153 YearsAug.18-24
The 153rd Oceana County Fair Welcome!
On behalf of the Oceana County Agricultural Society, I invite you to the 153rd Oceana County Fair! “The Best Little Fair in Michigan!”
We have been blessed with a beautiful summer, and our children have been busy getting ready for the Fair. WIth projects completed, animals finished off for the Auction Sale, and the bright lights of the Midway await. The Elliots are in town with one of the nicest traveling Carnivals in the Country.
Now is the time to meet old friends, catch up on our lives, and strengthen our love of Oceana County. We are a lucky little Community. Small enough to know everyone, yet strong enough to feed a nation. Our fruits and vegetables are in every corner of the world, known as the best in the world.
We are especially proud of our Fairgrounds. Our Board has taken the time, and spent the
treasure, to make the Ground safe and appealing. We have completed the fencing completely around the property and have beefed up our electrical system. Our Security Cameras have been a true benefit to child safety. Our paint crew has brightened up the Race Horse Barns, as well as the Grandstands. We are very proud to be
able to make these improvements. It is through you, the Fairgoer, that we have been able to set aside funds for Capital Improvements.
Some of us have over 50 years of participation in the Show Ring, as leaders, and in teaching another generation of youngsters Fairlife. Kid’s Kamp is a great place for our children to see friends from all over the County all in their little Kamp. They look forward to a week with their animals and the fun of friends, both old and new.
Be sure to tour the Barns, walk the Midway, buy some taffy and soak up some small town fun!
We, the Fair Board, truly appreciate your coming to the Fair!
Sincerely,
Paul Erickson
Micro Wrestling returns to the Fair for more high flying fun in 2024
By: Brendan Samuels The Oceana Echo Community Contributor
After a rousing success that had the grandstands packed from end to end, the Micro Wrestling Federation (MWF) will once again be featured at The Oceana County Fair this year.
MWF drew in a large crowd last year, treating spectators to a show of epic proportions. Starting off strong, the crew’s MC known as Lil Miss, provided witty commentary throughout the show. Pair that with the hard core singing and a little bit of motivational speaking from Ivar the Micro and attendees were more than warmed up for the night’s proceedings.
With several different teams of performers traveling around the country from MWF’s headquarters in Pigeon Forge, Tenn., there’s no telling who will be getting in on the action when the micros show up in Hart on
Wednesday, Aug. 21. Last year, some of the heaviest hitters and most popular wrestlers showed up. Fan favorite Syko was joined by Pinky Shortcake, Chief LittleFoot, and Lil Chola.
MWF is the longest running organization within the Little Person wrestling industry; no other company has performed in more events since their inception. The MWF performs 400 shows a year from coastto-coast, including four shows
a week at their 300-seat mini arena in Pigeon Forge.
The Micro Wrestlers have also been featured in Sports Illustrated Magazine, Country Music Television and the WWE. More recently, they’ve gone viral on TikTok with more than 1.5 million followers on the platform.
More than 20 performers make up the roster at MWF with plenty of interesting characters to experience. Big names include the afore-
mentioned Syko – known for his unhinged behavior that would scare even the most experienced psychologist, Ivar, Pink Shortcake and J-Mazing. There’s even a few celebrity lookalikes such as Micro Jackson who draws his moves from the King of Pop himself and Zach Presley who used his last name as a play on Elvis.
Regardless of who ends up on the mat this year, there’s sure to be plenty of laughs to go around. There’s even a variety of viewing options. For those who prefer to watch at a distance, the bleachers of the Grandstands will once again be available, with tickets costing $14.99. Anyone brave enough to get up close and personal can purchase ringside tickets for $49.99.
The wrestlers will be ready to go Wednesday, Aug. 21 with the action beginning at 7 p.m. Tickets must be purchased in advance at microwrestling. com and absolutely no refunds will be given.
A micro wrestler leaps from the top rope to his opponent below. The Micro Wrestling Federation is set to return to the Oceana County Fair Tuesday, Aug. 20. • Brendan Samuels/ECHO
What does it take to be a 4-H Ambassador?
By: Sharon Hallack The Oceana Echo Community Contributor
The Oceana County 4-H Ambassador program, in existence since the 1990’s, came about after the 4-H Queen program of the 80’s and prior. The change was to make the program more gender neutral and something young men would feel comfortable applying for as well. Over the years, both programs have honored numerous Oceana young people, and have been the beneficiary of each recipient’s gifts and abilities to grow and
enrich Oceana County 4-H for all. For those who may be interested in pursuing this opportunity in the future, the following is taken from the application available from the MSU Extension Office located at 844 Griswold Street, Hart.
