Berrien County Fair Guide 2019

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s t h g i N l a v i n r a C & lights • 9 1 0 2 , 7 1 • AUG. 12

R I A F H T U YO Y T N U O C BERRIEN

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Berrien County Youth Fair • August 2019

Showmanship, skills, success Three children stand in front of their horses in preparation of a horsemanship event at the 2018 Berrien County Youth Fair. (Leader file photo)

Fair exhibitions prepare children for future, say advocates

By BEAU BROCKETT JR. beau.brockett@leaderpub.com BERRIEN SPRINGS — Last August in a county known for its fruit production, wineries and art studios, some 2,000 people ages 5 to 20 exhibited 11,000 livestock, animals and artwork at the 2018 Berrien County Youth Fair.

BCYF Executive Director Karen Klug said she was happy with last year’s turnout, and she expects similar participation numbers at this year’s fair Aug. 12 to 17.

“If people come down to the fair, there is plenty to see as far as what the youth have done,” she said. “Some of the things are pretty darn amazing, I’ll tell you that.”

Each day, attendees can watch a plethora of exhibitions.

Some people show their livestock, like cows and pigs. Others show animals like rabbits.

Other people show their artistry in a variety of mediums, like baking, photography or tractor operating.

Exhibitors are judged by a panel. The top exhibitors are given ribbons and, depending on the exhibition, trophies.

Klug said the week is a culmination of sometimes months of preparation. That preparation, and the exhibition itself, teach exhibitors numerous skills.

“Through any of their exhibits, they learn responsibility,” she said. “They learn how to start a project and follow it through to completion. They learn that there’s com-

petition. There’s going to be some that win a champion ribbon and trophy and some aren’t, but that’s just kind of how life is.”

Andrea Lee said she understands the importance of exhibiting personally. She spent much of her childhood in 4-H, a youth development and mentoring organization centered in exhibiting agriculture and art.

Now, Lee is an AmeriCorps member, teaching science, technology, engineering, arts and math to Berrien County-area children through a Michigan State University extension.

“Even if the youth don’t have a place to raise a cow or a place to raise any animals whatsoever, 4-H can still teach them the core values that will help them in their careers and life,” she said.

The BCYF is not affiliated with 4-H, and while some of its exhibitors are also part of 4-H, those not part of the organization are allowed to exhibit.

Both BCYF and 4-H programs, however, have similar judging events. Both also offer training and assistance to future exhibitors.

Klug and Lee said that 4-H participation is decreasing nationwide, and both think that exhibiting one’s agricultural or artistic work, whether in 4-H or not, should not die out.

Lee hosts numerous STEAM programs meant to inform Berrien County children about agriculture through AmeriCorps and the MSU Extension.

One program is “From Pages to People:

Agricultural Reading.” Lee reads agriculture-related stories to children ages 5 to 12.

Then, they complete a science experiment and arts project related to the subjects in the books.

Lee has found that children are familiar with the basics of agriculture, but not the specifics.

“Kids know in Eau Claire there’s a lot of fruits,” she said as an example. “That’s kind of an area fact, but they don’t know how they’re produced or what it takes to produce a good crop.”

Lee said she tries to teach what she calls the “components” of agriculture to her program attendees.

She also tries to teach them different jobs in agriculture. She said that there is

a misconception, even among adults, that agriculture jobs equate only to being a farmer.

“We have soil engineers. We have food scientists, agronomists, greenhouse technicians,” she said. “Agriculture is tied into anything and everything that these kids can do.”

Lee said she would like to see agriculture lessons be incorporated across school districts. For now, though, she said exhibiting at fairs and through 4-H can cover the educational gaps.

Klug had similar views.

“I think it just provides a good stepping stone into going from youth to adulthood and learning how to start things, finish them, present your best efforts,” she said.

Berrien County Youth Fair • August 2019

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Keep on Dreamin’

Eli Young Band to take the stage at Berrien County Youth Fair STAFF REPORT BERRIEN SPRINGS — Nearly two decades ago, four University of North Texas students bonded over their dream to play music, formed a country music band, and set their sights on stardom.

It worked.

With hits like, “Even if it Breaks Your Heart,” “Love Ain’t,” “Crazy Girl” and “Drunk Last Night,” the Eli Young Band has quickly made its way into country lovers’ hearts and stereos, and Aug. 14, Michiana country lovers will get to hear them live.

Welcomed by 97.5 Y Country, Wednesday, Aug. 14, will feature award winning country group, the Eli Young Band with special guest performer, Paul Erdman.

