Adams County Fair Preview - 2020

2020

A DAMS C OUNTY Fair Preview A Special Supplement of The People’s Defender

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A2 • The People’s Defender

ADAMS COUNTY FAIR

Wednesday, July 15, 2020

Despite challenges and changes, 129th Adams County fair will go on The People’s Defender

BY ASHLEY MCCARTY PEOPLE’S DEFENDER

The 129th Adams County Fair continues this year despite the challenges of the pandemic.

“Think of the children,” Fair Board President Terri Davis said to the board, as the members mulled over whether or not to have the fair.

“When you vote, please think of the little boy that wants to ride the rides; the parents that want to eat the elephant ears; and, obviously, my love is the 4-H kids,” said Davis.

Davis and her sister, Fair Board Office Secretary Lisa Edmisten, have participated in 4-H since they were eight; between them, their brother, nieces and nephews and Davis’ three children, the family has collectively shown for 47 years.

It was from this fondness that the decision to continue the fair also stemmed from — a desire to do something for the junior fair participants. There were trepidations about cost, however.

“The [coronavirus] has hurt us like everybody else, because we make money by having rentals throughout the year; we rent out the administration building for baby showers, weddings, we just haven’t been able to do that type of thing. So money has — just like everybody else — hasn’t come in to us. Our fear was not having enough money to put it on, the whole fair,” said

ADAMS COUNTY FAIR

Edmisten.

At the time, Governor DeWine also hadn’t addressed fairs or their future.

“He kept saying, you know, he liked his fairs, but we could never really get direction on what we would have to do. We had worked — and we have been — working with the health department. They were willing to help us, but they were kind of the same as us.

They weren’t getting clear directions on what to do, either,” said Edmisten.

It was at that time, when they were going to move forward with a junior fair, that DeWine announced a $50,000 grant to help with expenses; $50,000 to have a junior fair, or $15,000 if you did nothing to start next year’s fair. That was enough to at least get them started, said Edmisten. The four days had already been decided just to cut down on expenses.

Davis explained the expenses and upkeep required for the fair, and to maintain the grounds throughout the rest of the year — last year, the electric bill for the fair week alone was $10,000.

The entire fair ground has also undergone electric upgrades, which loans had to be taken for; some improvements were also made to the derby area.

“When I came on here, it’s just amazing, the dollar figures. Of course, then you’ve got your insurance you have to pay, and we’re buying all of these signs to social

distance, we’ve got a lot of money wrapped up in the signs. It’s just crazy how much everything costs for upkeep,” said Davis. It never ends, she said.

Some events had to be cancelled simply due to expense, such as the rodeo.

“They also talked about, a lot of the guys that ride the circuit, they said, you know there’s no other [fairs] going on, so it’s not like they’re just going to show up in Adams County from Texas, for example,” said Davis.

The truck and tractor pulls, similarly, were cancelled due to the expense. The baby contest, and Seniors Day, were cancelled due to health risk. Cheerleading suffered under the postponement of school, and therefore, also had to be cancelled.

Rides will still be included this year, though they will be smaller than normal, said Davis.

“They won’t be as big as normal, but they’re supposed to bring some arcade stuff with them, and some games,” she said.

Events such as outhouse races, a fair trivia contest, junior fair amazing race and Shade Tree Park events were also added for the youth; 4-H and FFA participants that don’t have livestock.

“The biggest thing we’re doing for 4-H, there is no sale. Because we didn’t want the buyers to have to pile in the show arena and sit there all day on Saturday,

Wednesday, July 15, 2020 • A3

that’s what we usually do. We wanted to keep them safe, obviously, and I know some of the businesses are struggling.

The virus has been hard on them, too. But, we didn’t want the kids to be left out, so we are doing a premium show,” said Davis.

Donations will be taken and split among participants – it is currently unclear how it will be split, however.

“There’s still a lot of opportunity, and people are tired of being at home. They just want to go have fun, and enjoy their life, live their life to the fullest, so we decided we’d do the premium sale. The champions still have to go to slaughter.

So, we are raising money for that. That will be split for the kids. I can’t tell you exactly how yet.

We’re waiting to see how

much money we get, because you have rabbits, chickens, hogs, goats, lambs and cattle,” said Davis.

The biggest new addition this year will be The Cincinnati Circus – something Davis reports was already in the works.

Southern Hills Community Bank donated the payment.

The biggest thing, is, people are just going to have to socially distance, and be patient with the ride employees, said Davis.

