Dear editor:

Dear Park County Fair,

It has been brought to my attention that for years the static exhibits have never received belt buckles, and the fairgrounds were not kept clean during the fair, and parents are no longer allowed to help any child in any barn. I will be addressing all of these problems in the letter below.

First and foremost I would like to raise concern that kids doing agronomy only have one option to do so. Meaning that kids can only enter it in an open class and not a 4-H class. Why is it only an option in open class, and not in a 4-H class? I ask this question hoping that you will take into consideration making an open class and a 4-H class for agronomy like all the other things that you offer.

Second, why don't static exhibits get buckles? Does it cost too much money? If it costs too much money then why are the kids who are doing animals getting buckles and not ribbons, like the people that are doing static exhibits? What if a child can't do anything but static exhibits, and would like a chance at winning a buckle? Does the fair office need more sponsors to get more buckles for kids? It has been brought to my attention that a sponsor for agronomy offered to sponsor a belt buckle but was turned down to keep all the static exhibits on the same plane.

That seems like a loss to me.

Third I would like to acknowledge that the fairgrounds are not kept clean during the fair.

Do we have employees that are picking up the fairgrounds? Why do I always see trash when I walk around? I understand that the Park County Fair is a bigger fair but that doesn't mean you don't have the resources to keep it clean during the fair. I also want to hit on the restrooms as well: full trash cans, nonlabeled stalls during the horse show, bugs galore all over the backs of the seats and sinks.I have talked to people in the community about this and they think that it's a problem as well.

Last but not least; why can kids only get help from others and not parents in the barns? I know that this rule was not just implemented, but during the fair I saw many parents helping their kids, and only a few got called out on it. Why is this rule only being partly enforced — is it favoritism among the barns?

I hope you will take into consideration that some kids would like buckles for their hard work just like the people with their animals, I work hard, and my banner is not fair or just for my awards when you were given the opportunity from a community supporter for a buckle. Also that some kids might need help from adults because they might need a refresher on how to shear, fit and polish up an animal for the shows. The state of the fairground and cleanliness is something I surely hope you can address as well.

Sincerely, 

Temperance Day

Ralston