(Posted July 13, 2022)
By Kristy Zurbrick, Madison Editor
The Madison County Junior Fair Livestock Sale Committee is constantly looking for ways to make the sale experience better for buyers and exhibitors.
Last year, the committee introduced a buyers hospitality lounge in the Coughlin Community Center, adjacent to the Eby Arena where the sale takes place. The lounge offers an air conditioned space with complimentary food and beverages, giving buyers a comfortable spot to take breaks but still be close to the sale.
“It was very well received last year. We’re bringing it back this year,” said Crystal Tubbs, committee president.
New this year, buyers can pay the day of the sale by credit card. Checks also remain an option.
Also new, buyers can make add-on (a.k.a. boost) payments via an online portal at https://madisoncounty.fairentry.com. The site opened on July 10 and closes July 20. Online boost payments can be made for individual exhibitors only. Boosts of any kind can still be made on-site during the sale or with a paper form by mail. New buyers can use the aforementioned website to register.
This year’s Junior Fair Livestock Sale starts at 9 a.m. July 16 in the Eby Arena. More than 200 youth exhibitors are signed up to take part in the sale.
The sale order is swine, goats, sheep, poultry, rabbits, beef and dairy. The animals of grand champions, reserve champions, and premier exhibitors will sell first at the start of their respective specie categories. The grand showman of showmen’s animal will take to the auction block at 1 p.m. All champion animals will be on display in the Franklin Barn on sale day.
“We have two main goals for the sale. We want to attain the best possible outcome we can for the exhibitors, and we want to provide a meaningful experience for our buyers,” Tubbs said. “We want to make sure our buyers feel recognized, and we want to let them know they are investing in hardworking 4-H and FFA youths who will become our future workforce.”
For more information about how to become a buyer or any other facet of the Junior Fair Livestock Sale, contact Crystal Tubbs at crystalhall2@yahoo.com.