The Eli Young Band has always been unique in modern country music — a true band of brothers who play their own instruments, write their own songs and cling fast to their Texas roots. They would even go so far as to call themselves “misfits,” but with their fourth major label album, “Fin-

gerprints” (The Valory Music Co.), they are finally embracing what makes them different once and for all.

“With 17 years of experience comes a little bit of wisdom and freedom in knowing who you are,” says lead singer Mike Eli. “And what you’re really good at.”

Although their sound has evolved over time, what they are good at has always been the same — organic, live-show focused country dripping with authenticity and perfected in clubs, amphitheaters and stadiums from coast to coast.

Eli founded the band with guitarist James Young, bassist Jon Jones and drummer Chris Thompson at the University of North Texas in 2000, building a grass-roots fanbase that propelled each of their previous three albums into the Top 5 of Billboard’s Country Albums chart, with 2014’s 10,000 TOWNS bowing at No. 1.

Youth Fair officials have announced the 2019 Berrien County Youth Fair lineup of entertainment acts for Berrien County’s premier summer youth showcase. The

BCYF entertainment committee is excited to bring audiences the award winning country group, The Eli Young Band, on Wednesday, Aug. 14 with special guest performer Paul Erdman. Demolition fans will be pleased when TWO nights of destruction come to town. An all truck derby on Thursday the 15th and an all car derby on Friday the 16th. Time honored favorite, the tractor pull, will return on Monday, Aug. 12, but with a new twist.

This year, the pull will be a NTPA regional event featuring super farm, mini rods, and hot farm classes. The ever popular Circus Continental will return on Tuesday, Aug. 13 and Bullmania on Aug. 17 respectively.

Returning for two nights of destruction, derby promoter TNT Demolition Derby, will again split classes up for 2019. Thursday, Aug. 15, welcomed by WSJM Sports and presented by Honor Credit Union, will feature trucks, small SUV’s and trucks, gut n’ go mini vans, as well as power wheels.

Friday, August 16, welcomed by ROCK 107 WIRX, will feature big car limited weld,

gut n’ go FWD compact car bonestock build, bumper swap, and the kid-friendly favorite, power wheels.

Saturday, Aug. 17, welcomed by 97.5 Y-Country and presented by Brookfield Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, the fans will have a chance to be entertained by the always popular Bullmania which always includes crowd favorite bull riding and kid favorite, mutton busting. This night is always fun for all that attend, said organizers.

The rest of the BCYF Grandstand lineup includes the favorite weekly opener of the truck and tractor pull, but with a new twist. This year’s pull, which will be at 7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 12, will be an NTPA regional event and will feature Super Farm, Mini Rods and Hot Farm pulls. The event is presented by Miles Truck Services Inc. and Belman Oil and welcomed by WSJM Sports.

Tuesday, Aug. 13 is Kids Day, which will feature three free shows by Circus Continental in the grandstand, welcomed by 98.3 The Coast. Circus Continental has been entertaining kids and adults alike for many years at the Berrien County Youth Fair.

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Berrien County Youth Fair • August 2019

Berrien County Fair

SCHEDULE of EVENTS Friday, Aug. 9

7 p.m. — Royalty Contest.....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................Grandstand

Sunday, Aug. 11

2 p.m. — Equine Versatility 4-H Contest.......................................................................................................................................................................................................Equine Complex

Monday, Aug. 12

6:30 - 8:30 a.m. — Weigh-in & Registration of Garden/Farm Tractors 8:30 a.m. — Judging of Equine; All Halter Classes, Driving.........................................................................................................................................................................Equine Complex 8:30 a.m. — Judging of Goats: Showmanship, Special Needs, Boer Goats, Market Classes..............................................................................................................................Show Arena 9 a.m. — Garden/Farm Tractor Pulling Contests..................................................................................................................................................................................................Grandstand 9 a.m. — Judging of Rabbits; Showmanship, Market, Pens of Two and Doe & Litter, Crossbreeds & Pets.................................................................................................................Rabbit Tent 1 p.m. — Judging of Llama/Alpacas; Showmanship, Performance, Special Needs…………………….....................................................................................................................Show Arena 3 p.m. —Judging of Cats; All Classes……………………........................................................................................................................................................................................Dog/Cat Tent 4 p.m. — Judging of Sheep; All Classes except Costume……..............................................................................................................................................................................Show Arena 6 p.m. — 98.3 “The Coast” Talent Show, 7-10 year old competition……………………..........................................................................................................................................Building #34 6 p.m. — Elvis Reprise............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................Mall Stage 7 p.m. — NTPA Regional Truck & Tractor Pull featuring Super Farm, Mini Rods and Hot Farm Pulls................................................................................................................Grandstand

