The fairgrounds were bustling July 15-23 during the Ellsworth County Fair.

“4H is just a fantastic way to raise kids,” said Sarah Goss, who with her husband, Brent, serves on the Ellsworth County Fair Association board. “It gives kids meaningful work in the summertime, whether it’s in the barn, woodworking or cooking or shooting, it gives them meaningful things to participate in throughout the year.”

About 120 youth participated in the fair.

“4H is important to us because it’s a great tool to help raise good kids,” Goss said. “We’re livestock focused. Our kids are comfortable in a barn; it’s where they enjoy being.

“Raising livestock is a project, but really, the livestock helps raise the kids. It teaches the kids responsibility, work ethic and how to give them a life of care and compassion.”

The theme of the 2023 fair was “Shoot for the Stars” and included some new aspects, such as adding horse classes to the livestock shows and the addition of a barn dance.

“The barn dance was new, but it was all held by our fair association. It was a great opportunity for our kids; everyone did have fun,” said Karrie Van Winkle, 4-H Youth Development Agent for K-State Research and Extension Midway District. “It was really successful. I think we’re going to continue with those classes.”

District Director for Midway Extension District Jessica Kootz said the fair board continued the silent auction, which began in 2022.

“It was the second year for the silent auction,” she said. “I think it went equally as well this year. It gave the kids who

“Raising livestock is a project, but really, the livestock helps raise the kids.”

Sarah Goss

Ellsworth County Fair Association don’t show livestock an opportunity to collect on some premiums.”

Goss said she and her husband enjoyed growing up with 4H and wanted the same for their four children, Noah, 17, Tucker, 16, Nell, 14 and Britta, 11.

While the origins of the county fair might have been for rural residents to showcase their work, Goss said the purpose has grown.

“Today, the fair has evolved from its original intent,” she said. “It’s more important than ever, even in a rural community, that people get to see and understand livestock production. Even in rural community, people are removed from livestock production. It’s a nice opportunity for the ag community to connect with the in-town community.”

In addition to the community connection, Goss said the projects help build skills.

“They have to be able to articulate and communicate what they’re doing. It’s a vital skill,” she said. “They are coupling that along with the practical skills they are learning.”

Community is another important aspect of the fair.

“It’s a little bit of raising your kids in a village philosophy,” Goss said. “The parents are volunteers. All of these adults are trying to have a positive influence on the next generation.”

Temperatures weren’t in the triple-digits, but getting through fair week can be grueling.

“This was a bit of a tough year,” Goss said. “The fact that the fair happened, the work got done, the kids had a good experience — just having the fair and getting through it after the year we had was clearly the highlight for all of us.”