Some of the duties and responsibilities considered necessary for consideration of the title “4-H Ambassador” include, being familiar with the 4-H philosophy and be willing and able to share it with others; being an active participant in the Oceana County 4-H programs and events (entry day, youth
day, auctions, ambassador crowning ceremony, Ag Olympics, info booth and exhibit building demonstrations); being an active teen member and representative of the Oceana County 4-H Youth Council (meetings held the second Monday of each month); being a host/hostess at the Leader’s Recognition Banquet and 4-H Fall County Awards program; being a parade participant in local parades (Hart Lighted Christmas parade, Grange St. Patrick’s Day parade, National Asparagus Festival parade, and Pentwater Homecoming parade).
Anyone considering applying to be an ambassador, should keep these additional points in mind: applicants must have completed TWO calendar years of club work by August 31st of the year in which they are applying; must have knowledge and experience with the 4-H philosophy, pledge, and motto; have participated in club and county 4-H opportunities that promote 4-H to others; have demonstrated service to the community and others; have demonstrated leadership skill development their involvement in 4-H, school, and com -
Merten’s Farmhouse Market
Farmhouse Market
munity; must be willing and able to meet the availability requirements of the position; must be of good character and a role model of the values of 4-H; be able to serve a one-year term (Current year fair until conclusion of following year’s fair) for a maximum of two terms.
The written application includes questions regarding past and present 4-H project experiences, 4-H leadership experience, 4-H education and training, 4-H awards, honors and recognitions, as well as additional activities and community involvement. Those applying will also need to submit a short essay explaining why they wish to be an ambassador
and what they feel they can offer 4-H, identify one 4-H leadership experience and describe its significance in their personal growth and development and identify one of their 4-H citizen or community service experiences and describe its value to yourself and others.
Applications are typically due the first week in August, with interviews held the following Monday. More information and questions can be answered by contacting the MSU Extension Office at 844 South Griswold Street, Hart, 231-873-2129 or by visiting their website at https:// www.canr.msu.edu/oceana/oceana_county_4_h/
Oceana County Fair Memories Abound
By: Sharon Hallack The Oceana Echo Community Contributor
The deadline for this year’s fair tab snuck up on all of us here at the Oceana Echo, thus I had to get creative with something quick and easy to help fill the pages! Since my Christmas Memories column was so well received I thought why not try it with fair memories. Besides, the fair is a tradition and almost a holiday around these parts, right? People take time off work, travel from near and far, see people they haven’t seen in the past year, eat all kinds of food they’d never eat any other time of year, take pictures, laugh and on and on. Thank you to everyone who responded so quickly to my quick email blitz. If you weren’t contacted or weren’t able to respond in time, please email me anyway. I will put your memories in the queue for next year’s edition!
Frantt Whitehill - The sounds, the smells, the music, the rides, seeing the big tractors and farm equipment, viewing the 4-H barns, wandering through the Commercial Building, seeing your friends of the past and wondering where they have been all these years! Not where you have been? LOL Eating footlong hotdogs, licking a nice, cool and sweet ice cream cone, and do not forget the sweet cotton candy. Or the Saturday night main event - the demolition derbyand the smells of those old gas-gulping cars and the sound of them smashing into each other to ultimately determine a victor. Sadly, we go home having had a great time at the Oceana County Fair which we will fondly remember till the fair comes again, but sort of forgetting about all the people that it took to make such a great time possible. All the exhibits, the farm animals, poultry and 4-H projects, parking ,rest rooms, etc. Also a
shout out to our area Veterans that make a pilgrimage to the Oceana County Fair each year. It is always a great time, and I look forward to going again. See you at the Oceana County Fair!
Craig Mast, Hart - There are some people, old friends from the past, that you only see once a year and that time will be at the Oceana County Fair.
Irma Hinojosa, Hart - My story of the Oceana County Fair is from when I was a young migrant farmworker. Once we knew the fair was coming, my brothers and I would make arrangements with my parents. The arrangement was that the week before the fair, any work we did after 5 pm was our earned fair money. Every year we looked forward to the fair because we would always go as a big family, my parents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. We would have so much fun riding
rides, playing games, and of course eating the caramel apples. We would talk about it for weeks afterwards and look forward to the next year.
