Busy week ahead at youth fair

Vernon County Youth Fair Dog Show competitors have been training for the last three months. Pictured, grand champion "Dutchess", right, and owner Kiia Dighero and reserved grand champion "Taz", left, and owner Marissa Heard pose proudly for a quick picture after their victories over the dog show Friday night.

By Crystal D. Hancock

Nevada Daily Mail

The Vernon County Youth Fair is off to a great start for 2007. There are many events throughout the week. From the Super Teen contest to the livestock sale, there will be plenty of activities to keep patrons busy.

The second week of July is a very busy time for the youth of Vernon County. Friday evening the fair kicked off with the Dog Show competition, among other events. Chairman of the Vernon County Dog Committee, Kandette Jones said, "The competitors have met with me for the last three months to train the dogs. They spent two hours a week with me and nearly all the competitors were at the meetings each week. Their strong attendance really made a difference. All of their hard work and dedication really paid off and the show went on without many complications and the dogs looked awesome."

The Vernon County Youth Fair Board is comprised of President Tommy Wait, Vice President Wilbur Smith, Secretary Donna Shorten, Treasurer Billy Harreld, Scott Pritchett, Keven Baldwin and Jess Green. Wait said, "This is a very busy time for youth, parents and volunteers involved in the fair. The experiences and knowledge learned through the youth groups and their activities help build leaders of tomorrow."

The fair is open to boys and girls of school age and under 21 years of age who are enrolled members of any state or national youth group or chapter in Vernon County. This would include groups such as 4-H, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, FFA and Clover Kids.

"With the help of supporters, the Vernon County Youth Fair will continue to be a place to learn and make memories. I want to personally thank all fair board members and their families for serving on the Vernon County Fair Board, and the University of Missouri Extension Center for all their work and the many volunteers and supporters of the fair. With completion of the hog, beef and sheep buildings and the pop shop, the horse barn is the 2007 project with new pens and wiring. Come join the fun at the 2007 Vernon County Youth Fair and make some memories of your own," Wait added.

There are many events planned and, rain or shine, the fair will go on.