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August 3rd Hartford Fair Update

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The following information was sent to all families on August 3, 2020…

Let me begin with THANK YOU! Thank you for your patience, thank you for your grace, as we have moved through the planning process for the 2020 Hartford Fair! The Hartford Fair is blessed with families who value kindness and understanding, and we have really cashed in on those traits in 2020! Although this year has brought us much uncertainty, we continue to move forward, work within the guidelines, and provide the best opportunities possible to our Junior Fair youth (and their families)! Let’s not forget how very fortunate we are to call the Hartford Fair “our” fair!

Although I certainly can’t promise that there will be no additional changes after this update reaches your email inbox, I still want to share with you what I do know at this moment – in hopes that it will be of assistance to many of you! I ask that you read through the details carefully, and maybe review a second time, before you begin to reach out with additional questions. There is still much to be done, and we are working as quickly as we can to ensure that all is ready as your family arrives to the fairgrounds over the next week or so.

As we model for our children, let us stay positive and know that everyone is doing their best, always assume the best intentions, and give everyone an extra amount of grace as we move throughout the next two weeks. This spring and summer have not been easy for most of us, but the Hartford Fair has a great amount of normalcy to offer – if we look for it! Regardless of the facial coverings and social distancing, we’ll still be together with our fair friends, enjoying the opportunity to watch our youth exhibit, eating some fabulous fair foods, and making wonderful memories…. We have much for which to be grateful!

  • What I’m asking of you…
    • Wear your mask / facial covering (if you are medically able to do so).
      • No, it’s not always comfortable, but it surely beats the alternative of not being able to see our youth show at the fair…
      • If you aren’t wearing a facial covering, please step away from the barns, show arena and concessions, where larger numbers of people may gather.
      • Facial coverings are not expected within the show ring, but they continue to be welcome – especially in situations where social distancing is not possible.
      • 4-H members are reminded that while state guidelines do not require facial coverings for those under the age of 10, while 4-H guidelines require facial coverings for all 4-H members during 4-H-related events…
    • Daily symptom assessments: check your temperature, monitor for fevers, watch for a dry cough or trouble breathing, sore throat, headache, body aches, chills, and loss of taste or smell…
      • If you’re not feeling well, or experience the above-listed symptoms, please don’t come to the fairgrounds.
    • Don’t forget to social distance when near others from outside of your family. It’s for everyone’s safety and well-being.
    • Wash or sanitize hands frequently…
    • Remember that the exhibitor (and their family) should have no physical contact with their judge during shows, nor their buyer during sales.
      • Buyer thank you notes and any gifts of appreciation should be sent to the buyer following the fair.
    • Be mindful of what you share on social media – and how it represents our fair – and our 4-H and FFA programs!
      • Early fairs were not successful in using facial coverings and maintaining social distance, and many photos were shared as evidence of disregard for those guidelines. Now we find ourselves impacted by those decisions with additional limitations and guidelines. The fairs that are scheduled to take place after us in August, September and October are hoping to be as fortunate as us – to offer Junior Fair programming. If we don’t choose to do the right things during the Hartford Fair, they may pay the price. When we share photos or make posts online, we need to be sure to have a mask on, and show ourselves being responsible. Hartford is often held up as an example to other fairs across Ohio, let us again be a positive example of how to do what’s right!
    • If you have questions, or don’t understand, be sure to ask! We’re happy to help!
  • Fair Schedule…
    • You can find the fair schedule online at www.hartfordfair.com > Schedule. It is in the process of being updated, to remove all of the non-Junior Fair activities and events. The newest version should be posted within a day or so, feel free to check back often! An updated SPECIES SCHEDULE can be found online at  http://www.hartfordfair.com/forms-2020/Department%20Schedules.pdf
    • No open class events will be held – in any species.
    • Junior Fair llama / alpaca show has been cancelled, due to lack of entries.
    • Some changes have been made to department schedules. Those are listed by department further down in the email message…
    • 4-H Center and FFA Building will be open… Check schedule for hours and plan to drop in to see our 4-H and FFA exhibitor displays.
      • Details regarding set-up of 4-H Club booths was distributed on August 3rd to the lead advisor for each club.
    • 4-H Band will be performing at TARA throughout the week, with concerts on Sunday (3:00 p.m.), Monday (1:30 p.m.), Tuesday (6:00 p.m. in NRA near Pond), Wednesday 8:00 p.m. and Thursday (6:00 p.m.). Be sure to go listen…
  • Admission / Attendance…
    • There are currently no limits on who / how many may attend, but all publicity for the fair has been suspended so as to keep attendance to a manageable level.
    • No admission will be charged at the gate.
    • Junior Fair exhibitors and club/chapter advisors are asked to pick up their IDs on Thursday (1-7 p.m.), Friday (1-7 p.m.) or Saturday 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.) in B. Carr Family Arena.
      • IDs will still be used to pick up and cash premium vouchers.
    • By state guidelines, attendance in the sale arena during the sale will be limited to buyers and immediate family of exhibitor selling at that time.
  • The Fairgrounds…
    • The only area of the grounds open to attendees will be from the 4-H Center and Tara on the North, going East around the track to the Swine Barn. All areas to the South and West will be closed. (other than the SFB office)
    • Food vendors will be moved to the livestock barn area, with there being 10-15 vendors available. I’m sure that you’ll find some of your favorites!
    • Campgrounds will be limited to campers of exhibitors, advisors, SFB members, fair vet, etc.
      • If you need details about the campgrounds, be sure to reach our directly to the Fair Office.
  • General Notes…
    • Vouchers will be issued to exhibitors following completion of participation in each show.
    • The Bank will be open to cash vouchers, with hours posted on the Bank and in the Junior Fair Board office.
    • Curfew will be in place with everyone asked to vacate the barn / concession / office areas by 10:00 p.m. (or within 30 minutes of the conclusion of any event that ends after 10:00 p.m.).
  • Valuable Resources…