Dave Moul, Hart Twp. -Going to the fair was an Oceana County tradition that I looked forward to every year as a kid; and still look forward to as an adult. When my wife and I got married we had intended to honeymoon the entire week of the fair and miss it, but ended up cutting our trip short because we couldn’t imagine skipping a year. We managed to roll into town just in time for the demo derby! I love that I get to take my kids with me now and experience all the fun nostalgia that I enjoyed as a child.
Megan (Hallack) Roskam, Shelby Twp. - Raising 4-H Hogs with the Brooks Bacon Makers and creating long lasting friendships. I can remember vividly the stress of
show and sale day and I can still hear Phil Carter yelling “shut that door!” … Staying out late to cheer on our friends in the truck and tractor pull….Eating a hot beef sandwich from under the grandstands…Hearing the distinct beeping sound from the motorcycle ride (which is no longer part of the midway) but the sound it made sounded like a bug that can be heard in the evenings about the same time as fair…f you know, you know and riding the Gravatron and Scrambler until we couldn’t stand straight. I’m now at a stage in my life where I’m experiencing the fair from a completely different view point. Watching my kids ride all the rides with big smiles on their faces, eating all the fair food, and walking down memory lane through the animal buildings and hoping some day to encourage my kids to participate. The fair was a safe place to be a farm kid and be proud of it!
Gina Mead, Shelby - I remember showing animals over the years, the
whole family, mom, dad, aunts, uncles and cousins would come down to watch us show. Occasionally my grandmother would drive over from Clio and surprise us. We would see her roll up on the tractor wagon during the fair to be there to watch us.
Lauren (Hallack) Fenton, Hart - Many memories flood my mind when I think of the OC Fair! Two specific memories to share are my first and last livestock projects. My first 4-H livestock project was a lamb named MOE in 2000. MOE was very ill most of the summer and barely made it to the minimum 100 pound weight requirement for the livestock auction. Surprisingly that lamb was awarded Lightweight Reserve Grand Champion! And as if that weren’t enough, when auction night came a bidding war broke out between my Uncle Dan and Doc Marshall, the veterinarian. Both bidders knew how rough of a summer that lamb and I had together. My final 4-H livestock project in 2005 was a Mar-
ket Grand Champion pig! Clementine was SOME PIG!
Jeff Schaner, Ferry Twp. - My first year in 4-H I was a freshman in high school showing a steer. Showmanship was something I didn’t know much about. My steer was a bit wild and big. I was at the end of the sale order and steers sold last that year. I ended up losing money that year with all the start-up costs and getting a low price. But it was a good lesson in farming, and I improved in the next 3 years and helped make some money to help pay for college.
Joan Slocum-Foster, Hart Twp .- I have some fond memories of our county fair as a little girl of 5 or 6. My Mom would take all seven of us on Kids’ Day after lunch and then my Dad would join us after work. It was so exciting to see all of the rides, games, food carts, animals and exhibit barns. We would have to use some of our cherry picking money to attend the fair.
Walt Urick, Hart - Wrestling at the fair—”Leaping Larry Sheen” against some villain. Great fun for me when I was 8 or so. Also watching Dr. Henry Stevens refereeing a boxing match between his six-year old son, Larry, against another six-year old, who I believe was Larry Pider. The kids wore boxing gloves and flayed away at each other much to the delight of the crowd. Then there was the free ferris wheel ride for us band kids after we performed at the fair. One year we even tried to play our instruments during the ride!
D enise (Slocum) Pagura, Dublin, OH/ Walkerville - I used to show my horse Hye Dapper at the OC fair and would spend hours doting over him - bathing, braiding tail, mane, white shoe polish for stains, black polish on hoofs. It was quite a production. I was sitting sans saddle (backwards on the horse) when a pho -
Fair Memories
continued on page 10
10 THE OCEANA ECHO •
Fair Memories
tographer from Muskegon Chronicle walked by and took a picture of the scene. My horse had a look like… ”What on earth are you doing?” Caption read to some effect, “Woman Driver”. We made the front page!
Jerianne (Hallack)
Block, Shelby - Patty Demmon won the talent show (sometime in the mid-sixties) with a tap dance, saying “this is how we dance in Oceana County”, and wowed the crowd. I did a ballet routine (and didn’t win).
