Allamakee County Fair will feature 4-H/FFA Premium Auction this year

Due to restrictions in place regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, the Iowa State Extension and Outreach - Allamakee County 4-H Program has created an alternative fair experience for youth exhibitors to be implemented this year.

Local 4-H and FFA youth will have the opportunity to show their livestock in a private fair experience during the week of July 7-12, according to the schedule printed on Page 24 in this week’s edition of The Standard. With this unique fair experience, youth will not be selling their live animals as in years past, prior arrangements for market animals have already been made.

In place of the traditional Livestock Auction, youth will participate in a Premium Auction. Local supporters can still bid and pay a premium on a youth to reward them for their hard work and help them offset expenses incurred. This premium will then help fund next year’s projects, as plans are to return to the more traditional Livestock Auction for next year’s fair.

“The 4-H program empowers youth to reach their full potential through youth-adult partnerships and research-based experiences. We, the youth and adults of the 4-H movement, value youth as powerful members of society, youth and adults as caring partners, learning as a lifelong commitment, diversity and social conscience and doing our best and making it better! Thank you for your contribution and helping us ‘Make the Best Better!’,” shared ISU Extension and Outreach Allamakee County 4-H officials in a released statement.

Those interested in supporting Allamakee County 4-H/FFA youth are encouraged to consider taking part in the Premium Auction Sunday, July 12 at 5 p.m. at the Allamakee County Fairgrounds Show Barn to support the resilience, perseverance and hard work the 4-H’ers and FFA members have put into their projects this year. Social distancing is expected during all 2020 Allamakee County Fair 4-H events, and those who cannot do this are instead encouraged to wear a face covering for their own safety and for the safety of others

Those who are not comfortable attending the auction in person are asked to contact the Allamakee County Extension Office to coordinate a proxy buyer. For additional information, contact the Extension Office at 563-568-6345 or allamakee4h@iastate.edu.