SWEETWATER COUNTY — Ever on the lookout for ways to make Wyoming’s Big Show, to function more smoothly, Sweetwater Events Complex staff members are implementing the Junior Fair Superintendents program in 2017.

“By the time young people reach the pinnacle of the 4-H experience, they’ve gained some real expertise, and we want to make good use of that knowledge they’ve accumulated.” With those words, Events Complex Executive Director Larry Lloyd explained the premise behind the coming Junior Fair Superintendents program, aimed at young adults ages 18-25 who are graduates of 4-H and Future Farmers of America (FFA).

Participants in the Junior Fair Superintendents Program would perform a variety of tasks to ensure that 4-H and other related fair activities take place as scheduled.

“We want to keep them involved and we hope to meet with a good response from young adults who are former members of 4-H and Future Farmers of America,” explained Kandi Pendleton, Sweetwater Events Complex Marketing and Events Manager.

She added that Events Complex staff have already forwarded information to Marty Gifford, Sweetwater County 4-H Extension Agent, Green River FFA teacher Elizabeth Withers, and Manila, Utah FFA teacher Michael Hughes to inform them about the Junior Fair Superintendents program.

“The Junior Fair Superintendents will assist with fair activities and help them to go smoothly, and pass on that knowledge they have from their years of experience to the young kids who are still in 4-H or FFA,” Lloyd said.

“We have job descriptions for all the positions. These will be paid positions, using scholarship money that could be used to help pay for tuition, books, or whatever. Some of the young people who might be interested in this program have already been helping out at the fair as volunteers.” According to the flyer about the program, the cash scholarship amount would be $250 per participant.

Although the total number of duties is still being discussed, one area of assistance which the Junior Fair Superintendents could provide would be as go-betweens. “The Junior Fair Superintendents will help to open up communication,” Pendleton said. “If there’s a problem, kids may feel more comfortable discussing it with one of their near-peers than maybe they would with older adult leaders.”

Several young adults who are 4-H alumni reacted to the Junior Fair Superintendents idea with excitement and strong interest.

Amanda Jackson, 23, from Rock Springs said she has volunteered at Wyoming’s Big Show, assisting with 4-H meetings and helping with the auction. “I would definitely be interested in the Junior Fair Superintendents program. It sounds like it would be a lot of fun.”

Jackson was in 4-H for 10 years, with an emphasis upon market lambs. She currently teaches fourth grade at Northpark Elementary in Rock Springs after graduating from the University of Wyoming.

Greer Barney, 22, also from Rock Springs, said that she was in 4-H for 11 years in the equine/horse division, participating in the “Ride ‘Em High” group. “I’ve volunteered every year for the fair, beginning in 2013. I’ve passed out ribbons, helped set up patterns, worked the gates and helped make sure the different classes were in place and ready,” Barney said.

“I’m excited about the Junior Fair Superintendents program. I think it’ll be a really good, great program for some of the kids who have graduated out of 4-H.”

Former star Rock Springs High School athlete Grace Newman, 22, said the Junior Fair Superintendents option would fit in well with her future plans. Newman explained that she was in 4-H for 11 years, working with market sheep and horses. “I’ve been a 4-H leader in the market sheep group in Rock Springs,” she added. “I’ve helped with volunteering. I think I will be involved in 4-H for the rest of my life. My little brother is still involved in 4-H.” Currently, Newman is in the nursing program at the University of Wyoming.

The deadline for applying to be Junior Fair Superintendent is June 15, 2017. Applications are currently being solicited. Further information about the program is available by contacting Kandi Pendleton at (307) 352-6789, ext. 104, or by email at kpendleton@sweetwaterevents.com.

Junior Fair Superintendents Job Description

Junior Fair Superintendents – Sweetwater/Daggett County Fair

Program Mission:

Provide youth, ages 18 to 25, who have been actively involved in the 4-H or FFA program an opportunity to develop and practice advanced leadership skills related to horse, livestock, small animal and static show organization.

The Junior Supervisor will work side by side with the department supervisors to organize and supervise judging, exhibits, and activities in the divisions at the Sweetwater County Fair. Junior Supervisors will receive a $250 cash scholarship and weekly fair admission.

Qualifications:

• Ability to work with adults and youth
• Leadership skills
• Familiarity with fair entry process
• 18-25 years old with a background in 4-H or FFA

Responsibilities:

Early in Calendar Year

• Attend pre-fair meetings
• Suggest changes in fair guidelines and/or show based on personal experience and feedback from other participants

Show Days

• Help with announcing, checking in exhibitors, recording results, etc.
• Help organize ribbons, trophies, and copies of premium books from SEC office
• Aid in ensuring the show starts on time and runs efficiently
• Assist with results entered on iPad and/or judging sheets
• Return show box, extra awards, signed judging sheets and iPad to SEC office when show is completed
• Aid with exhibit release at the end of the show

After Fair

• Attend post fair meetings (if available)
• Submit a post fair report with recommendations, comments, and ideas to the Sweetwater Fair Board by August 20, 2017