“We’re going to have social distancing signs, that we’re going to ask people [to follow.] The most important will be when you’re in line for rides, or when you’re in line for food. Inside, they’re telling us 50 percent capacity, so like, when you’re in the show ring — what we’re going

to do in the show ring, is, if your child is not showing, and it’s full, we’re going to ask people to step back, let the people who want to watch their kids and grand kids, let them step in. We’re just going to try to get people to work with us. Luckily our barns are open sided, which is helping tremendously. We’re working with the health department every day, they’ve just been wonderful,” said Davis. Hand sanitation stations will also be distributed around the fairgrounds.

“We just want to get there,” said Davis. Next year, Davis expects the fair to continue as normal. The rodeo will return, and so will the truck and tractor pulls.

“We hope life goes back to normal,” said Davis.

ENJOY THE 2020 ADAMS COUNTY FAIR!

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Senior Fair Schedule Of Events

A4 • The People’s Defender

ADAMS COUNTY FAIR

Wednesday, July 15, 2020

July 15th thru 18th

RIDES OPEN WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 - 10:00 p.m.

RIDES OPEN FRIDAY & SATURDAY 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 - 11:00 p.m.

Listen for Live Broadcasts Everyday on C103 Radio

Wednesday, July 15

$10 General Admission (includes rides) • $20 Season Pass

7:00 a.m. ……………………………………..………............................ Gates Open **All Animals Weigh-In/Check-In/Registration 3:00 p.m. …………………..................…..………..Cross Country Caution Practice 4:00 p.m. ………...................…….………..…..Adams County ATV Cross Country 4:00 p.m. ……………............…………………..……….…..….Fair Trivia Challenge **Pee Wee Bikes/Adult Quads/Dirt Bikes/Side by Side Races 6:00 p.m. …….................……..…………………..…..….Opening Ceremonies and Crowning of the 2020 King/Queen and Court Outstanding Fair Supporter and 4H Awards 7:00 p.m. ……....................……...………..…….”Satisfied” Concert – Local Talent

Thursday, July 16

7:00 a.m. …………………………………….......………………..……….Gates Open 9:00 a.m. ……………………….....................Dairy Showmanship and Dairy Show 9:00 a.m. ………………………...........….………………………………Poultry Show 11:00 a.m. …........................…...….Beef Showmanship and Beef Breeding Show 3:00 p.m. ……..........…………...………………………….……….Feeder Calf Show

Cincinnati Circus

Sponsored by Southern Hills Community Bank 3:00 p.m….., 5:00 p.m….., 7:00 p.m….., and 9:00 p.m…. Shows

4:00 p.m. ………….…………………....…...................….Lawn Mower Registration 5:00 p.m. ……..….…Market Beef Show and Adams County Born and Bred Show 7:00 p.m. ……………................……………..……..………..……Lawn Mower Pulls

Friday, July 17 - Farm Bureau Day

7:00 a.m. …………………………………………..……..………………..Gates Open 8:00 a.m. …………………...............…….....”Grab and Go” Breakfast Show Arena 9:00 a.m. ……………….....……………….....…………………Rabbit Showmanship Followed by Market Rabbit/Breeding Rabbit Show 9:00 a.m. ……….....………………………...………….………..Swine Showmanship 9:00 a.m.……….........……….………………..…………..….Antique Tractor Display 1:00 p.m. ………….......………………………..……..……………..…Tractor Parade 1:30 p.m. ………………………….…...……………..…………………Tractor Games 2:00 p.m. …………………………………………....…......…..Swine Breeding Show 3:00 p.m. …………………………………………........…..……….Market Hog Show 6:00 p.m. ………………..……………………....…..……...………..KOI Drag Racing Sponsored by First State Bank 7:00 p.m. …………………………………….............……Adams County Has Talent 8:00 p.m. ……………………………………............….”Rebel Sound Club” Concert

GOOD LUCK to this years participants!

ENJOY the FAIR!

