Looking for a Fair solution for 4-H families

4-H families ask for voice on Lyon Co. Fair scheduling

MARSHALL -- The Lyon County Fair is normally a busy time for 4-H families. But this year, the fair was tough to work around for many participants. Holding the fair on Aug. 14-18 cut things too close to the start of the school year and other activities, area families told the Lyon County Fair Board this week.

"It was really difficult this year trying to get to open houses, get all set up for school, and the same day move in for the fair," said Janelle Louwagie, speaking on behalf of a group of 4-H livestock exhibitors and parents at a Fair Board meeting Monday night.

After talking with 4-H families, Fair Board members voted to form a joint committee to discuss possible scheduling solutions. Later on in the meeting, they also set 2025 fair dates for August 13-17.

Members of area 4-H families filled the room at Monday's board meeting. They asked board members for more input on scheduling county fair events.

"We've been made aware of the dates of the Lyon County Fair in 2025, and we'd like to have a voice in when and how our 4-H showcases are held," Louwagie said. "The biggest issue that we have with the date is the early start of our local schools."

While districts like Marshall Public Schools, Tracy Area Schools and Russell-Tyler-Ruthton don't start class until after Labor Day, the Minneota and Lakeview school districts start in August. This year, the first day of school was August 19 for Minneota students and August 21 for Lakeview students.

"Over half of our 4-H families attend Minneota and Lakeview Schools, and are part of the early start," Louwagie said. The Minnesota State Fair starting the same week as school also complicated things for 4-H families, and added stress for both them and their livestock.

The group of parents proposed working together with the Fair Board to try and find solutions for holding 4-H shows.

Fair Board members said they understood families' frustrations, and it wasn't their preference to have the fair that late in August. Board members said fair scheduling was affected by the number of weekends available in each summer, and the schedule of the carnival company that provides the midway for the Lyon County Fair. It worked out so that the 2024 and 2025 fairs would be held later than usual.

The Lyon County Fair has two years left of a three-year contract with its current carnival vendor, board members said.

Fair Board members voted to form a joint committee made up of both board members and 4-H parents to discuss the issue. Later in the meeting, the board voted to set dates of Aug. 13-17 for next year's fair, although board members said they knew it wasn't ideal for 4-H families' schedules.