Loretta Harjes, Elbridge Twp. - My first experience going to the Oceana Fair was in 1967 when I helped in the first aid station. Back then there was no 911 or EMT’s. Luckily there were no serious problems during my shift!
Sharon Hallack, Elbridge Twp. - As a young girl of about 11 or 12, I remember a few years when my Grandpa Slocum
planting a potato patch below our house. I don’t recall doing any of the work, except helping to dig them. After taking what our family needed for the winter, we had to bag them up and go door to door around the neighborhood selling five pound bags of potatoes, the incentive was that whatever money we collected was ours, and could be used at the fair.
Jan (Greiner) Lathers, Mears - My dad had a food stand next to the Grandstand, and my sister and I were the waitresses. Dad served Chop Suey, Chili, Hamburgers and Hotdogs. We worked there in the afternoon so Dad could go to the harness races. He loved the Fair and would take that week off each year from his Garage Business (Greiner’s Garage). Our food stand was across from the Bingo tent, so we played Bingo too. One time Dad made the chili and when served the customer asked, “ Where’s the meat?” Well
it was a busy day and Dad had forgot to put meat in the Chili! We never forgot that event. We went on a lot of rides all week with the money we earned at the fair. I still love the smell of fair food—all the fried onions, etc. and the Salt Water Taffy. However, I haven’t been there in many years.
Paul Inglis, Shelby - In 1974, I was elected President of the Shelby Recreation Club and one of my primary roles was to organize the Club’s annual fundraiser--Bingo at the Oceana County Fair! I spent several hours as the Bingo Caller and was responsible for opening and closing the games. In the first 3 or 4 years, we named the game “Youth” as a non-profit organization could not legally play Bingo before it was legalized in the State of Michigan in 1976 and we gave away prizes off the shelf rather than money to the winners. 30 plus years later, I was still calling Bingo for several shifts at the Fair
continued from page 9
until I “retired” from the Shelby Recreation Club in about 2012. The County Fair provided me with a wonderful venue to “meet and greet” people of all ages; to laugh and joke with them; to share in their joy and excitement when they won a game or two; and, to appreciate their support for the mission of the Shelby Recreation Club through their love of Bingo by spending an entire afternoon or evening with them. It was one of my favorite times of the year as it preceded the football and fall seasons and I looked forward to seeing their smiling faces as they scurried to find a place to sit in the Oceana County Fair “Bingo Tent”. The latter years of my Bingo calling days were my favorite as I would join long-time Fair President Clancy Aerts and FairTreasurer Jerry Spencer in the celebration of the end of Fair Week with a toast to another year of its success with my favorite beverage. Great friends! Great memories!
Gate Admission: $5 per person
Children under 5 are free
Free Parking
Handicap Parking must display Handicap Plate or Placard Fair Hours are 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Midway and Rides by Elliott’s Amusements
Presale tickets can be purchased at: elliottsamusements.com/ events/14
Unauthorized animals and/or pets are not allowed on the fairgrounds at any time except in designated areas only, with Fair Board permission, with the exception of leader/service dogs.
Pre-Fair Activities: Gate $5 per person
Daily
• Free Transportation to and from parking area
• Hundreds of exhibits, trophies and ribbons on display in buildings
• Commercial Building is open from noon to 9 p.m.
• Education Building is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Youth Exhibit Building is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
SunDay, auguSt 18
5 p.m. — Harness Racing Free Grandstand
6 p.m. — Work Bee - 4H/Youth in Barns
MonDay, auguSt 19
Entry Day
Haul in day — Everything but Draft and Light horses (they may if they wish)
8 a.m. to noon — Weigh-in By 5 p.m. - Youth Exhibit Building Check-in By 7 p.m. - Adult Exhibit Building Check-in
5:30 p.m. — Harness Racing Free Grandstand
tuESDay, auguSt 20
8 a.m. – Swine Showmanship, Breeding & 4-H classes (Hog/ Lamb/Goat Barn, Small indoor Arena)
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. – Youth & Educational Building Closed for Judging All entered exhibits in Youth & Educational Buildings
4 p.m. – Sheep Showmanship, Breeding & 4-H Market classes (Hog/Lamb/Goat Barn, Small Indoor Arena)
Midway opens at 5 p.m. Ride from 5-11 p.m. with $15 armband
Individual ride tickets also available 5:30 p.m. — Harness Racing Free Grandstand
WEDnESDay, auguSt 21
SEnior CitizEn Day
Seniors over 60 and veterans admitted free until 6 p.m.