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Saturday, July 18

7:00 a.m. ……………………………………...…………………………..Gates Open 7:30 a.m……………………………………….....………………….…5K Registration 8:30 a.m. ………………………………….......…………………#RunInMyShoes 5K 9:00 a.m. …………………………………...........….…….Dairy Goat Showmanship followed by Dairy and Miscellaneous Goat Shows 8:00 a.m.– 12:00 p.m. ….....................…………..Election of Fair Board Directors 10:00 a.m. ………………...............………..……...Corn Hole Tournament Sign Up 10:00 a.m. …..….......................…Multiple County Junior Fair Open Horse Show 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m………….....................…Junior Fair Amazing Race/Fun Day 11:00 a.m. …………………….............…..………………Meat Goat Showmanship Followed by the Meat Doe Breeding Show 11:00 a.m. ………............………………………………...….Corn Hole Tournament 12:00 p.m. …………............…………………….…..……Demolition Derby Sign-In 2:00 p.m. …………........………………………………………….Market Goat Show 4:00 p.m. …………….........……………………………………Sheep Showmanship Followed by Sheep Breeding, Market Lamb Show 4:00 p.m. ………….........……………………………………..Scramble Registration 4:00 p.m. ……………………………….........…………….…..Outhouse Inspections 5:00 p.m. ……………………………........…………..……..….Livestock Scrambles 6:00 p.m. ………………………………......……………………..….Outhouse Races 6:00 p.m. …………………………..…….........….….…..…………Demolition Derby Sponsored by First State Bank 8:00 p.m. ………………….………………........……….….….…Hip Hop Showcase

Shade Tree Park Schedule

All Days: Crafts and Games, Archery Trailer , Green Machine Recycling Unit Thursday: Raptor Inc. – 2 p.m. Birds of Prey Friday: Kids Games – 12:00 p.m.

Saturday: Corn Hole Tournament – 11:00 a.m.

The People’s Defender

Junior Fair Schedule Of Events ADAMS COUNTY FAIR

Wednesday, July 15, 2020 • A5

July 15th thru 18th

$10 General Admission (includes rides) • $20 Season Pass Wednesday, July 15

8:00 a.m. ……………………………………............Arrival Deadline, Large Animals 8:00 a.m. …………………..................…..………...................Market Hog Weigh-In 9:00 - 11:00 p.m.................……...........................…Meat-Type Chickens Check-In 9:00 - 1:00 p.m.................……..................Market and Breeding Rabbits Check-In 11:00 - 1:00 p.m.................……................Fancy and Production Poultry Check-In 11:00 - 1:00 p.m.................…….......................Ducks, Geese, Waterfowl Check-In 11:00 - 1:00 p.m.................……...............................................Misc Birds Check-In 11:00 a.m. ……....................……...………..……..................Market Lamb Weigh-In Noon ……....................……...………..……...........................Market Goat Weigh-In 1:00 p.m. ……....................……...………...Market Beef and Feeder Calf Weigh-In 4:00 - 5:30 p.m.................……....................................Crop and Shop Registration 6:00 p.m.................……..........................Crowning of 2020 Fair Queen and Court

Thursday, July 16

8:00 a.m. …………………………………….....……Crop and Shop Project Judging 9:00 a.m. ……………………….................................................Dairy Showmanship 9:00 a.m. ………………………...........….………………………………Poultry Show 11:00 a.m. …..................….Beef Showmanship followed by Beef Breeding Show 3:00 p.m. ……..........…………...………………………….……….Feeder Calf Show 5:00 p.m. ……..........…………...………………………….……....Market Beef Show including Country Born and Bred 9:00 p.m. ……..........…………...……………….…Dairy, Beef and Poultry released

Enjoy the Fair!

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Friday, July 17

9:00 a.m. ……………….....……………….....…………………Rabbit Showmanship Followed by Market Rabbit/Breeding Rabbit Show 9:00 a.m. ……….....………………………...………….………..Swine Showmanship 2:00 p.m. …………………………………………....…......…..Swine Breeding Show 3:00 p.m. …………………………………………........…..……….Market Hog Show 9:00 p.m. ………………………………….............……Rabbits and Swine released

Saturday, July 18

9:00 a.m. …………………………………...........….…….Dairy Goat Showmanship followed by Dairy and Miscellaneous Goat Shows 10:00 a.m. …..….......................…Multiple County Junior Fair Open Horse Show 11:00 a.m. …………………….............…..………………Meat Goat Showmanship Followed by the Meat Doe Breeding Show 2:00 p.m. …………........………………………………………….Market Goat Show 4:00 p.m. …………….........……………………………………Sheep Showmanship Followed by Sheep Breeding, Market Lamb Show 9:00 p.m. …………….........………………………….…Goats and Sheep released

2019 Queen Mackenzie Toole looks back on a great year and experience A6 • The People’s Defender

Wednesday, July 15, 2020

ADAMS COUNTY FAIR

That sense of trepidation followed her to the stage.

“But then I was nervous to speak on stage, but it actually went a whole lot smoother than even my interview did, which I wasn’t expecting. I had a few friends that I competed with, so I had some friends on the queen’s court, so that was really fun. But yeah, I was nervous at first, but the day of the fair – which is where we do our second round on stage – I was nervous going into it, because you know, there’s a lot of people in the stands, a lot of people listening, but at the end of my interview I just felt really good, because I was myself on stage and that’s the best you can do, is just be yourself,” she said.