 Department Updates / Changes / Reminders: Updated SPECIES SCHEDULE – http://www.hartfordfair.com/forms-2020/Department%20Schedules.pdf

(I apologize in advance if I missed a change or a change is made after this message is sent… Stay up to date with the Hartford Fair and Licking County 4-H websites and Facebook pages!)

  • Market Steer / Breeding Beef / Steer Pool
    • Steer Pool Vet Check will take place at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday
    • Steer Pool Barn Meeting will take place at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday in the Kohman Wing.
    • Steer Pool will be released at 9:15 p.m. on Monday, following show. Packer truck arrives at 9:15 p.m. Monday for packer load out.
    • Feeder Calf show will take place at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday.
    • Breeding Beef show will take place at 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday.
  •  Dairy / Dairy Feeder…
    • Dairy heifer move in will be open on Tuesday and Wednesday, with all heifers being in place by 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday.  Dairy cattle will be released from the grounds after the show on Thursday.  This will allow exhibitors who are bringing dairy feeders to the fair to make one trip if they would like, but will not force the dairy exhibitors to be at the fair any longer than necessary.
    • The Dairy Feeder Steer show on Wednesday starts at 8:30 a.m. with showmanship.  The show itself will then follow immediately after the conclusion of showmanship.
  • FFA Building…
    • Set up: Thursday 9 a.m. (Change!) |  Project arrival : most on Thursday / maybe some on Saturday  |  Judging: Sunday 9 a.m.  |  Removal: Saturday 3 p.m.
  • Market Hogs
    • Market Hogs must be in place by 9:30 p.m. on Saturday.
    • Market Hogs released following show on Tuesday.
  • Rabbit & Poultry Departments…
    • Poster Contest Rules
      • The purpose of the contest is to demonstrate the Junior Fair exhibitor’s project knowledge, to stimulate interest, and to demonstrate to others the diversity of Rabbit and Poultry projects.
        • Each posted must be made by the 4-H / FFA member.
        • Posters must be made using 22”x28” poster board, displayed horizontally, with stiff backing. It is suggested that your posted be covered in plastic.
        • Each poster must be clearly labeled in the lower right-hand corner, in a space no larger than 3”x5” with the exhibitor’s name, club or chapter, and age as of January 1st of the current year.
        • Posted will be judged based upon: Educational Content (50 points) / Neatness & Appearance (30 points), and Originality (20 points).
        • Posters will be displayed during Rabbit & Poultry Shows.
        • Junior Division: ages 9-13 / Senior Division: ages 14-19
        • No entry fee – this is a free class – no premiums will be paid.
        • Rosettes will be awarded for 1st-5th placings.