Tuesday, Aug. 13

Kids Day — All children through high school get in free 8:30 a.m. — Judging of Equine; Fitting/Showmanship & Western Riding, Open Ranchmanship, Open Ranch Trail............................................................................Equine Complex 8:30 a.m. — Judging of Beef; All Classes ……...................................................................................................................................................................................................Show Arena 9 a.m. — Judging of Rabbits; Show Rabbits…...............................…………………...........................................................................................................................................Rabbit Tent 9 a.m. — Judging of Poultry; Showmanship & Market Classes……………………..................................................................................................................................................Poultry Tent 10 a.m. —Judging of Dogs; Rally Classes…………………….....................................................................................................................................................................................Dog Tent 11 a.m. — Dance Arts Performers……………………..............................................................................................................................................................................................Mall Stage Noon to 6 p.m. — Law Day........................…………….......................................................................................................................................................................Around Building #34 1 p.m. — Home Ec. Food Awards..................................................................................................................................................Mall Stage (All Champion & Reserve Champion Winners) 2 p.m. — Frozen T-Shirt Contest.......................................................................................................................................................................................................................Mall Area 3 p.m. — Judging of Dogs; NTR Exhibitors..........................................................................................................................................................................................................Dog Tent 4:15 p.m. ­— READY Taekwondo Demonstration..............................................................................................................................................................................................Mall Stage 4:30 p.m. — Judging of Goats; Dairy, Cart, Pet Wether Goat, Costume followed by Sheep Costume.............................................................................................................Show Arena 5 p.m. — Joy Bringers Bell Choir....................................................................................................................................................................................................................Building #34 5:30 p.m. — Mexican Heritage Dance Team..........................................................................................................................................................................................................Mall Stage 6 p.m. ­— Horticulture Contest.....................................................................................................................................................................................................Youth Memorial Building 6 p.m. — 98.3 “The Coast” Talent Show 11-14 year old competition.............................................................................................................................................................Building #34 7 p.m. — Mark Fricks Band....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................Mall Stage 7 p.m. — Citadel Dancers...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................Building #34 1, 4, 7 p.m. — Circus Continental.........................................................................................................................................................................................................................Grandstand

Wednesday, Aug. 14

8:30 a.m. — Judging of Equine; Saddle Seat, Hunt Seat, Discipline Rail - Eng/Western, Hunter/Jumper, Crossrails, Mini/Pony in Hand Jumping - Open Mini/Pony......Equine Complex 8:30 a.m. — Judging of Dairy; All Classes.............................................................................................................................................................................................................Show Arena 9 a.m. — Judging of Dogs; Jr. Handling....................................................................................................................................................................................................................Dog Tent 9 a.m. — Judging of Poultry; Show Classes..........................................................................................................................................................................................................Poultry Tent 9 a.m. — Judging of Rabbits; Costume.................................................................................................................................................................................................................Rabbit Tent 11 a.m. — Indiana Michigan Power Energy Workshop..................................................................................................................................................................Youth Memorial Building 12:30 p.m. — Judging of Goats; Other Breeds Classes, Pygmy Classes.........................................................................................................................................................Show Arena 1 p.m. — Judging of Pocket Pets; All Classes..................................................................................................................................................................................................Rabbit Tent 1 p.m. — Home Ec. Clothing Award.............................................................................................................................................Mall Stage (All Champion & Reserve Champion Winners) 2 p.m. — Judging of Dogs TR; Agility...........................................................................................................................................................................................................................Dog Tent 2 p.m. — Indiana Michigan Power Energy Workshop..................................................................................................................................................................Youth Memorial Building 3 p.m. — Style Show..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................Home Ec. Building 3:30 p.m. — Flower Awards...................................................................................................................................................Mall Stage (All Champion & Reserve Champion Winners) 4 p.m. — Indiana Michigan Power Energy Workshop..................................................................................................................................................................Youth Memorial Building 5 p.m. — Gypsy Red..............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................Mall Stage 5 p.m. — Judging of Equine; Flags and Cloverleaf......................................................................................................................................................................................Equine Complex 5:30 p.m. — Judging of Swine; Showmanship...............................................................................................................................................................................................Show Arena 6 p.m. — 98.3 “The Coast” Talent Show 15-18 year old competition..................................................................................................................................................................Building #34 7 p.m. — Lake Effect Jazz Big Band..................................................................................................................................................................................................................Mall Stage 7 p.m. — Eli Young Band with special guest Paul Erdman.............................................................................................................................................................................Grandstand

