The Red River Valley Fair kicks off on Friday. The annual event in West Fargo will be held over three separate weekends this year, instead of a single 10-day run. This year’s fair will take place June 28-30, July 4-7 and July 11-14.
April Berntson, the 4-H extension agent for Cass County, reminds folks to mark their calendar for the 4-H Livestock Auction Sale and Picnic.
“The 4-H auction for livestock is going to be held on Monday, July 1st, at the same location as always. So, it’s going to be at the Livestock Building at the Red River Valley Fairgrounds. Just a note, because the fair is not open on that day, everyone’s going to have to come in the back entrances on the north side. So you’re going to go all the way to the northwest entrance and come in that way, it will be in the same location as usual. On Monday, picnic will be at noon, and the auction will begin at 1pm.”
Some of the animals will be available for purchase for processing, others will be sold as “Premium Only.”
“There’ll be an asterisk beside any of them that people are going to be able to purchase for processing. So then they’ll know that one is available for processing. Then when they’re bidding on it, they can be aware if they can take that animal home or not. And so, the animals will stay at the fair for the duration of the fair until July 14th if, even if they choose one that is available for processing. And then afterwards, the member will take their animal to be processed, and then the buyer will be responsible for the fees that go along with it – still have to pay the price for the premium auction, as well as an additional fee for processing. If they’re just doing a regular premium animal, then they’ll bid on the animal. They’ll pay the premium, and then the kid will still go home with the animal.”
If you’re unable to attend the sale on July 1st, there are other options available to support the Cass County 4-H program.
“If you aren’t available to make it to the auction, we can always set up like an absentee bid, if you’re really interested in bidding on a certain species, or a certain animal, or certain kid’s animal, we can set something up that way. Otherwise, we’re always looking for sponsors for just the general livestock program as well.”
Berntson says the sale provides valuable experience for the youth enrolled in the livestock project area.
“These kids work hard from winter into summer, honestly. They’re working with their animals, starting all the way back in February, March, April, May. They have to work with their animals to get them trained and responsive to themselves and make sure they’re feeding them well. That really takes a whole range of things – responsibility on that kid’s part being there, being actively involved in that animal’s life, as well as learning about how to take care of an animal. It really gives them skills for their whole life, all the way into adulthood and for a job in the future.”
The full livestock schedule can be found online at redrivervalleyfair.com.
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