8:30 a.m. - Beef Showmanship, Breeding and 4-H Market classes Large Arena
9 a.m. - Poultry Showmanship Rabbit and Poultry Barn After Beef Judging, but not before noon, Draft Horse Halter/Ponies, Mules & Cross Classes Large Arena
5:30 p.m. Mini Horse Driving Draft Horse driving classes Infield Arena
7 p.m. – Micro Wrestling (Grandstand) - tickets online
Midway opens at 2 p.m. Ride from 2-11 p.m. with $20 armband
Individual ride tickets also available
thurSDay, auguSt 22
9 a.m. — Dairy Cattle Judging Large Arena
9 a.m. — Goat Showmanship, Breed and 4-H Market classes, Hog/Lamb/Goat Barn
Small Indoor Arena
Schedule of Events Schedule of Events
10 a.m.— Rabbit Showmanship, Breed and 4-H Market
Rabbit and Poultry Barn
Midway opens at 2 p.m.
Ride from 2-11 p.m. with $20 armband
Individual ride tickets also available
6:45 p.m. — Presentation of Oceana
4-H Ambassadors
Free Grandstand
7 p.m. — 4-H Market Livestock Auction
Free Grandstand
FriDay, auguSt 23
9 a.m. — English and Western Riding Classes
Infield Arena
1 p.m. — Draft Riding Classes
Large Arena
1:30 p.m. —Draft Log Pulling
Large Arena
Midway opens at 1 p.m.
Ride from 1-11 p.m. with $25 armband
Individual ride tickets also available
2 p.m. — Heavyweight Horse Pulling Free Grandstand
4 p.m. — Cow Trail Classes/Costume Class
Large Arena
7 p.m. — Tom Oomen Memorial West Michigan Pullers Tractor Pull - Local Farm Tractors
Grandstand Admission: Adults$10
Children 12 & under - $5
Tractor Pull Events:
6500# Light Limited Super Stock tractors
6200# Modified Gas Trucks
9300# Super Farm Tractor
8000# Hot Diesel Trucks
8200# Street Diesel Trucks
8200# Pro Diesel Trucks
12000# Field Farm Tractors
More information: www.mttpa. com
SaturDay, auguSt 24
Final Day oF Fair
10 a.m. — Grand Slam Showmanship
Rabbit and Poultry Barn
(Starting with small animals and working to larger animals
in the Large Arena)
10 a.m. — Horse Games Infield Arena
Midway opens at noon Ride from noon-11 p.m. with $25 armband
Individual ride tickets also available
1 p.m. — Ag Olympics - Large Arena
All kids 19 years and under are invited to participate. Games, fun and prizes!
4 p.m. — Bump-N-Run Demolition Derby.
5 p.m. — 4-H Small Market & Junior Market Auctions Large Arena
ViSit thE oCEana County Fair WEbSitE: o CEanaC ountyFair.C oM
For thE MoSt up-to-DatE inForMation.
14 THE OCEANA ECHO • OCEANA
4-H Ambassadors Leading the Way
By: Sharon Hallack
The Oceana Echo Community Contributor
4-H is so much more than joining a club, entering exhibits at the fair, and collecting ribbons and a check in the fall. While those are a very important part of 4-H, there is so much more. The 4-H Pledge outlines much of what 4-H is really all about. “I pledge my head to clearer thinking, my heart to greater loyalty, my hands to greater service for my club, my community, my country and my world.” Besides club involvement, 4-H offers many wonderful leadership, education and training opportunities. One of those leadership opportunities available for local teens is the role of 4-H Ambassador.
According to the MSU Extension website, “4-H Ambassadors are selected to represent and promote 4-H, as well as assist with county-wide or statewide 4-H activities. A 4-H Ambassador
is a motivated individual who seeks to become a leader, mentor and teacher, inspiring positive change in their community.”
Three very talented young ladies, Alayna Hammerlee, the daughter of Ted and Tammy Hammerlee of Pentwater, Gabby Schmeiding, the daughter of Kevin and Terrah Schmeiding of Shelby and Anna Woller, daughter of Jack and Sara Woller of Montague, will be handing their 2023-24 4-H Ambassador responsibilities off to another group of teens at the Oceana County Fair’s Large Animal Livestock Auction on Thursday, August 22 at 7:00 p.m.