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Berrien County Youth Fair • August 2019

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Thursday, Aug. 15

7:30 a.m. — Swine Herdsman’s Quiz..................................................................................................................................................................................................................Show Arena 8:30 a.m. — Judging of Equine; Horsemanship and Pleasure........................................................................................................................................................................Equine Complex 8:30 a.m. — Judging of Swine; Market Classes.............................................................................................................................................................................................Show Arena 9 a.m. — Judging of Dogs; TR Obedience................................................................................................................................................................................................................Dog Tent 9:30 a.m. — Small Animal Auction Rabbits followed by Poultry........................................................................................................................................................................Rabbit Tent 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. — Michigan Blood Centers Blood Drive...........................................................................................................................................................Youth Memorial Building 1 p.m. — Horticulture Awards...................................................................................................................................................Mall Stage (All Champion & Reserve Champion Winners) 1:30 p.m. — The Art of Crocheting - Nikki McNeil........................................................................................................................................................................................Home Ec. Building 2:30 p.m. — Craft Awards..........................................................................................................................................................Mall Stage (All Champion & Reserve Champion Winners) 3 p.m. — Judging of Dogs; TR Costume...................................................................................................................................................................................................................Dog Tent 3 p.m. — Pedal Pull Contest.........................................................................................................................................................................................South End of Commercial Buildings 3:30 p.m. — Healthy Food and Snacks - Kris Pappenfuss.....................................................................................................................................................................Home Ec. Building 4 p.m. — Judging of Llamas/Alpacas; Costume, Jackpot, Leaping, Limbo, Paper Chain...................................................................................................................Show Arena 4:30 p.m. — The Toonas........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................Mall Stage 7 p.m. — Past Time Band......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................Mall Stage 7 p.m. — Square Dance Demonstrations..........................................................................................................................................................................................................Building #34 7 p.m. — Truck Demolition Derby........................................................................................................................................................................................................................Grandstand

Friday, Aug. 16

8:30 a.m. — Judging of Equine; In Hand Trail, Jr. & Sr. Trail, Dressage....................................................................................................................................Equine Complex 9 a.m. — Large Animal Auction; Sheep, Quart of Goat Milk, Goats................................................................................................................................................................Show Arena 10 a.m. — Overall Small Animal Showmanship Sweepstakes.................................................................................................................................................................................Dog Tent 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. — Senior Day/Exhibits and Demonstrations...................................................................................................................................................................Building #34 Noon — Large Animal Auction; Grand Champion Dairy Gallon of Milk followed by Beef......................................................................................................................Show Arena 1:30 p.m. — Pinewood Derby Race..................................................................................................................................................................................................Youth Memorial Building 2 p.m. — Large Animal Auction; Swine................................................................................................................................................................................................................Show Arena 3 p.m. — Lacey Peters Zumba.................................................................................................................................................................................................................................Mall Stage 4 to 6 p.m. — Towne & Country Quilters and Berrien Springs Library Quilters......................................................................................................................................Home Ec. Building 5:30 p.m. — Amarillo Sky........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................Mall Stage 6 p.m. — Winners of 98.3 “The Coast” Talent Shows..............................................................................................................................................................................Building #34 7 p.m. — Car Demolition Derby...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................Grandstand 8 p.m. — Andrew Fisher Quartet.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................Mall Stage

Saturday, Aug. 17

8:30 a.m. — Judging of Equine; Gymkhana except Flags and Cloverleaf Classes..............................................................................................................................Equine Complex 9 a.m. — Judging of Communications Classes...............................................................................................................................................................................Youth Memorial Building 9 a.m. — Judging of Youth Tractor Operators Contest......................................................................................................................................................................................Show Arena Noon — Baked Fruit Pie Contest Awards Presentation...........................................................................................................................................................................Building #34 Noon — Overall Large Animal Showmanship Sweepstakes...................................................................................................................................................................Show Arena 2 p.m. — Resurrection Blues Band........................................................................................................................................................................................................................Mall Stage 2 to 4 p.m. — FIRST Lego Leagues and FIRST Tech Challenge Students Demonstration............................................................................................................................Building #34 2:30 p.m. — Ag Olympics....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................Show Arena 3 to 7 p.m. — FIRST Robotics Competition.....................................................................................................................................................................................Youth Memorial Building 3:30 p.m. — Communications Awards..................................................................................................................................................................................................Home Ec. Building #16 4 p.m. — Judging of Equine; PEP Exhibitors, Riding and Showmanship Classes.................................................................................................................................Equine Complex 5 p.m. — Parade of Champions............................................................................................................................................................................................................Ends in Show Arena 7 p.m. — Bullmania................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................Grandstand 8 p.m. — Blue Shoes Jazz......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................Mall Stage

Banding together 6

Berrien County Youth Fair • August 2019

Three groups partner to offer all-day ride wristbands

By BEAU BROCKETT JR. beau.brockett @leaderpub.com BERRIEN SPRINGS — Instead of calculating the right number of tickets needed to a last a day at the carnival, attendees of the Berrien County Youth Fair will be able to buy discounted wristband vouchers for rides instead.

