Junior Fair Board (JFB)

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

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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!

The 2023 Fairfield County Junior Fair Book is Available!

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The 2023 Fairfield County Junior Fair Book is now posted online. You may access the most up to date information at this link: go.osu.edu/fcjrbook

4-H/FFA Advisors who wish to order paper copies of the 2023 Junior Fair Book for the families in your club/chapter can do so by completing the survey at this link: 2023 Fairfield County Junior Fair Book – Advisor Book Order Form

  • Please allow time for printing (as we are printing these in house at the Extension Office).
  • One book per family please.
  • QR codes are available for various forms/links. If the url is “unknown” or an “error” please note that the form will open when it is available. Example – The Drug Use Notification Form will not open until this fall as it should not be completed until the week prior to your animals respective weigh-in.

To download and print individual sections of the Junior Fair Book, you may visit this link.

Support the Fairfield County Junior Fair Board – Kroger Rewards

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elp the Fairfield County Junior Fair Board raise money while shopping at no additional cost to you! 

Kroger Community Rewards

1. Start at Kroger.com
2. Sign in with your current Kroger account or create a new one. Note: You must have a registered Kroger Rewards card in order to participate in the Community Rewards program
3. Click the Community Rewards tab and search for “Fairfield Co 4H Advisory Committee”, then click Enroll
4. Once you select your charity, it will be saved and you will support 4-H each time you shop!
5. The 4-H Advisory Committee will allocate these funds to the JFB upon receipt

Volunteer Position Open: Junior Fair Board Advisor (Apply by February 28th)

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For questions regarding application and selection, contact Leslie Cooksey at cooksey.25@osu.edu or call 740-653-5419.

POSITION OPEN: FAIRFIELD COUNTY JUNIOR BOARD ADVISOR (At-Large Position)

This is a VOLUNTEER POSITION.

The Fairfield County Junior Fair Board is supervised by the Junior Fair Director and Junior Fair Board Adult Advisory Committee. This Adult Advisory Committee will consist of two representatives from Senior Fair Board, two Fairfield County 4-H Advisors, two Fairfield County Agricultural Education Teachers, Representatives of OSU Extension, and 1 At-Large Advisor which is selected by the Junior Fair Board Adult Advisory Committee and does not have a term limit but is reviewed by the adult advisors of this committee annually.

Members of the Junior Fair Board Adult Advisory Committee include:

  • Doug Shell, Junior Fair Director/Senior Fair Board Member
  • Leslie Cooksey, OSU Extension/4-H Youth Development (head advisor)
  • Aubry Fowler, OSU Extension/4-H Youth Development
  • Brandon Thomas, FFA Advisor/Liberty Union High School
  • Jena Kemmerer, FFA Advisor/Fairfield Union High School
  • Greg Coulter, 4-H Advisor/4-H Advisory Committee (2-year term)
  • Troi Orth, 4-H Advisor/4-H Advisory Committee (2-year term)

Requirements:

  • Attend all regular and special Junior Fair Board meetings. Meetings are typically held on Wednesday evenings at 7:00 p.m.
  • Attend special events of the Junior Fair Board. This may include serving as the adult advisor supervising members at weekend/evening JFB events (i.e. taggings, awards programs, fairgrounds cleanup, Skillathon, etc).
  • Attend the Ohio Fair Managers Association Junior Fair Conference as a JFB Chaperone (full Saturday in January).
  • Successful applicant will be required to complete Ohio 4-H Volunteer Process if they are not currently a 4-H volunteer with the OSU Extension Office. This includes a background check and annual recognition of child abuse and neglect training.

If you are interested in an opportunity to develop leadership and organizational skills and be an active participant in planning the Fairfield County Junior Fair, we would encourage you to apply for the position of Junior Fair Board Advisor.

We are looking for an individual interested in working with the Senior & Junior Fair Board and staff to provide the following responsibilities:

  • Work closely with Junior Fair Director, Fair Manager, and 4-H & FFA leadership.
  • Provide feedback to Junior Fair Board members in the Junior Fair rule/award proposal process.
  • Advise members in the planning and conducting Junior Fair activities, shows, and events.
  • Assist with finding Junior Fair and Junior Fair Board sponsorships.
  • Assist with getting Junior Fair Board members ready for shows and events by assisting with hands-on training and program development.
  • Assist head advisor and JFB officers with planning and conducting meetings.
  • Serve as a positive role model to all Junior Fair Board members and exhibitors.
  • Use appropriate dress, behavior, and language when representing the Fairfield County Junior Fair.
  • Maintain a professional and cooperative attitude with Junior and Senior Fair Board Members, Show Committee Members, Junior Fair Exhibitors, Parents, and Fairgoers.
  • Support the decisions, policies, and activities of the Junior and Senior Fair Boards.