All three have over 30 years combined 4-H experience. They were all eager and enthusiastic about sharing their past year’s experiences, memories and advice.
Alayna Hammerlee, who will be a homeschooled senior this year plans to attend a year at West Shore Community College after graduation and transfer
to MSU for her bachelor’s degree and veterinary school. 2024 was her eleventh year in 4-H and besides working at Dunes Harbor Campground in Silver Lake and Sew Let’s Be Quilty in Pentwater, she still makes time for 4-H. She was a teen leader this year in the “Unleashed” dog club and has been a teen leader in the “Bits & Bridles” horse club for the past three years. A few years ago she was also a member of “The Perfect 4-H Club” where she showed cats and rabbits. This year she joined the “Wooly Walkers” sheep club and will be completing her first lamb project. “Showing cats can be interesting and kind of entertaining! They don’t like to cooperate,” she laughed. “I’ve been doing the dog and horse clubs for awhile and wanted to try something different so I’m doing my first sheep project this year.”
Hammerlee, who is completing two years as an ambassador, was first introduced to the opportunity
through her horse club. “I had friends who had done it. After my first year, I realized I really liked it, so I interviewed for the second year.” Gabby Schmeiding, a 2024 Shelby graduate, plans to attend Baker College to pursue an Associates degree in Veterinary Technology. Schmeiding splits her work time between Mac Woods in Silver Lake and the Hart Veterinary Clinic in Hart. “I was offered an internship last September (at the clinic) and was asked to stay on this summer.” Schmeiding began her involvement in 4-H as a member of the “Silver Spurs” horse club her first three years. Then six years joined the “Brooks Bacon Makers pig club, where she’s devoted the majority of her club time ever since. She says she enjoyed being a “Big Buddy” to her younger sibling during that time. All together she’s accumulated 10 years as a 4-Her.
Emma Woller is a Montague High School graduate
and has been involved with 4-H for the past 13 years. This year will be her last year in 4-H where will show her final steer project. She is currently a crop scout intern at Nutrien in Hart.
Schmeiding first learned about the 4-H Ambassador program curing COVID pandemic when her best friend’s older sister was an ambassador. “During covid we became really close and I was seeing all they did to help kids in 4-H. I had a passion for leadership and volunteering throughout middle and high school. I wanted to take it a step further, with 4-H,” she said.
When asked about what their favorite part of being an ambassador has been, Schmeiding replied, “I have really enjoyed everything with the youth and being a role model, someone they can look up to, ask questions of, lean on.”
Hammerlee echoed that thought saying, “I really like to inspire the younger kids with how they can be an ambassador. Explaining 4-H, its many programs and how they help to build character skills. I’ve really enjoyed being able to
watch all the kids participate as well.”
“My time as 4-H ambassador has been full of fun experiences, learning curves, and leadership. My favorite memory was participating in the parades and walking with all of my fellow 4-Hers,” Woller said.
It is evident all three are mature and confident, yet humble, young women. They all admitted to having learned some valuable lessons about themselves throughout their 4-H Ambassador experience. “I would have to say my communication skills have gotten better. Two years ago I wouldn’t have done this interview,” said Hammerlee. “Just talking on the phone terrified me. Public speaking terrified me. But these past two years I’ve had a lot more chances to speak.”
“I’ve really grown in my communication skills,” said Schmeiding. “They’ve gotten so much better from talking to a lot of people. I would also have to say my love for 4-H has grown. I’ve gotten to see behind the scenes and all the work that goes into it.”
When looking to the future, all have their eyes set on
college and plan on pursuing agriculture-related degrees. This year will be Schmeiding’s final year in 4-H as well. She plans to attend Baker College this fall where she will begin working toward her Associates degree in Vet Technology. “I plan to hop straight into a vet practice. I love Hart Vet Clinic, they have been great to me and taught me so much. I have thought about expanding into exotics or equine at some point in my future. Cats and dogs are a good starter, but I feel like I’d like to do something bigger later,” she said.
“I want to be a vet,” said Hammerlee. “4-H has made me realize how much I love animals. I know I’m going to need to do a lot of interviews and this opportunity has given me plenty of experience doing that. 4-H got smaller during covid. We’re trying to build it back up. It’s such a great opportunity for kids. I’ve done a lot with it. Some kids don’t realize how much 4-H offers. They have so many great programs and educational conferences.”
