what does your County Fair give out for awards?

[5PCC]

I have been on our County Fair Board for the past 3 years. There are a handful of topics that we seem to argue about every year. One of these is what awards to give out at the annual fair. A long time ago, it was trophies. Several years ago, the trophies were switched to wooden plaques with an engraved brass plate. I do not know the reason why, other than the plaques were cheaper.

Some people on the Fair Board insist that every award has to be the same in order to keep things "fair". There is only one award that is different. For the winner of the Overall Carcass Scan steer, an embroidered director's chair is given. This award is based on the carcass scan, rate of gain, and how the steer places in the showring. Several of the board members do not like this special award, but this is what the sponsor of the class insists on giving.

I was excited this year when there was discussion about looking into changing awards (even if it was prompted by a grievance from a parent). A committee was formed to look into this, but they ultimately decided that nothing else would be as economical or as convenient as what we are doing currently. The plaques and the engraved plates are made next door to the County Extension Office by parents of FFA/4-H members. One of them is also Fair Board member. I am sure that this does make it convenient for last minute changes, but I question if this ultimately really benefits the kids or the adults.

The plaques are really nothing special. I just measured one. They are only 4 inches X 6 inches in size. The sponsor is charged $20 to sponsor one of these awards, but they cost only around $7 or $9. When our 4-H club was asked recently what they would like to see for awards, they responded with: trophies, banners, belt buckles, livestock equipment (halters, buckets, feed pans, brushes), director's chairs, embroidered jackets, etc.

So my question is: WHAT DOES YOUR COUNTY FAIR GIVE OUT FOR AWARDS? ARE YOU ABLE TO GET THESE AWARDS FOR A REASONABLE PRICE?

Part of the problem we have is that we are a small county fair. There might be 2 or 3 or 4 kids enrolled in the bucket calf project (for example) who also enter this project into the fair BUT then do not bring that animal to the fair. If there are then no bucket calves showing at the fair, an award was made but not given. Currently, this is not a huge deal because the brass plate can be taken off of the plaque and a new plate can be made for the next year. ANY SUGGESTIONS ON HOW TO DO THIS DIFFERENTLY/BETTER WOULD BE APPRECIATED! I am definitely all for switching to different awards!

 

[Ms Ray]

for champion 4-H/FAA there is some sort of award it usually changes each year on whatever the people in charge of awards finds for the cost, then the overall Champion gets a buckle and the reserve gets something also.  The awards are all donated and if they get more donations more awards can be given.

Another fair we go to 4-H/FAA show together and champ and Res. get buckles

 

[knabe]

you could get a perpetual trophy and put winner's name on trophy.


store trophy in display case on fairgrounds.


have a walk of fame picture of winner.

 

[5PCC]

That is an awesome idea!

 

[cowboy_nyk]

Basically all of the Junior shows/4-H shows here give out show supplies, jackets, and chairs for prizes.  I haven't seen a trophy or plaque given out for 20 years.

 

[obie105]

I'm all for the useful stuff. Monogrammed hanging clothes bags, duffle bags, towel set, and chairs are a few of the things our family has gotten in the last 10 years. I know that for the champion steer and heifer they get a metal plaque with a steer or heifer cut into it. They aren't that expensive if you can find someone local to make them.

 

[Davidsonranch]

I'm glad you brought this up because it has been an issue at our tiny fair as well.  We have an even bigger problem.  Because of our community being litterally hanging on by a thread economically our kids are lucky to sell their fair animals.  There is usually only only a $0.25 per pound difference between Grand Champ steer and last place red ribbon steer.  In all fairness at least the kids get something, but it is frustrating seeing our Grand Champ steer go for $3.00 a pound and our neighboring county grand champs getting $10 a pound. It ticks me off that the kids who put the extra effort (both time and $) get nothing for it.  At times I told my kids we might as well feed out a roping steer on tumbleweeds as you get the same price as everyone else.  But I have to step back and remember its about pride, respect for the animal and respresenting your livestock (if you raise your own), not to mention the mission and goals of 4-H or FFA.
For the past couple years our kids got NOTHING for winning market or showmanship.  I am heading up a group to get donations from all of the local ranches to sponsor something.  Belt buckles, chairs, sweatshirts, equipment, etc.  I think my kids would like that a lot more than a plaque or trophy.  I can already see problems with the other animal clubs, (sheep, goat, swine, etc) who will want the same thing.  But in my opinion if I am heading this up as a private person trying to reward these kids, then the other animal groups can do the same.