Toole said that a picture caught her the moment she realized she had won.

“They actually caught a picture of me when they announced the first runner up, which meant I had won queen. My mouth was just wide open, I wasn’t expecting it at all,” said Toole.

From the moment the 2019 Fair Queen Mackenzie Toole. (Photo by crown touched her head, Sarah McFarland/Country Captured) Toole was immersed in

BY ASHLEY MCCARTY somed despite her reserva- the hustle and bustle that comes with royalty. After tions.

PEOPLE'S DEFENDER nomination, Toole attend“There were 10 girls ed the ice cream social who went out for Fair For the past year, 19that former 2018 Queen, Queen last year, and going year old Mackenzie Toole Carlie Cluxton, had put into it I was super nervhas proudly worn the together. ous.

I turned in my applicrown bestowed to her at “The 2018 Queen, the 2019 Fair Queen com- cation the day that it was Carlie Cluxton, had put due, and it was kind of petition. together an ice-cream like, ‘Do I want to do it?

This year, it will be her social where royalty from Am I ready to do it?’ I turn to place that crown other fairs were able to was kind of nervous, just on someone else. come and connect with for everything that it Looking back, Toole entailed, and then after my 2019 Adams County can now reminisce and Royalty Court, and it was interview, I felt really laugh at how nervous she really cool to meet all of good. I just felt confident, had been for the competithose people. It was a little and really empowered by tion – how her uncertainoverwhelming at first,” it, and I felt like I really ties made her question said Toole. connected with the herself, and ultimately, That night, Toole was judges,” said Toole. how she quickly blos-

invited to the Junior Fair open beef show.

“There was the open beef show happening on that night at the junior fair show arena, and I was immediately thrown down there. They said ‘introduce yourself over the intercom,’ and I was like, I didn’t know what to say!

They said introduce yourself, but I didn’t know what to say,” Toole said, laughing.

Though along with the sometimes overwhelming responsibilities of holding the crown, over the past year, Toole has met numerous new people, and made a plethora of new friends.

“I’ve met so many different people. I met people

during the fair, I got to show other royalty around the fairgrounds, give them tours, made a ton of new friends. I was able to compete in the Ohio Fair Queens contest back in January. I just met so many different people. 4H just ultimately connects you to so many people and helps you form bonds you didn’t know you had,” said Toole.

Now, with fond memories, Toole looks forward to bestowing her experience to future nominees.

“I know with everything, all the recent events, with COVID-19, it’s hard to have people apply when you know there’s a shortened fair and stuff like that, but I’m

looking forward to leading those girls, and I’m not sure if there’s any kings’ applicants or not, but I’m just looking forward to setting an example for them, helping them along the way, and just giving any advice they need to make it through the fair week,” she said.

Currently, Toole lives with her parents, Eric and Lisa Toole, alongside sisters Maddie and Myla Toole. She studies nursing at Northern Kentucky University, and in the fall, will be a sophomore. Just recently, Toole made the cheerleading team. When asked if she was excited about the future, Toole excitedly, and unhesitatingly, said, “Yes!”

2019 Adams County Junior Fair Queen Mackenzie Toole is seen here riding in the 2019 Fair Parade. (Photo by Mark Carpenter)

Pictured above are the winners of the Pig Scramble held Thursday evening in the Junior Fair Arena. They are, left to right, Jim Piatt, Greg Piatt and Roger McKee. Jim and Greg, brothers, are members of the Winchester Livestock Club and Roger is in the Manchester FFA Chapter. (1970)

The People’s Defender

ADAMS COUNTY FAIR

Wednesday, July 15, 2020 • A7

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A8 • The People’s Defender

ADAMS COUNTY FAIR

Wednesday, July 15, 2020

Judge Roy Gabbert elated to be 2020 Outstanding Fair Supporter The People’s Defender

BY ASHLEY MCCARTY PEOPLE’S DEFENDER

The Adams County Agricultural Society has named an elated Judge Roy Gabbert as Outstanding Fair Supporter for 2020. “I’m thrilled. I have loved the Adams County Fair since I was a little boy. Whether it is the bright lights of the fairgrounds, or the food, that is delicious and completely reasonably unhealthy. I think there are important things about the fair. I’m thrilled that I was selected to be fair supporter, and now that I have, I’m just going to work that much harder to do everything I can to make the fair successful,� said Gabbert.