Woller is planning to attend Muskegon Community College this fall and will be pursuing a degree in Agricul-
ture Education.
“My advice to younger 4-Hers and their families would be don’t be afraid to lean on other 4-Hers, the ambassadors or anyone in the 4-H community. Our community is so welcoming, we work well together and are there for each other,” concluded Schmeiding.
Woller would like to share this advice with the next generation of 4-Hers, “Get more involved in the community; they do so much for us and I think we need to return the favor even more! 4-H isn’t only about the animals and the check we get at the end of the year. It teaches the younger generation life skills such as responsibility, ownership, hard work, and leadership!”
Even though all three terms will technically end next Thursday, they will still be busy and visible at this year’s fair. From helping with set up and registration, to passing on their titles and showing their animal projects. They are more ready than ever to be both 4-H role models and community leaders as a result of their time as 4-H Ambassadors.
Kaitlynn Scott Memorial Horse Show and Camp leave lasting impact
The 4-H members enjoyed an array of activities, both on and off horseback, fostering camaraderie and learning throughout the camp. They participated in fun games (stick horse jumping, musical chairs, limbo, egg on a spoon, toilet paper race), crafts (air fresheners), and sessions enhancing their horsemanship skills and creating lasting memories.
We were honored to have several expert clinicians donate their time and
knowledge to educate our youth:
Ashley Mauer, Mauer Equine Sports Care, conducted an insightful presentation on massage and PEMF therapy.
Zack Hintz demonstrated harnessing and driving techniques.
Melissa Dewitt, Trail representative of Michigan Horse Council offered valuable tips on trail riding and preparation.
Shawnna Burns provided a western pleasure lesson.
Addison Lohman, Dynamic Chiropractic and Rehabilitation, held a chiropractic session focused on horses.
A special highlight was the Hart Fire Department’s visit, where they cooled off our 4-Hers by spraying them with water, much to the delight of everyone involved.
The camp culminated with the Kaitlynn Scott Memorial Horse Show on July 20th, featuring a combination of jumping and speed
events. The show provided an excellent platform for the participants to showcase their skills and hard work.
Overall, the 2024 Oceana County 4-H Horse Camp and Kaitlynn Scott Memorial Horse Show were resounding successes. The participants left with a deeper understanding of their horse projects, stronger bonds with fellow 4-H members, and a collection of cherished memories.
2024 O pen e ntry I nf O rmat IO n
By: Stacia Erickson
The Oceana Echo Community Contributor
A question heard more and more frequently as the years pass, and as the 2024 Oceana County Fair quickly approaches, is “May my children and I enter things in Fair without being part of 4-H?” The answer to that question is unequivocally, yes! The Oceana County Fair is private property and not a 4-H Fair.
Oceana Agricultural Society tries its best to accomodate all their guests, including but certainly not lmited to 4-H. One mom last year said: “I was curious about how people enter canning or produce, or if kids who aren’t involved in 4-H could enter anything?” Again, the answer is an ethusiastic, yes!
Children and adults may enter items as “open” participants, not as 4-H, and the Oceana County Fair board wholeheartedly welcomes and encourages
everyone to enter their projects, creations, produce and more. Children and adults simply bring their entries to the adult or youth exhibit buildings on entry day, this year on Monday, Aug. 19, fill out the entry sheet and individual cards (name, address, etc.) for animals to apples and (almost) everything in between!
Fair books with particular numbers and categories, for all entrants, both open and 4-H, will be available to use on entry day at the educational and adult exhibit buildings. A copy of the fair book will also be available in the fair office the week before the Oceana County Fair, now known as carnival week.
“Open entries are growing in number and we are very happy to see that!”
OAS Board President, Paul Erickson said. “We want to see more participation and enjoyment, we work all year long to produce this event and we love to see all
the smiling faces. It makes our volunteers happy and feel worthwhile! Oceana County Fair is a family event!”
There are specific requirements for specific entries. For example, produce must be entered sitting upon a plan white paper plate and display perhaps five apples fo the same variety or a similar requirement. However, different entries may have different requirements, so it is important to check on that before bringing your entry to Fair. It is also a good idea to bring a few extra samples, just in case you need more than one or something happens to a portion of your entry. There is also a small entry fee for adults for each item.