 

[Rocky Hill Simmental]

At our fair the youth gets a plaque and a rosette. The open show winner gets a lawn chair that says "champion" on it and a rosette. I like the plaques better because they will last forever and you can put them on display. A lawn chair wears out after a few years and you can't display them appropriately. Not saying I don't like the chairs; I just like the plaques better.

 

[BogartBlondes]

At our local fair; businesses and other sources donate a sum of money that goes into a pot this pot usually has about $2000 by the end of it all. There are usually 10-15 class entries. The Grand champ get $400 the reserve gets $200 and the rest of the money is divided equally among the rest of the competitors. This is a very fair way to do it and the kids love it! Sometimes the fair board funds ribbons as well.

 

[Davis Shorthorns]

buckles

 

[Shorthorns4us]

In our neck of the woods- our county orders the same style of ribbons each year so that leftovers from years before can still be used the next year if needed.  They are generic ribbons in all the usual colors- purple, lavender, blue, etc.  with the county and placing printed on them.  The Champion and Reserve receive similarly generic rosettes. These are used in all categories of livestock and small animals.  Our Extension office spearheads the trophy sponsorships for the champions in all categories.  Usually the sponsorships all get sold by the fair entry cutoff.  Final entries in our county have to be in by about 2 weeks before the fair and then if they have a surprise entry of livestock or small animal in a class that was previously empty- they can still order a trophy and get a sponsor.    In years past, any additional awards-- chairs, fancy banners, coats, bags, etc.  had to be supplied by the sponsor wanting to take that on.  I remember for a couple years or so, there was a family that paid to have a chair made for the Supreme Breeding Heifer and Champion Market Beef.  They took this on themselves and paid all costs.  I think they did have to clear it with the extension office to be able to offer this prize, but it was on them.  I even gave away some horse supplies that were brand new when I was getting out of horses and getting rid of everything one year during the horse show.
EF

 

[grandchamp58]

Luckily I show in one of the largest and richest county fairs in my state. However, we work extremely hard to fund raise throughout the year. All of our fundraising goes directly into premiums and exhibitor gifts. Not only the champion gets a present, but everyone does. The champion gets an even larger gift! One thing that we have found is that instead of personalizing the gifts, generalize them. Put "Champion Overall Steer, (Your County's Name). Our county doesn't even put the year so if they need be, they can use the award for the next year(s). Good luck!

 

[HelenH]

"No Show" Entries;  I would suggest a small entry fee that is returned to every exhibit shown via the prize money. ($15.00)  Even last place receives their refund.  In addition, some 4-H clubs hold an annual membership deposit until the project is properly completed.  This improves relationships with club sponsors who are often community service groups. 

 

[ba]

Here is why I like the  plaques & banners.  The kids and the family worked hard for them and we are proud of the Accomplishments . They hang in the living room on our walls.

 

[josephmunger]

Winners usually get small crystal award plaques at our county fairs. Overall champions get a bigger trophy with a plaque engraved with their name attached to the base. Fairs are mostly sponsored by any local businesses, so organizers don’t try to make it cheap. I don’t know how much they spend for these awards, but they always try to make the trophies and plaques look attractive. Sometimes wooden plaques with the winner’s name engraved on it are also used as awards.

 

[okiegirl]

Grand, Res. Grand, and Showmanship winners get buckles.  Everyone else gets ribbons.  We love buckles.  My daughter's last county fair is next week.  She is taking one of her steers and a one of her heifers.  Wish us luck that the temps stay in the low 90's.  A couple of years ago it was 108.

 

[oakview]

Our county fair gives out trophies for every champion.  Each breed champion heifer gets a trophy, even if there's only one of them.  The kids like to get trophies.  My grandkids had champion and reserve Shorthorn heifers.  They each got a purple ribbon in addition to the trophy for champion.  They received their premium money checks yesterday.  $6.38 each.  That's an increase over the $4 we got when I was in 4-H many years ago.  No entry fees, only a nominal charge for bedding.  We finally are allowed to tie out at night, as long as we tie to our own trailers and build a pen around the calves.