Skills required:

  • Excellent communication and organization skills.
  • Timely follow up on calls, emails, or problems.
  • Ability to work alongside volunteers, Junior Fair Board Members, parents, and exhibitors of all ages.
  • Computer skills utilizing spreadsheets and word processing skills.
  • An outgoing personality that will be a spokesperson for the Junior Fair Program.
  • Creativity and program planning skills.
  • Work in a cooperatively with the Senior Fair Board, Junior Fair Superintendents, OSU Extension Staff, and 4-H & FFA leadership.

Applicants should send a resume with cover letter to Leslie Cooksey, 4-H Extension Educator at cooksey.25@osu.edu by Tuesday, February 28th, 2023. All applications will be reviewed by a committee and selected applicants will be interviewed.

Ohio State Fair Junior Fair Board Applications Open – due 3/1/2023

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Encourage your organization members to attend the virtual information session to learn more about JFB!

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, building enduring friendships, and professional relationships along the way.

JFB virtual information session

Details: Join us for a virtual information session where past Junior Fair Board members will share the ins and outs of the position and answer questions from participants!
A recording of the session will be available at ohiostatefair.com/jfb the following day.

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
  • 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?

Member of 4-H, Boy Scouts, Farm Bureau, FFA, and Girl Scouts are eligible to apply. Interested students can also apply to serve as an at-large member if they represent one or more of these organizations. 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.

Volunteer Position Open: Junior Fair Meat/Market Goat Superintendent (Apply by February 3rd)

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POSITION OPEN: FAIRFIELD COUNTY JUNIOR FAIR MEAT/MARKET GOAT SUPERINTENDENT(s)

This is a VOLUNTEER POSITION.

If you are interested in an opportunity to develop leadership and organizational skills and be an active participant in planning the Fairfield County Junior Fair, we would encourage you to apply for the position of Junior Fair Meat/Market Goat Superintendent. We are looking for individual interested in working with the Senior & Junior Fair Board and staff to provide the following duties:

  • Operate the Junior Fair Meat/Market Goat Show during the Fairfield County Fair
  • In December, review the rules for the Junior Fair Meat/Market Goat Show and assist in updating rules to meet current industry standards.
  • In January, work with Junior Fair Director to develop tagging plan.
  • Work with schedule and operation of the July Tag in for goats.
  • Provide input to the Skillathon event as needed.
  • Develop a communication instrument with exhibitors through email through out the year on upcoming events related to the meat/market goat show. Database will be provided.
  • Assign and schedule pen assignments for goat exhibitors.
  • Plan and conduct with your committee the meat/market goat show at the fair.
  • Coordinate meat/market goat showmanship.
  • Complete all required documents regarding meat/market goat show results and champions.
  • Work with sponsors and their commitment to award sponsorship.
  • Seek with assistance new award sponsors for new award areas.
  • Work closely with Junior Fair Director, Fair Manager, and 4-H & FFA leadership.
  • Follow up in early September non-sponsored awards and assist in finding sponsors.

Skills required:

  • Excellent communication and organization skills.
  • Timely follow up on calls, emails, or problems.
  • Ability to work alongside volunteers, Junior Fair Board Members, parents, and exhibitors of all ages.
  • Computer skills utilizing spreadsheets and word processing skills.
  • An outgoing personality that will be the spokesperson for the Junior Fair Meat/Market Goat Program.
  • Work in a cooperatively with the Senior Fair Board, Junior Fair Superintendents, OSU Extension Staff, and 4-H & FFA leadership.

Applicants should send a resume with cover letter to Doug Shell, Junior Fair Director at lshell171@gmail.com by Friday, February 3rd 2023.

All applications will be reviewed by a committee and selected applicants will be interviewed.

Teen Opportunity: Ohio State Junior Fair Board (ages 16-20) – Apps due 3/1/2022

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Apply to represent 4-H Youth Development on the Ohio State Fair Junior Fair Board by March 1, 2023

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. If the passion for 4-H Youth Development and the state fair is in your blood, consider applying to represent our organization by March 1!

What is the Junior Fair Board?

The Ohio State Fair Junior Fair Board is made up of Ohio’s best and brightest young leaders, hand-picked to contribute to the success of the Ohio State Fair each year. Selected to represent their respective youth organizations, these students serve on behalf of thousands of students across Ohio. Goals of the Junior Fair Board include:

  • To serve the people of the Ohio State Fair
  • To interact with fairgoers and provide the best experience possible
  • To help other agencies and organizations with their tasks, booths, etc. at the fair
  • To gain networking experiences and special opportunities

Which skills should a Junior Fair Board member have?