Gabbert has been a fan of the fair since childhood, and recounts fond memories with his sister and his father. His earliest and most treasured memory of the fair is the demolition derby he attended with him. “I would have probably been about seven or eight, and it was when the demolition derby used to be in the grand stands. I went with my Dad, and my Dad sat behind a pole, and I said, why would you want to set behind a pole? He said you’re about to find out. Sure enough, they wet the mud down, and when the cars spin to run into each other, they would shoot that mud right up into the grand stands. It got plastered all over me, and my Dad was behind that pole completely fine and clean. I remember that to this day, that he knew to sit behind that pole if I was going to make him sit down so low that the mud would fly,� said Gabbert with a hearty chuckle.

Gabbert’s mother was reasonably disgusted when they returned home, as her son was thoroughly drenched in derby mud. “I was like a little boy that had discovered six pounds of gold, because I

ADAMS COUNTY FAIR

had just got splattered with mud from guys who were in a muddy field, ramming their cars into each other. thought that’s the greatest thing on earth.

That was my first demolition derby, my earliest memory and one of my best memories of the fair, is that there would be people, men and women, who would get in a car and try to smash them into each other, and shoot mud all over me in the middle of it. Greatest memory in the world, maybe one of the greatest memories I’ve ever had,� he said.

Gabbert also recounted the time he was commandeered to work the Girl Scout booth. “My sister was a Girl Scout, and I got roped into working in the Girl Scout booth making corn dogs, because if your sister is in the Girl Scouts, that means little brothers are in the Girl Scouts, too. So, I was drafted into the Girl Scouts as a corn dog booth worker,� said Gabbert.

He would learn to make change that summer working the booth, and, occasionally, would treat himself to a leftover corn dog after his hard work. “When I was little, and part of the fair, I had just built up that ethic that that was a good cause. The Girl Scouts had a cause that they were selling corn dogs to raise money for, and that’s something that I always felt was worth your time and resources,� said Gabbert.

Now that he’s older, Gabbert not only spends his time as the fair, but his money when he can. “As I’ve got older, my attention doesn’t go so much to just the food and the bright lights of the fair, but to the kids that are out there in the junior fair, specifically things like the junior fair livestock sale,� said Gabbert.

The programs, especially the youth programs, are an investment, he said.

Judge Roy Gabbert stands proudly in front of his 4-H Wall. (Photo by Ashley McCarty) “If I spend time now it’s an investment. If I spend money now, it’s an investment. When I see the kids at the fair with a fair animal, or a 4-H project, then those are not the kids when they grow up that I see in my courtroom as defendants. I’ve always felt that if we don’t spend the time, when they’re young, encouraging the correct behaviors, then we’re not going to see those good behaviors when it comes out on the other end. The truth of the matter is, the ones that I follow at the fair that are in 4-H that I try to put time, and money and investment in, those aren’t the ones that I’m seeing in the courtroom,� said Gabbert, standing to turn his attention to what he calls his “4-H Wall.�

The wall is mostly covered with the portraits of youthful faces and their 4H projects; other placards

display Gabbert’s support at 4-H auctions and the junior fair sales. It is a wall of outstanding evidence to Gabbert’s dedication. “My 4-H wall, this is one of the things I’m as pleased with as anything that’s been sort of part of my law practice, or anything, all of the pictures over the years of kids and stuff that I’ve supported. I really try to be involved in their life. Over the years — the pictures are the ones that usually had a champion animal — when you look at these, you see these young people when they’re young, and now I follow their lives on up and I try to be, in some ways, a mentor when I can,� said Gabbert.

He goes through the pictures with a gleaming sense of pride – reciting names and their current professions. “All of these folks were

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Wednesday, July 15, 2020 • B1

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Rebel Sound Club to again rock the fairgrounds B2 • The People’s Defender

BY ASHLEY MCCARTY PEOPLE’S DEFENDER

Rebel Sound Club is pleased to announce their participation in the 202 Adams County Fair.

As they have done in years past, the band will take center stage in the show ring, belting their feel-good tunes and enrapturing audiences.

The band, which consists of members Kevin Colwell (West Union), Mike Burns (Peebles), Eliott Swope (Sardinia), John Schnieders (Vanceburg, Ky.), two different lead vocalists; Joel Hanson (West Union) and Luke Witt (Flemingsburg, Ky.), formed in 2012 after meeting in music circles both locally and in Cincinnati.

They’ve played local

clubs, private events, fairs and festivals ever since.

Their music is comprised of a plethora of both modern and classic materials, spanning across different genres. Most notably, they cover songs

by Luke Combs, Morgan Wallen, Jason Aldean, Post Malone, Kid Rock, and 80’s mega artists such as Guns and Roses, AC/DC and Prince.

