Teen Opportunity: Ohio State Fair Junior Fair Board

Applications are open through March 1. The Ohio State Fair Junior Fair Board is made up of our great state’s best and brightest young leaders, hand-picked to contribute to the success of the Ohio State Fair each year. These students come together for two weeks of hard work and team building while fostering professional relationships along the way.

What are the requirements for my organization members?

In addition to being an outstanding leader, prospective members should meet the following general criteria:

  • 16-20 years old
  • Currently a member of 4-H, FFA, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, or Farm Bureau, or any other career technical organization
  • Highly involved members in their organization
  • Significant accomplishments within the organization (i.e. competition at the state and/or national level, leadership experiences, community service/volunteer experiences, etc.)
  • Leadership experience with the potential and desire to continue to grow as a leader
  • Very responsible, respectful, and professional
  • Members are only eligible to serve one two year term on the JFB representing one organization

What is the time commitment?

Junior Fair Board members commit approximately two weeks of time to the Ohio State Fair, arriving the Monday prior to the Fair’s Wednesday opening. First year Junior Fair Board members are paid a flat-rate stipend for their service; returning members will receive a higher stipend for their second year of service.

How do my organization members apply?

All interested applicants should submit the official Ohio State Fair Junior Fair Board application through the online application portal between January 1 and March 1. Interested students can also apply to serve as an at-large member if they represent one or more of these organizations.

Source: Ohio Expo Center & State Fair email 2/16/2024

Junior and Senior Fair Boards attend Ohio Fair Managers Association Convention

Last weekend, Junior and Senior Fair Board members had the opportunity to attend the Ohio Fair Managers Association Convention. On Saturday, members attended various sessions and workshops related to Junior Fair learning new ideas on how to better communicate, lead, and organize events and livestock shows.

LAST CALL: Junior Fair Board Applications – due 1/12/2024 (online)

2024 Junior Fair Board Application (online application) For 4-H and FFA youth interested in serving on the Fairfield County Junior Fair Board.  Membership is open to youth between the ages of 14 and 18 years old. New members must be 14 years old by October 1st of the current year to serve. Applications are due Friday, January 12th, 2024.

Junior Fair Buyer Poster Contest Results

Thank you to all individuals and clubs who participated in this year’s Buyer Poster Contest sponsored by the Junior Fair Board.

The results were shared during sale announcements during fair week and we also wanted to share with you now! Winners will be receiving their cash prizes thanks to the Junior Fair Board.

1st Place Club – Blue Ribbon Showmen

Individuals – 1st: Aubrey Duke-Ward (Awesome Animals 4-H Club) and 2nd: Alexis Armstrong (Green Extreme 4-H Club)

2024 Junior Fair Board Application NOW AVAILABLE – due 1/12/2024

2024 Junior Fair Board Application (online application) For 4-H and FFA youth interested in serving on the Fairfield County Junior Fair Board.  Membership is open to youth between the ages of 14 and 18 years old. New members must be 14 years old by October 1st of the current year to serve. Applications are due Friday, January 12th, 2024.

Special Thanks to Farm Credit for Photo Banner Sponsorships

The Fairfield County Senior Fairboard has been working to capture some additional dollars from the Farm Credit Community Grant program for the Junior Fair Youth.  In addition to the purchase of $2,500 worth of new gates we have worked on upgrading the Banners used to recognize each species in every Barn with a banner that could be utilized for photo opportunities with your show area or your barn stalling area.  Those banners are 60” x 36”.  We are simply asking you look at your show arena or stalling area and figure out a good way to utilize these grommeted banners to highlight your display area or enhance pictures with your exhibitors. We will provide zip ties for easy hanging and we hope to have these banners available for you next Sunday in the Junior Fair Office or just prior to your show.

These banners are not dated and the hope is to use them for several years.  THE BANNERS ARE NOT TO BE TAKEN HOME by exhibitors or show committees. We have invested nearly $2,000 to upgrade these banners in each barn and for each show, including Companion Animals, thanks to Farm Credit. In addition, to the Banners we have purchased storage tubes for the banners to remain in the Junior Fair office when not in use during Fair week.  When possible, please send a thank you note to  Leland Tinklepaugh, Farm Credit Mid-America, 7835 Lancaster-Newark Rd NE, Baltimore, OH 43105.

Junior Fair Shirt Fundraiser – Support the Junior Fair Board!

Support the Fairfield County Junior Fair Board by purchasing fair apparel featuring a ferris wheel! Orders and payment are due to advisor, Leslie Cooksey, or a JFB member by noon on Monday, September 18th (no exceptions). Orders can also be mailed/dropped off to the OSU Extension Office. Apparel orders will be available for pickup at the Fairfield County Fair in the Junior Fair Office.

Click here to download an order form: JFB Shirt Fundraiser Order Form

 

Buyer Poster Contest – Thank our Livestock Sale Buyers!

Show your appreciation for the livestock buyers by making a poster thanking them for their support by participating in the poster contest sponsored by the Fairfield County Junior Fair Board. Exhibitors may enter a poster as an individual or as a club/chapter. Posters will be displayed during the week in the Feeder Creek Show Arena. Cash prizes will be awarded! Cloverbud members are also welcome to participate!

All posters must be submitted by October 7th or 8th to the Junior Fair Office during office hours. If you have any questions do not be hesitant to contact Junior Fair Board Member, Raelyn Bader.

Friend of the Junior Fair Award – due 9/8/2023

The Junior Fair Board is again sponsoring the Friend of the Junior Fair Award. Agricultural students, 4-H members and community members in Fairfield County are encouraged to nominate a person or business in the community that has a strong influence in agriculture and has contributed to the lives of Junior Fair members and the Fairfield County Junior Fair. This award will be presented at the Junior Fair Panorama on Saturday, October 7th at 7:00 p.m. in Feeder Creek Vet Show Arena at the Fairfield County Fairgrounds.

Applications are due Friday, September 8th and can be obtained online or at the OSU Extension Office or from a Junior Fair Board member. Nominate a deserving person or business you know today!