2020 Scotland County Junior Fair to Kick Off Sunday in Bible Grove

PROTECTED CONTENT

If you’re a current subscriber, log in below. If you would like to subscribe, please click the subscribe tab above.

Username

Password

Login

Lost your password?

Username and Password Help

Please enter your email and we will send your username and password to you.

Email

Submit

← Back

Despite the fact there will not be a county fair in 2020 due to the COVID-19 situation, the show will go on for the youth of the Scotland County 4-H and FFA livestock programs.

“The 2020 calendar year has proven to be an interesting one for all of us,” said Kristy Eggleston-Wood, Scotland County Youth Program Associate with the University of Missouri Extension. “Maneuvering through a pandemic has brought upon many changes for businesses, schools, organizations, and all those involved. County fairs and festivals have all felt the effects of our current times.”

With the recent announcement by the University of Missouri Extension regarding the removal of restrictions on youth events to be held in Missouri, the Scotland County Junior Fair Committee decided to move forward with 4-H and FFA exhibitor events.

The 2020 Scotland County Junior Expo will be held July 5th-10th at the Bar B Saddle Arena in Bible Grove, Missouri. Livestock events will be held at the arena grounds with the annual premium sale to be held Friday, July 10th in Bible Grove.

“There will be slight changes with shows and the auction from previous years all the while maintaining a clear focus on our county youth,” said Chad Triplett, President of the Scotland County Junior Fair committee. “Livestock events will be held throughout the week and those include swine, sheep, goats, chickens, rabbits, and cattle shows. 4-H and FFA members whose projects include those exhibited in the Art Hall will also have an opportunity to have their projects judged and possibly selected for the Missouri State Fair.  The Art Hall will take place at a location on the Memphis city square.

The 2020 Scotland County Junior Fair will kick off on Sunday, July 5th, with the annual dog show starting at 2 p.m. at the Bible Grove shelter house.

The venue will shift to Memphis Sunday evening as the 4-H Royalty and State Fair Farm Family will be honored at 6 p.m. at the Church of Christ in Memphis.

Art Hall entry and judging will take place on Monday, July 6th at the former Memphis Mercantile building on the south side of the Memphis city square. The exhibits will be open for public viewing from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday,

The 4-H and FFA shooting sports programs will be held at the Lake Show-Me Range starting at 5:30 p.m.

Wednesday will feature the swine show starting at 9 a.m. at the Bible Grove Arena. The goat show will start at 6 p.m.

The sheep show will kick things off on Thursday at 9 a.m.  The small animal shows will be held Thursday afternoon with the cat show at 1 p.m. followed by rabbits at 1:30 p.m. and chickens at 2:30 p.m.

The cattle show will be held at 9 a.m. on Friday, July 10th.

Spectators are reminded to bring their own lawn chairs as there will not be any bleachers available. The shows will be adhering to all CDC and local health department recommendations related to social distancing.

Concessions will be offered by the Bible Grove Historical Preservation Committee and the Eastern Star will also have its Lemonade shake-ups available as well.

“New this year will be the format for the Annual Youth Premium auction,” said Triplett. “Beginning at 5:00 pm on July 10th, we would like to invite you and your business to our Buyer Appreciation meal.  We are excited to announce that State Line BBQ will be catering the meal and it is complimentary to all buyers and supporters of the youth premium auction.  It is our way of saying “Thank You” for your continued support of Scotland County youth.”

Eggleston-Wood explained that each exhibitor will be allowed to offer one animal or Art Hall item for the premium auction.

“This is a change from previous years when exhibitors were allowed two items,” she said. “Since the livestock shows are held throughout the week with no facilities available for overnight stays, no animals will be present during the auction.”

There will be a buyer’s catalog provided that will include photos and descriptions of the youth and their exhibits for the auction.

Art Hall items offered during the auction, will be available to look at and take home once purchased.

“The format for the auction remains the same,” she said. “This is a premium only auction, with the exception of Art Hall items, with proceeds going to the youth exhibitor.”

Triplett indicated that businesses or individuals  wishing to support the auction but who are unable to attend, should watch for details about a possible online option for bidding during the auction.

“We are also accepting donations to be equally distributed amongst the exhibitors who are participating in the 2020 Scotland County Junior Expo,” he said.

Contact the Scotland County Extension office at 660-465-7255 or Kristy Eggleston-Wood at 660-341-8859 if you have any questions regarding those donations. Make donations payable to the Scotland County Jr. Livestock Sale and mail to MU Extension-Scotland County, 117 S Market, Suite 105, Memphis, MO 63555.

“This year of challenges hasn’t stopped the youth from pursuing their goals of exhibiting at a local level and our local committee is striving to help those youth achieve that goal,” said Eggleston-Wood.