Ohio State Fair Junior Fair Board members are dedicated leaders with outstanding characteristics such as:

  • Leadership
  • Public Speaking
  • Communication
  • Professionalism
  • Flexibility
  • Responsibility
  • Adaptability

What are the requirements?

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
  • 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 2 weeks of time to the Ohio State Fair, arriving the Monday prior to the Fair’s Wednesday opening (this year, they would arrive on Monday, July 24, prior to the Fair’s Wednesday, July 26 opening, and will return home on Sunday, Aug. 6).

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.

Where will I stay?

Housing, as well as complimentary meals, are provided by the Ohio State Fair. All Junior Fair Board members will stay in dormitories located at the Ohio State Fair in the Rhodes Center building.

How do I apply?

Visit ohiostatefair.com/jfb and submit applications through the portal.

Learn More at our Informational Webinar on Wednesday, February 1

This year, the Ohio State Fair will host an informational webinar with current Junior Fair Board leaders, past presidents, and advisors to share information on what we look for in members, what you can expect, and more. Can’t join on Feb. 1? No worries – a recorded version of the video will be available after the webinar at ohiostatefair.com/jfb.

 More Information

2023 Junior Fair Board Application NOW AVAILABLE – due 1/13/2023

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2023 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 13th, 2023.

4-H Older Youth Opportunities – Applications are open!

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Do you want to be a camp counselor? Junior Fair Board Member? Junior Leader? Outstanding 4-H’er?  Scholarship or Award Trip winner? Do you find yourself asking “How do I get to do that?” We suspect that as you have gotten older you have started to look for new and exciting things where you can be involved. Read on… 4-H has special opportunities for teens only where YOU can play a part!

The purpose of this email today is to inform you of the many exciting opportunities that await you as a teenager in the Fairfield County 4-H Program. The opportunities in awards, trips, scholarships and more available to teens in the 4-H program are incredible. Do not miss out on learning more and getting involved! Most of these opportunities are open to 4-H members ages 14 and up as of January 1st. Some of these activities require completion of special forms, such as applications or the Ohio 4-H Achievement Record, while others just involve asking for more information. Regardless of what you are interested in, be sure to call if you need more information or would like some help with the necessary forms. The deadline for the Ohio Achievement form and all applications is Friday, January 13th, 2023, so complete this survey soon so that you can get started.

To receive specific information about these opportunities, please select the link below:

2023 Older Youth Opportunities or copy and paste the URL: https://osu.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1NVKQwp7hucroVw. Once you complete the survey, you will receive additional information by email regarding your areas of interest.

We look forward to hearing from you. If you have any question or need assistance with any applications or forms, feel free to call or email Leslie (740-277-4625) at cooksey.25@osu.edu or Aubry (740-277-4626) at fowler.443@osu.edu.

We encourage you all to broaden your 4-H experience and try something new. We think you will find many new friends and much more fun ahead!

4-H Junior Achievement Form & Youth Opportunities (ages 8-13)

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Youth who have completed at least one year of project work through age 13 as of January 1st, 2023 are invited to record their 4-H accomplishments on the 2023 Fairfield County Junior Achievement Form! Achievement Forms are now available on our website under Member Resources. Or access here. Trip Awards are also available to Junior Achievement Form applicants for Carving New Ideas Workshop and the Junior Shooting Sports Education Camp (age/grade requirements and 4-H involvement are considered for trip award selection).

We also invite you to learn more about completion of this 4-H award form by attending the Junior Achievement Form Workshop on Thursday, December 8th at 6:00 p.m. at the Fairfield County Extension Office/Ag Center. Get ideas on how to fill out this form and WHY 4-H award forms are important! (see attached flyer)

Furthermore, if a 4-H member in your family has reached the age of 13 of January 1st 2023, they might find a few of the older youth opportunities of interest. Please consider age requirements accordingly for joining the following groups:

  • Junior Leaders (join at any time once you reach the age of 13 – contact Aubry Fowler for more info.
  • Junior Fair Board (application is due January 13th) – must be 14 by October 1st of 2023 to apply.
  • Fashion & Nutrition Board (application is due January 13th) – must be 13 to apply.
  • Camp Counselor (application is due January 13th) – must be 14 and older.

We look forward to hearing from you. If you have any question or need assistance with any applications or forms, feel free to call or email Leslie (740-277-4625) at cooksey.25@osu.edu or Aubry (740-277-4626) at fowler.443@osu.edu.

We encourage you all to broaden your 4-H experience and try something new. We think you will find many new friends and much more fun ahead!