and hand out flyers, local business people still flock to support them all.
Blaine Budd, representing Wayne Insurance Group, said that supporting the kids of their customers is imperative. In addition, Wayne Insurance Group writes insurance policies all over the state, so Budd has done his share of bidding in Holmes, Wayne, Knox and other surrounding counties.
"I've been doing this for 25 years, so it's not too nerve-racking," said Budd of the bidding process. "This is one way we can give back to the community and at the same time provide something for the future of the people who are going to be leading our communities someday."
Dennis and Kathy Schlabach, owners of Denco Industries, have been ardent supporters of the junior fair for years. They have consistently been one of the top buyers, oftentimes purchasing grand champions.
Kathy Schlabach said that they have been buying animals since the late 1970s, and with any luck, will be doing it for years to come.
"We have such great 4-H and FFA programs here in Holmes County," said Schlabach. "Agriculture is such a big part of this area, and an important part of our heritage. I think we need to encourage our kids in every way possible to continue to pursue it as a way of life."
Ohio State Representative Dave Hall grew up in Holmes County, a product of the 4-H system. He understands the value of the program, and also knows how important it is for the youth to receive a reward for their hard work.
Hall and his wife, Anita, have been huge supporters of the 4-H program over the past couple of decades, and he said that he can remember the days of showing an animal.
"It's all about giving back to the community, as I think it is for many of the people here tonight," said Hall. "I am always amazed at how we see this kind of support year after year, even in a down economy."
And what kind of impact do those winning bids make on the youth? Hall said he still remembers who bought his animals at the fair.
He also takes the time in Columbus to do a little bragging about his hometown fair, telling his fellow representatives that Holmes County has the best fair in the state of Ohio.
"I've done my share of bragging down there about this fair, and the kind of support we get from the community," Hall said with a laugh.
Even the auctioneers sometimes get into the bidding wars. John Kline, of Real Estate Showcase, said that they have bought their fair share of animals at auction, all in support of the kids, and, he adds, auctioneers know how to handle a bid as well as answer the call on those in the audience who are bidding.
"No, we don't get nervous at all when we bid," said Kline. "These kids deserve our support and it is all for them."
Whether it is dairy feeders, rabbits, grand champions or number 211 on the list of kids selling a market hog, local support remains a key to the success of the Holmes County Fair, one of the last junior fairs around.
Holmes County Fair Reserve Grand Champion Steer Auction:
Holmes County Fair Rabbit Auction:
For more videos from the 2011 Holmes County Fair, log on to the Graphic Publications YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/user/GraphicPubs.
Published: August 14, 2011
