4-H and open-class entries rise; board adds judges, finalizes schedules

Townsend Fair organizers said open-class entries have roughly doubled compared with last year and that 4-H participation is strong, prompting adjustments to judging and scheduling.

At the meeting, members said open-class check-in for the public is scheduled in the morning (discussed as 9 a.m. to about 12:30 p.m.), and that a separate schedule for 4-H families and a parking map have been circulated to 4-H participants. Organizers reported they will accept open-class drop-offs on Tuesday for entries that need judging by 4-H interviewers.

Karen, speaking for 4-H, said the program needs two additional indoor judges this year because of the increased number of entries; the board agreed adding judges would help keep the horse show and other events on time. Members said they prefer adding judges rather than extending event hours so that contestants can still compete in other scheduled shows, such as the horse show starting at 1 p.m.

Organizers also discussed camping and trailer storage: 4-H camping will be reserved inside the grounds, while some overflow camping will use adjacent Lyman Yard parking. The board advised families to avoid leaving 4-H trailers in rodeo parking after drop-off and to consider storing feed in the South Horse Barn when feasible.

The board said they will distribute maps in 4-H packets and try to manage pedestrian and vehicle flow between city property and the 4-H area. No formal motions were taken; the adjustments will be implemented by staff and volunteers in the days before and during the fair.

The meeting included planning for volunteer work nights and a paint party to prepare the handicapped grandstands and other structures before the fair.