The BCYF will once again partner with Wade Shows, the provider of the fair’s carnival rides, to provide discounted wristband prices during the fair’s Aug. 12 to 17 run. Wristband vouchers will be available in Berrien, Cass and Van Buren county Honor Credit Union locations.

Normally, prices are $22 on weekdays and $25 on weekends. If purchased by Aug. 9, though, the wristbands will only cost $18.

One wristband is valid for one day for all of the fair’s 25 rides, said Karen Klug, executive director of the BCYF. “The wristbands just make it easy because the kids can just go and ride as many rides as they want

Fair ride information

Attendees of the 2018 Berrien County Youth Fair stand in line to purchase ride tickets. Those wishing to avoid lines can purchase all-day wristbands for a discounted price at participating Honor Credit Union locations in southwest Michigan. (Leader file photos)

to,” she said. “Once they get their wristband, they just show their wristband, and they can jump on the ride and go.”

Discounted wristband vouchers are available at the BCYF grounds in Berrien Springs. If prospective buyers do not wish to drive to the fairgrounds, they can stop by the closest participating Honor Credit Union.

Wristband vouchers are available at Honor’s Benton Harbor, Berrien Springs, Buchanan, Coloma, Decatur, Dowagiac, Oshtemo Township, Niles, Paw Paw, St. Joseph and

Stevensville offices.

“We really appreciate everything they do to help us make things happen,” Klug said.

Once a voucher is obtained, holders can exchange it for a wristband at a BCYF ticket booth.

Honor Credit Union is not only the BCYF’s wristband sponsor. It also sponsors all of Thursday, Aug. 15.

All of the 2019 BCYF, however, is under one theme: “Country Nights and Carnival Lights.”

“When you see carnival lights, you know the fair’s going on,” Klug said.

As of publishing time, the following Wade Shows rides will be at the Berrien County Youth Fair.

• Bumper Cars — This classic fair ride lets riders bump one another in padded cars.

• Dragstrip Jr. Slide — Riders race down one of three slides on sacks.

• Granny Bugs — Riders can choose a bug of their choice for a slow, circular ride.

• Groovy Bus — Volkswagenstyle vans will take riders around a short track.

• Happy Swing — Riders sit in a row and are then moved up and down in a circle.

• Magic Maze — Participants must go through a set of obstacles to get out of this maze.

• Merry-Go-Round — A gentle ride where decorated horses can be sat on.

• Mighty Mouse Coaster — A miniature roller coaster.

• Mini Dumbos — Riders can sit on elephants that are slowly moved up and down while the ride spins in a circle.

• Music Express — This fastpaced spin ride will bring riders parallel to the ground.

• Pirates Paradise — An obstacle course featuring a bridge and a long slide.

• Puppy Roll — Riders can

control the spin speed of the dog-like rides they can sit in.

• Rock Star — A fast-paced spinning ride that takes participants above much of the fair.

• Sizzler — Riders are pulled from one end of this spinning ride to the other.

• Starship 4000 — This ride spins so fast, riders are pinned to the wall by its force.

• Street Fighter 360 — Riders are spun high in the air, nearly upside-down.

• Sun Wheel — This Ferris wheel features umbrella-covered seats.

• Typhoon — This ride spins fast at ground level in two different directions.

• Umbrella 4x4 Quads —

Riders can choose the off-road vehicle of their choice on the slow-spinning ride.

• Umbrella Cycles — A ride similar to Umbrella 4X4 Quads, save the ORVs are replaced by motorcycles.

• Umbrella Farm Tractors — This Umbrella ride features different colored tractors.

• Umbrella Jeeps — This spinning Umbrella ride, features Jeeps.

• Vertigo — Riders are sent high in the air on swings that are spun.

• Wacky Shack — This fun house features a slide that ends a participant’s excursion.

• Wipeout — This ride lifts people up and spins them at an angle.

Berrien County Youth Fair • August 2019

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Berrien County Youth Fair • August 2019