Visit, www.save4-H.com, for more information about fundraising efforts for the 4-H program. For the fair to continue, $110,000 needs to be raised before next year.
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A 138-year family tradition could be reaching a close
Cody Zustiak
Review staff
The Washington County Fair has put smiles on children and adults' faces and provided old-fashioned family entertainment since 1871.
But with cuts to funding that has supported the 4-H program in Washington County, a staple of the county fair, those smiles could quickly turn into frowns after this year.
On March 24, the Washington County Board of Commissioners voted to cut funding for the county's 4-H program, which totaled nearly $130,000 annually.
The budget was used to fund the salary and benefits of two full-time program coordinators for 4-H, supplied through the University of Minnesota's extension program.
After the 4-H fair season concludes with the end of the 2009 Minnesota State Fair Sept. 15, the county will cease funding the 4-H program.
The end of 4-H arts, crafts and animal showcases are just a start to what the cuts mean.
"The effects of this decision will cascade by dramatically decreasing the county participation, exhibits and activities," said John Strohfus who is part of the Save Washington County 4-H committee.
"This will, in turn, lower overall county fair attendance, which will impact businesses and the county at large with lost revenues," Strohfus said.
But what does the lack of funding really mean for the future of the Washington County Fair?
"The loss of 4-H funding essentially will mean the loss of the county fair," Strohfus added.
Washington County 4-H Program Coordinator Ann Church agrees that without 4-H funding, a county fair can't sustain itself.
"We need each other to exist," she said. "If one goes down, the other goes down too."
Not giving up yet
Strohfus and many others are putting their efforts toward ensuring that a long-lasting tradition won't come to an abrupt end.
A Web site, www.save4-H.com, has been created as a forum for the group's cause and information on their fundraising efforts.
For the fair to continue, $110,000 needs to be raised before next year.
Dan Dolan, president of the Washington County Fair Agricultural Society, said the fundraising will also ensure that one of the two current program coordinators will be in place for future years. Those two positions will be merged into the title of 4-H Program Educator, he said, adding that he is "absolutely" optimistic about the possibility of raising enough money for the fair to continue.
"We are working on raising 2010 money now. We have got good coaching from county commissioners, good relationships. I'm quite optimistic."
The current fundraising is geared toward ensuring there will be a Washington County Fair for 2010 and 2011.
"We are hoping for change in the economic climate by 2012," Dolan said. "Right now, countless cities, counties and states are hurting. It's a tough time."
Strohfus mirrors Dolan's optimism.
"I would say that at this point that we are hopeful," Strohfus said. "We are hopeful that local municipalities, as well as businesses and individuals will recognize the importance of the program."
An outpour of support
Since the cut in funding for 4-H was announced in March, Washington County has received a lot of coverage from the media.
"I think we woke a lot of people up," Dolan said. "It's going to turn out positive for us."
Dolan said the 4-H fundraiser recently received a $10,000 donation. While their efforts are just beginning, he said, they have a strong start toward achieving their overall goal.
Dolan cited a strong database of supporters that he feels are willing to help, including 4-H alumni and simply those who want to see the fair continue. There are also grants available that may help the program continue, he said.
"We had a lady from Wisconsin send $100," Dolan said proudly.
A strong contingent of supporters and donations will be needed for the 4-H barns and family fun to continue in Lake Elmo next year, and into the future.
"We are working very hard to find money," Church said. "It's challenging. It's a new ground and territory, but there are a lot of people looking to give their support."
Forgotten in the mix
Unfortunately for 4-H youth, because of all the emphasis to raise money to ensure 4-H can continue, they are getting left behind.
"Fundraising takes a lot of energy," Strohfus said. "The main downside of the cuts from the county is that a lot of the efforts are being directed towards fundraising, and not towards education."
But Strohfus added that the biggest focus of 4-H is to build awareness of the program and increase membership to ensure children are given the best opportunities possible.
There is still the looming possibility that the 138th Washington County Fair could be the last for 4-H, but hope is not completely lost.
If the beginning of the fundraising is as successful in the end, then area residents may be able to enjoy the livestock and old-fashioned fun that generations of families in Washington County have become accustomed to at the fair.
"It brings in a lot of people and a lot of revenue," Church said. "It's a social gathering for county residents and a way to take a needed vacation."
And, it all may be even sweeter knowing how much work so many people are putting in to ensure the fair continues.
"People are coming out of the woodwork saying they think our cause is great," Dolan said. "That's the kind of momentum that we need to keep this thing alive."
Cody Zustiak can be reached at staffwriter@lillienews.com or 651-748-7824
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