Dodge County Fairgrounds - Beaver Dam, WI

As we look forward to the 2012 Dodge County Fair, and the 125th Anniversary Celebration, it's important to review the value of fairs and benefits to youth exhibitors.  Are the benefits worth the many months of time and energy spent getting ready?           Most people feel county fairs are fun (and they are), but a study done by the Department of Rural Sociology at UW-Madison indicates that fairs do indeed play an educational role.  The study compared the fair to the classroom.  County Board members indicated they thought youth learned a great deal at fairs.  They also said they thought the educational value of five days at the fair was equal to that of five days in the classroom.           The obvious questions still remain:  "What did the exhibitor learn?"  Fair competition provides youth with a chance to develop specific skills such as animal showmanship, ...

Nearly 650 4-H and FFA members in Dodge County will display projects ranging from dairy animals and rabbits to entomology, photography, cultural arts, and much much more at this year’s Dodge County Fair, August 15-19 at Beaver Dam.   The opportunity to display each member’s work for the year is an important aspect of the fair. “County fairs are the culmination of a year’s accomplishment and learning through individual projects,” said Schoenike. “The competition aspect is often seen as one 4-H member competing against another.   In reality, the individual 4-H member is competing against a standard of excellence in that project area.” Showmanship is also an important part of fair exhibition.   The preparation and workmanship required for 4-H fair exhibition require skills that can help a member throughout his or her life.   For instance, preparation, appearance and public speaking abilities are important for job interviews and on most jobs throughout...