REMINDER: Ohio 4-H Project Showcase Submissions Due

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Reminder: Submissions are due August 15!

This summer we invite 4-H members in good standing to submit a photo of themselves with their 4-H project for display in an online project showcase. You’ll be asked to share what you liked about the project and one new thing you learned. Parents will also need to sign their approval for youth to participate.

Here’s more:

  • Select your favorite project – one per person
  • Send a great photo – at least 2 MB
  • Photos will be displayed after September 8 at ohio4h.org

Submit your photos by August 15 at go.osu.edu/4H2020Showcase. Questions? Contact Sarah Longo at longo.79@osu.edu.

2020 Hartford Fair Livestock / Equine Forms Due

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Members exhibiting LIVESTOCK and HORSES during the 2020 Hartford Fair are asked to carefully review the information found below as well as here. Many species / departments have forms that must be submitted prior to weigh-in / check-in at the fair. Rather than collecting these forms in paper-form, they will be collected only ONLINE in 2020! With this switch, you are being provided with the details as to which forms must be submitted, and where you can find the forms online… Please ensure that ALL FORMS are submitted by the DEADLINE of MIDNIGHT, FRIDAY, AUGUST 7th!  Please pay careful attention to directions pertaining to if the form is to be completed per animal / exhibitor / department / etc. Respective livestock will not be allowed to check-in / weigh-in at the fairgrounds until forms have been submitted. Don’t wait until the last minute, go ahead and get your forms turned in now…

 

Licking County 4-H Virtual Project Judging Results

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Thank you to all of those who participated in our virtual project judging! We know this year has been a challenge with lots of changes and cancellations. We certainly appreciate those members who took the time to complete the judging process. We know it was a big change and a new process, and we are so proud that many of you chose to participate in the virtual judging.

Our judges have viewed and graded all of the videos submitted and made selections for Superior, Honorable Mention, and State Fair Representative recognition. Congratulations to those who were selected for awards beyond a grade. The awards listing can be found here.

Members will receive their grade/feedback for their submission via email. It will be sent to the email address that was used when you submitted your video(s). Please allow some time for that email to arrive in your inbox. I have to go through each submission to email that feedback so it may take a few days for me to make it through all of the videos to send the feedback.

The videos will remain private unless you wish for me to make your video active for others to see. If you video is active, any person with the password (listed in the submission guidelines) used to access the grid will be able to view it. If you would like me to activate it, please let me know and I will do so. If you do not want to make it active for anyone to view but would still like to share your video with select people, you can share the unique URL that you received in your confirmation email with those you wish and they can use that URL to view your video. I’m sure your advisors would love to be able to view your videos!

All ribbons will be in club packets in the 4-H Center at the Hartford Fair during booth construction hours and if not claimed then will move to the Junior Fair Board office during fair week. Ribbons will NOT be available for pick up at the Extension Office in the days leading up to fair but any ribbons not claimed during fair will be returned to the Extension Office after fair and will be available for pick up by appointment.

Again, congratulations to all who participated. We are so proud of you!

ODA Asks Ohioans to Send in Unsolicited Seeds

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The Public Should Report the Seeds and Submit the Packages to USDA

After increasing reports of Ohio citizens receiving packages of unsolicited seeds in the mail, the Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) is again urging the public to report and submit any unsolicited seed packets to ODA. In partnership with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Plant Protection and Quarantine Office, ODA is working to investigate the number of seed packets sent to Ohio, what type of seeds they are, and where they were mailed from.

