Utah County approves $25,000 to hold modified junior livestock show after fair canceled

The Utah County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to authorize up to $25,000 from Tourism, Recreation, Cultural, and Convention (TRCC) funds to hold a modified junior livestock show the same week and at the same fairgrounds as the canceled county fair.

Ben Mangelsen, a longtime member of the junior livestock committee, told commissioners the county typically fields about 275 exhibits — including market steers, breeding heifers, lambs, hogs and goats — and detailed prize payouts and associated costs. Mangelsen said judges, awards, shavings and other expenses push the program cost near $28,000 in a normal year, and local business subsidies historically help make up the gap. He described efforts to coordinate with Spanish Fork fairgrounds management and county staff and said the committee would follow health guidance and learn from nearby “jackpot” shows to refine safety protocols.

Commissioners discussed funding sources and whether COVID‑related funds might be an eligible bucket for the expense. One commissioner said a modified junior livestock show is an important outlet for 4‑H and FFA youth who lost spring shows and sales, and suggested including specific COVID‑response language in the approval so staff can evaluate reimbursement or eligibility later. County staff and the county attorney noted the request fits within previously budgeted TRCC line items tied to fair activities.

A motion to approve the item with notation that it was in response to the 2020 Utah County Fair cancellation passed 3‑0. The motion did not specify a mover or seconder by full name in the transcript. The commission asked staff and the livestock committee to finalize details, confirm judges and safety measures, and notify exhibitors and community partners.

Next steps: staff will coordinate committee meetings, finalize logistics and return any substantive budget clarifications to the commission if needed.