“We wanted to incorporate mostly modern material, songs you can dance, sing and have a good time to, then we broadened our set to include fun 80’s tunes, and any current tune that may pop up on pop radio that folks may request. Unfortunately, there isn’t much modern rock being released mainstream for us to pick up on. So almost all the ‘hot’

songs are new country. We really wanted to focus on what the audience wanted,” said vocalist and bass player Kevin Colwell.

This will be the fifth year that Rebel Sound Club has performed at the fair. Separately, the members have performed at the fair in different groups in the center ring, in the shelter house, and even in the battle of the bands through the years.

Their love and excitement to perform only increases.

“We are really excited to play the fair, it is our favorite gig of the year, any chance we get to entertain our home folks, family and friends of Adams County really brings the best out of us.

Our experience with the fair gets better ever year,

last year with all the hard work put into the center ring and stage, really inspired us to put on a

great show, we can’t wait to see the excitement and energy this year from the great people of Adams

County,” said Colwell.

Rebel Sound Club will perform on Friday, July 17 at 8 p.m.

kids that are involved and moving forward. We’ve lost some kids that have lost interest, I guess, because there’s not the interaction, but pretty much everything in 4-H has changed or gone virtual, been postponed.

Even our normal fundraiser, we weren’t able to do that, so, pretty much every aspect of 4-H has changed this year,” said Watters.

Participants can now have their projects judged virtually.

“We’re having an optional virtual submission judging, where kids can submit a five to seven minute video and talk about some specific points in their project.

Again, that’s optional, because a lot of kids in Adams County don’t have the technology, the internet, those kind of things.

That’s one of the reasons we chose to do this instead of a Zoom, or something,” said Watters.

Children can film it on

their own, and upload it to a designated drop box.

“Something like that.

That’s an option, or they can complete their project later in the summer, just with their club advisor, and have like an interview process and get feedback and that kind of thing,” said Watters.

There will be no awards this year for the club – it is simply a way for members to complete their project and receive feedback. For virtual submissions, categories will be broadened.

“Not each project will receive an award, but like, a food and nutrition project for junior, intermediate, and senior,” said Watters.

Watters is still optimistic for members whose only opportunity to show their project is dependent on the fair.

“A lot of things have been pared down for this year’s fair, so we are largely focused on getting our livestock presented,

because that is really their only opportunity to show off their project, whereas some of our other projects were able to do virtually, or at a club meeting, or something like that, where livestock is really — fair is their showcase.

It is shortened significantly, we’re cramming a whole lot into four days of fair, but we have fewer members exhibiting this year, for a lot of reasons, mostly pandemic related, and fewer livestock that will be there, so we feel like we can make it happen,” said Watters.

A hopeful Watters alludes to future plans for 4-H, and tentative events for fall.

“We have even gotten hopeful enough that we are tentatively planning things for fall, hoping that, you know, if there is a way that we can do it, and do it safely, then we absolutely want to get back together. It’s all very tentative at this point. We are under Ohio State

University, so we follow a lot of University policies, which is the masks in the office, and things like that, and I know they are expecting this to go on for several months, so.

We’re hopeful,” said Watters.

By 2021, Watters hopes for some semblance of normalcy. She misses her kids, she said. The advisors do as well.

“I just hope everyone is

able to safely participate.

I have concerns for my kids, my 4-H kids, as we head to the fair, but we have been working with the health department, and have all of our protocols in place, so, I feel like we can — with some cooperation from the community — I feel like we can safely do this, and give the kids an opportunity to show,” said Watters.

4-H adapts to pandemic changes

BY ASHLEY MCCARTY PEOPLE’S DEFENDER

As with many changes produced by the pandemic these past few months, 4-H participants find themselves doing things a little differently this year.

“Lots of things have been changed. In early March, we started cancelling everything. All of our spring livestock clinics, our quality assurance that also is related to livestock, our 4-H camps were all cancelled, all overnight camps, we weren’t able to do our Cloverbud Fun Days. Our clubs haven’t even been meeting since early March,” said 4-H Youth Development Educator Kristy Watters.

Only in the last week have 4-H youth been allowed to start meeting in person – in smaller groups, and with mask recommendations.