The USDA-APHIS and ODA are asking Ohioans who have received these unsolicited packages not to open, plant, or throw them away. Instead, citizens should report receiving seeds here and then submit the packages to USDA using one of the following methods:

1. If possible, place the materials including the seeds, original packaging material and your contact information in a resealable plastic bag and mail them to USDA-APHIS at the following address:

Attn: USDA -SITC
8995 East Main Street, Building 23
Reynoldsburg, OH 43068

-or-

2. Place the materials including the seeds, original packaging material and your contact information in a resealable plastic bag and drop them off at your county’s OSU Extension Office during business hours. You can find the nearest extension office here: https://extension.osu.edu/lao. Please note that extension facilities may have COVID-19 specific signage detailing procedures such as wearing a facial covering that must be followed.

Unsolicited seeds could be invasive species, contain noxious weeds, could introduce diseases to local plants, or could be harmful to livestock. Invasive species and noxious weeds can displace native plants and increase costs of food production. All foreign seeds shipped to the United States should have a phytosanitary certificate which guarantees the seeds meet important requirements.

We will have the latest information regarding this investigation on our website.

2020 Hartford Fair Junior Fair Market Animal Sale Photo Schedule

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Junior Fair Exhibitors are asked to note the following dates / times that sale photos will be taken. These photos will appear on sale placards that are presented to buyers during the respective sales…

Additional Notes: For those exhibitors who have photos scheduled as a part of weigh-in procedures, please ensure that animal is clean, and that exhibitor is present with project animal for sale photo, and is dressed appropriately (according to show/sale dress code) . For Rabbit & Poultry exhibitors, your photo will be taken with a rabbit or poultry model, but you are not permitted to bring your own project animals for photo. (Exhibitors will only have their photo taken with one animal per department in which they are selling!)

2020 Hartford Fair Junior Fair Exhibitor & Advisor ID Distribution

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Junior Fair Exhibitors (4-H | FFA | Steer Pool | Scouts), as well as their respective Club / Chapter / Troop Advisors, are asked to make plans to pick up their 2020 Hartford Fair ID in the B. Carr Pavilion during one of the following times:

  • Thursday, August 6 1:00 p.m.—7:00 p.m.
  • Friday, August 7 1:00 p.m.—7:00 p.m.
  • Saturday, August 8 9:00 a.m.—7:00 p.m.

ADDITIONAL NOTES: We are asking that all passes be picked up during these times, as we will be located in an area that allows ample physical distancing. IDs may be picked up by the exhibitor, parent (with identification), or a club/chapter advisor (with identification). If the IDs are not picked up during the above listed times, they will be available in the Junior Fair Board Office (exhibitor IDs) and Senior Fair Board Office (advisor IDs) during posted office hours. Please be aware that admission will be charged at all entrance gates beginning the morning of Sunday, August 9. (Exception: Those in the 4-H Band will get their IDs from a Band Advisor after arriving to the fair, and those with exhibits in the 4-H Center only will obtain their ID from the 4-H Center.)

Hartford Fair Logo

REMINDER: Project Videos Due on Flipgrid by July 19th!

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Don’t forget to complete and upload your project video to Flipgrid by 11:59pm on Sunday, July 19th in order to participate in the judging process.

The guidelines and instructions for the judging process can be found on the website here. These documents are listed on both the Member Resources & Special Interest Project Information and What’s New pages. Please review them and reach out to me with questions or concerns. You can access your project’s grid by clicking on the link next to your project’s name in the Flipgrid Project List that is found on the website here. Once you reach the correct grid (project area), you will be able to select your project from the drop-down “topic” menu.

If you miss the deadline or if you do not feel comfortable completing your project judging through Flipgrid, please work with your advisor to have them review and grade your project. They can submit that grade to Adrienne (anderson.1410@osu.edu) by July 27th to be recognized at the fair. You WILL NOT be eligible for any award beyond a grade. Any project entered at the fair not receiving a grade will be eligible for a participation ribbon and premium only.

We look forward to seeing all of the creative and exciting things you have done in your projects!