7/28/2010 6:00:00 PM Jackson County Fair overcomes heat, poor economy
Photo By Barbara Summers
“We appreciate all you’ve done,” Fairboard President Jay Riepenhoff, left, told fellow member Barry Parks, right, during a break in the action at Friday’s Livestock Sale. Riepenhoff was joined by other Fairboard members in expressing thanks to Parks for “a fantastic job.” The new barn at the Fairgrounds has been named The Barry Parks Barn as a token of the gratitude of youth and adults for the long hours that Parks has donated for more than two decades to ensure the best possible venue for the Fair. Parks spearheaded the effort to build the new barn which replaces the former swine barn and it largest enough to hold some goats as well. Parks also worked hard to get the new road opened which connects the Fairground to 15th Street. He’s “a very progressive Board member,” Riepenhoff stated.
"It was a good week," concluded Jackson County Fair Board President Jay Riepenhoff as he looked back on the event that used every corner of the Fairgrounds and presented events and displays to suit every taste.
Riepenhoff added that the combination of extremely hot weather and an economy that has showed no signs of recovery kept "attendance down a bit."
One of the highlights, Riepenhoff continued, was the Opening Night Parade, which was "the largest we've ever had."
For Riepenhoff another important highlight was the "dedication of The Barry Parks Barn." For more than two decades, Riepenhoff said, Parks has stepped forward to donate his time and skills to improving the Fairgrounds. "He spearheaded the effort to build this new barn," Riepenhoff noted. It replaces an old swine barn and has room left over for some goats as well.
Parks was also instrumental in opening the new road that links the front parking area with 15th Street. Riepenhoff hailed Barry as "a very progressive Board member."
The new road "was a long time coming," Riepenhoff said, but "a great addition." In case of emergency, he noted, this gives another way to move traffic off the Fairgrounds.
He pointed out that American Electric Power had used the Fairgrounds as a staging ground for imported crews and their equipment following the great ice storm. "They cleaned up afterwards," he said and left behind material that was used as fill to build a solid base for that road.
Riepenhoff praised Board members for their tenacity and commitment. Members, he noted, have a wide variety of talents which provide a extensive pool of knowledge that benefits the Fairgrounds. He was pleased that Alan Brown's long years of service were well recognized this year when he was named as one of the grand marshals.
4-H Educator Erin Dailey agreed with Riepenhoff about the overall success of the Fair.
"I was really pleased," Dailey told The Telegram, "We had great participation by the kids and great support from the community throughout the week."
Nowhere was that support more evident than Friday night for the Livestock Auction. Blistering hot weather did not prevent a huge crowd from gathering. Although the Sale was a half-hour late getting underway, bidders did not sit on their hands. Beyond that, they were patient and stayed until the event wound down just after midnight.
A new wrinkle this year was the use of volunteer local auctioneers. Tom Elliott got the event started and the gavel passed among such generous auctioneers as Josh Bodimer, Jim Gettles, Ed Henderson, Tim Henderson, Terry Lloyd, and Seth Michael. Lisa Elliott served as Clerk.
Hogs were first on the auction block. As usual, several hogs were purchased and donated directly to the upcoming Pig Iron Day. Thanks to Senator John Carey, candidate for Senate David Daniels, Republican Party, Ohio Valley Bank, AM Commodities, WesBanco, and Wal-Mart folks will enjoy excellent roast pig at very modest prices.
Both political parties were great bidders. Commission candidates Republican Jerry Hall and Democrat Gary Huston purchased several animals. Congressman Zack Space, Democrat, and his opponent for that seat on the Republican ticket Bob Gibbs attended the Sale.
When the lowest price for rabbits and chickens didn't suit the Democrats, they raised the floor to $125 for both.
Among long-time supporters were Marvin Payne of Oak Hill Kentucky Fried Chicken who bought rabbits and a goat as well as poultry and Doug Hayburn of Southern Ohio Monument Company who purchased a bunch of rabbits and a trio of goats.
Marc Carman, Carman's Used Cars & Trucks, is always on hand to support the kids. Wal-Mart spread the wealth, buying rabbits, chickens, hogs, goats, and cattle.
Insurance companies were well represented including McNelly & Gahm, Sheward, Jackson Insurance Brokerage, and Jones-Stephenson. The financial institutions certainly did their part. WesBanco, Ohio Valley Bank, and 1st National Bank snapped up hogs, rabbits, chickens, and cattle.
Tony Woodyard, of Twin River Hardwood, kept auctioneers busy as he bought rabbits, poultry, lambs, goats, dairy market feeder, and a steer. John Cherrington, of TVC Metals, stepped forward to purchase a menagerie of animals as did Saylor Logging of Oak Hill.
OSCO's Employees Charity Fund was not shy in their support of youth. Madison-Jefferson and Coalton Fire Departments were quick to open their wallets to help the kids.
Big Sky Farm and Buckingham Coal bought animals and then donated them to the Food Bank.
Perhaps the most spirited bidding war centered around Heather Mesecher's market goat. School Board members Ancil Cross, Cross & Sons Farm Equipment, and Randy Evans, Randy Evans Construction, are very proud of Heather who triumphs over her lack of sight in every venture.
When Heather graduated from Jackson High last spring, she requested that Ancil present her diploma, which he was delighted to do.
The bidding started normally but grew to a fevered pitch with Cross finally topping Evans with a $15.00 per pound bid. Everyone in the audience broke into a loud and sustained round of applause.
Afterwards, Wanda and Ancil Cross told The Telegram that this purchase brought them great pleasure. Heather has gotten a seeing eye dog this summer, the couple noted, and heads off to Wright State University this fall. "She wants to be a veterinarian," Ancil said proudly, "I know she'll use this money for school."
When the final dollar was counted, $199,102.03 was brought in for youth with just over 300 animals sold.
Several important events took place during the Auction as the ring was reconfigured to accommodate different kinds of animals. LouAnn Bowman, of the University of Rio Grande and Rio Grande Community College conducted a drawing among 4-Hers involved in the Fair. Devon Walls won a $500 scholarship to be used up to one year after high school graduation.
Mike Alford took a minute to speak about the 4-H levy campaigns. He thanked Kim Harless who chaired the committee in 2009 and Karen Gilliland who has served as chair ever since.
Several folks were thanked for the highly effective new sound system. Tedd and Alice Frazier stepped forward with a huge donation. Guy Waugh and Carl Huntley did the installation.
Bill Bush introduced the winners of the Steer Judging Contest. This program was started last year and is sponsored by the Bush Family. All 4-Hers who exhibited dairy market feeders, beef breeders, and market steers were eligible. Participants were to use their knowledge to predict where each steer would rank. Their predictions were compared to the judges' decisions.
Jonathon Harrison was the winner. Bush presented him with $100, a trophy, and a banner. Molly Spohn came in second and won $50. Dirk Dempsey placed third and took home $25. Other winners, in descending order, were Blake Tribby, Zack Kiser, Tyler McManaway, Caleb Potter, Carlee Dempsey, Devon Coon, and Jessica Taylor.
Looking back on the Livestock Sale with satisfaction, Jay Riepenhoff commented that "there was a lot of activity in the barns."
He was pleased to see that another crop of young people had the opportunity to mature, develop new friendships, and learn new responsibilities by participating in the Fair.
"That's why we're all here anyway," Riepenhoff grinned.