“It has been a really difficult year for 4-H. I’m glad that we do still have

Wednesday, July 15, 2020

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Adams County Fair 1970- 50 years gone by The People’s Defender

ADAMS COUNTY FAIR

Wednesday, July 15, 2020 • B3

Pictured above are the members of the Adams County Junior Fair Board. They are, left to right, front row, Sandy Swearingen, Assistant Sec.-Treas. and representing Grange Youth; Kathy Downs, Representing Girl Scouts; Cathy Howell, Grange Youth. Second row, Jennie Morgan, 4-H; Jean Fields, Secretary-Treasurer, Girl Scouts; Sue Stanfield, Future Homemakers of America, Girl Scouts; Brenda Spires, 4-H, Back row, Don Hughes, Future Farmers of America; Floyd Hayslip, 4-H; Rick Crawford, Vice President, Future Farmers of America; Steve Seithers, President, 4-H.

Who will win the 1970 Adams County Junior Fair Queen?

Pictured above are the nine queen candidates. They are seated left to right, Dianna Young, Beverly Burns, Regina Shelton, Anna Ruth Hazelbaker. Standing, left to right, Kathy McDowell, Judy Allen, Anna Pakalnis, Charlene Thompson, Joy Neu. Who will win the 1970 been an FHA member 4-H Club of which is Degrees. She is active in Adams County Junior Fair three years. She has President. Miss Burns has her local school organizaQueen? Nine charming received her Junior been very active in 4-H, in tions and in church. and attractive young ladies Degree and Chapter FHA, and in church. She Anna Ruth from Adams County were Degree and is currently will be a Senior at North Hazelbaker, of Blue interviewed for the covetworking for her State Adams High School.

Creek, represented the ed honor Wednesday Degree. In addition, Miss Regina Ann Shelton, Adams County Beef 4-H evening, August 5.

Young is an active 4-H of Manchester, represented Club. She has been very Dianna Lynn Young, member, church member, the Manchester Chapter of active in the Beef Club, in of West Union represented and Candystriper.

Future Homemakers of Junior Leadership, and in the West Union Chapter of Beverly Sue Burns, America. Miss Shelton has area and state 4-H activithe Future Homemakers of of Winchester, represented achieved her FHA Junior, ties. Miss Hazelbaker has America. Miss Young has the Winchester Livestock Chapter, and State been very active in her

local school and church organizations, also. She is now attending Morehead State University where she has captured several intramural sports award.

The Grange Youth were represented by Kathy McDowell of West Union.

Miss McDowell is secretary of the Adams County Grange Youth. She is a Candystriper, an FHA member, and a Junior Fair Board Member for the 1970 Adams County Fair.

Judy Allen, of Peebles, represented the Town and Country 4-H Club where she has been an active member for three years. In addition, Miss Allen has participated in numerous high school and church activities.

The representative of the Jr. Farmers 4-H Club where she has been an active member for three years. In addition Miss Allen has participated in numerous high school and church activities.

The representative of the Jr. Farmers 4-H Club was Ann Pakalnis of West Union. Miss Pakalnis has been in 4-H for 9 years and has taken cooking, sewing and dairy projects.

She also has been active in school activities.

Charlene Thompson, of Peebles represented Girl Scouts No. 301. Miss Thompson is active in 4H, church, and school activities. She will be a Senior at Peebles High School.

Joy May Neu, of Stout, represented the Winchester Liberty Belles 4-H Club. Miss Neu has

been an officer in her local 4-H Club, and she has been active in county 4-H activities. In addition, she participates in church activities, and in Rainbow.

The Adams County Junior Fair Queen is selected on the following basis: activities (including participation, achievements, leadership, and initiative), 20%; poise, 10%; personality, 20%; and personal appearance, 50%.

The nine queen candidates will be presented to the public Tuesday, August 25, at the Adams County Fair. At that time the Queen and her four attendants will be introduced. The Queen and her court will be present at all of the Junior Fair Activities at the County Fair.

The Queen will represent Adams County in the Ohio County and Independent Fair Queen Contest at the Ohio State Fair on August 31.

To be an Adams County Junior Fair Queen candidate, a girl had to be between 16 and 21 years of age as of January, 1970, and be a representative of Girl Scouts, 4-H, FHA, or Grange.

The Junior Fair Queen Contest is sponsored annually by the Junior Fair Board. The Junior Fair Board members assisting with the Queen Contest were: Kathy Downs, Jennie Morgan, Steve Seithers, Kathy Howe, and Sandy Swearingen.

SOILE is like a prelude of the fair to come B4 • The People’s Defender

ADAMS COUNTY FAIR

Wednesday, July 15, 2020

Fairgrounds hosts Southern Ohio Independent Livestock Expo on weekend preceding 2020 Fair

Photos by Mark Carpenter and Ashley McCarty

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WU’s own McFur headlines Hip-Hop Showcase on fair’s final night

The People’s Defender

ADAMS COUNTY FAIR

Gabbert

from Page B1

between being a school teacher, or an accountant, or whether I see them over here in my courtroom at one o’clock being arraigned for something.