All exhibitors are responsible for the care and maintenance of their animal while at the Fair until being released on the last day of the fair. All exhibitors who fail to keep teir animal and stall
in neat condition to the satisfaction of the Superintendents will be asked to remove their exhibit/project from the Fair and will forfeit all premiums.
This includes the final stall cleanup in which the stall is left in the condition in which it was first assigned.
Fair book example, adult open entry; DEPARTMENT B — HORTICULTURE, Superintendent: Lindsey Merten, entry fee $.25 each class.
1. Only one entry per plass per exhibitor.
2. All exhibits must be grown by exhibitor.
3. Consult Bulletin 397 available at the MSU Extension Office (and online) on how to prepare vegetables for exhibit.
4. Number of items required for the class are noted in parentheses.
5. All vegetables should be free of insects and disease as well as damage. All vegetables should be fresh, clean, trimmed and
uniform in size, shape, color, maturity and type.
6. Entries should be presented on a white, 9-inch or 10-inch paper plate.
Entries must be created or grown by the individual who enters them in the Fair. Folks are encouraged to call the office prior to visiting to make certain it is open and staff is on hand. The telephone num-
ber to call is (231) 873-2565, Monday through Friday.
The Oceana County Fair has an official Facebook page (beware of imposters) as well as a website at http://www. oceanafair.com/ Oceana County Fair entry day this year is Monday, Aug. 19 beginning at 8 a.m. The fair will run Sunday, Aug. 18 through Saturday, Aug. 24.
J enn I fer p ayne : t he new face O f
By: Andy Roberts The Oceana Echo Community Contributor
Jennifer Payne recently made the move from coordinating Muskegon County’s 4-H programming to Oceana County’s, and she couldn’t be more excited to get back to her “rural roots.”
“I love that the Oceana program is agriculture-related,” Payne said. “That’s what I’m passionate about...livestock and animals, which is very common in Oceana. The community has been very welcoming and the people I’ve met since moving here, they’re easy to talk to. I’m hoping we establish a good partnership.”
Payne isn’t originally from Oceana Countyshe grew up on a tourism and agricultural farm in Alpena - but she moved to Hart a year ago; she laughed that “not having a commute is pretty awesome.” She attended
last year’s large and small animal auctions at the county fair and was impressed with the community response.
“There’s a great turnout and they get great prices from the community,”
Payne said. “I’m very thankful that the community is so supportive of the 4-H program in Oceana County. One of the reasons I wanted this position is that you can be passionate about the community you live in, and the community understands that you live there and they don’t see you going anywhere.”
In addition to her rural roots, Payne is passionate about working with kids, evidenced by her time working with special education students in the Manistee schools prior to becoming 4-H coordinator. She said one of the things she was most proud of from her time in the Muskegon County program was an initiative that linked
4-H with residents of the local juvenile detention facility for environmental science and gardening classes. She also was part of a partnership between 4-H and Muskegon Area District Library that brought science to local children.
As she moved into her Oceana position, Payne joked that her timing could be better, as she started her job Aug. 5, mere weeks before the county fair is set to begin. Luckily, she has been able to lean on Kathy Walicki, who has a long track record with the Oceana office, and fellow
teammate Amber Pumford to keep this year’s 4-H fair activities on course.
“Kathy knows what to do and she’s been filling
me in and giving me tasks to do,” Payne said. The fair board has stepped up and taken some things up to make sure everyone has a great fair. I’d love to come back around and talk to the 4-H volunteers and members and get some feedback afterwards.”
Once the fair is past, Payne has a goal of boosting local participation in statewide 4-H programs such as the 4-H State Horse Show, 4-H Skillathon, and Hippology Contest. She said the fairgrounds hosted a 4-H horse camp in July that is a great opportunity for kids interested in horses because of the low cost; it was a $35 camp for three days. The fairgrounds not
charging the 4-H for the use of the grounds helped keep the cost low.
Payne also wants to get a local team to livestock judging events, “just to get us on the map.”
“I’ve talked about getting people more involved with non-livestock exhibits, for people who don’t have the ability to have livestock at home to get more involved,” Payne said. “We also have a ‘parent and me’ class where kids (not yet old enough for 4-H) can participate with their parents.
“I’m hoping to start a good partnership with the fairgrounds and fair board and utilize the fair for 4-H events.”