So, I think if we can consider the fair, and that process of the fair, as a way to try and put our time and our investment, as a community, that’ll pay dividends. It certainly has in my life,” said Gabbert.

Despite his passion for the livestock sales, he understands the need to remove it from the schedule this year.

“I understand that there are going to be some changes. The fair is on a smaller day schedule, there’s gonna be some rules about how things are done. I’m also in tune with the idea that the public health emergency, with the shutdowns, were also an economic emergency. The businesses that have to come up with the money to buy animals at the auction are also in some difficulty, and to ask the businesses to come out this year might be a thing that the junior and senior fair folks understand is not the right year to ask businesses for that,” said Gabbert.

Though the changes this year do nothing to snuff out his enthusiasm.

“We’ll be back. I have a great group of businesses, merchants that we work with that we buy together, and some of these pictures you see [on the wall], it’s not just me. A lot of very good businesses, from Blake’s Pharmacy, to The National Bank, to West Union Heating and Plumbing; merchants in Adams County are the best anywhere in the state of Ohio. We create the best junior fair environment, we work together on the way to try to make sure the kids get the best price for their animal, and they’re very giving,” said Gabbert.

Gabbert has kept a meticulous account of livestock sale prices since 2003.

“So, I know going into that auction, whoever the grand champion [animal] person is, whether they’re

A familiar sight in Adams County is Judge Roy Gabbert and his flag in all of the local parades.

(Photo by Mark Carpenter) getting a good price for their animal, and I can bid it up to that point and stop.

My goal isn’t just sort of to be an advertiser for the Gabbert Law Office or Roy Gabbert, Judge of the Adams County Court, my idea is to try to reward the kids who have really worked hard on that kind of thing, and I know what sort of the averages are for the feeder calves, and the goats, and these records go back [several] years,” said Gabbert.

Not only for his fair support, Gabbert is also renowned for his colorful participation in the West Union Lion’s Club Independence Day parade and the fair parade every year, among others.

Gabbert credits his famous outfit to a former West Union mayor who inspirited him as a child.

“He used to have a really nice Uncle Sam hat, and when I’d watch him go down the street on July 4 with a great big, tall, Uncle Sam hat, I said ‘that’s the greatest thing in the world, and if I ever get the chance, I’m gonna do that.’ So I just started get-

ting my flag, it’s the flag I keep flying right out here in front of my office here, I get that flag, and I’ve got my Indiana Jones hat, and my bright red shirt, and I go right down the middle of the street waving that flag on the July 4 parade,” said Gabbert.

Gabbert uses the opportunity to connect with the community, and especially the kids.

“It’s okay to be enthusiastic, it’s okay to be patriotic, it’s fine to let folks see that part of you.

There’s enough bad news in the world, enough hard times in the world, and I think it’s perfectly fine for people to see someone having fun, someone who’s enthusiastic, someone who’s proud. I’m proud of the July 4 parade.

When I was a little boy, my Mom and Dad would come up, and we’d watch the parade, and I think that’s the greatest thing in the world. Then you walk in it as a Cub Scout, or walk in it as a Girl Scout — now I don’t have a reason. I just grab a flag and start walking,” said Gabbert.

Wednesday, July 15, 2020 • B5

West Union’s own Carson McFarland, or McFur as he is now known, will be the headline artist at the Hip-Hop Showcase on Saturday, July 18 at 8 p.m. in the center ring...He will be joined by other hip-hop artists to help bring a lively end to the final night of the 2020 Adams County Fair.

(Provided photo)

Demolition Derby returns to 2020 Fair

Always one of the most well-attended events any fair year, the Demoliton Derby will only be held once at the 2020 Fair- Saturday, July 18 at 6 p.m. in the Tom White Arena. Registration for the derby will begin at noon on Saturday. (Photo by Mark Carpenter)

Cincinnati Circus Company bringing Stunt Show to this year’s fair

Something new for the 2020 Adams County Fair will be a high-flying, thrill by the minute stunt show, performed by the Cincinnati Circus Company.

Some of the acts you' may see include: comedy, juggling, magic, dancing, aerial silks, balancing objects, aerial lyra, chair stacking, rolling globe, spanish web, hula hoop, fire performance, wheel of death, clowning, and flying trapeze. There will also be lots of volunteer acts and lots of comedy.

Thank you for stopping by this year.

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