Monaghan prepares for first GJCF as Extension Director

     Next week this time, Jones County Extension Director Alex Monaghan will be experiencing her first Great Jones County Fair.

   “We’re working hard as a team to ensure the 300-plus 4-H and FFA members have projects entered and are prepared for fair week,” offered Monaghan. “This is my first year, and I am excited to work with the community.”

   Monaghan praised Jones County 4-H and Extension for the multiple opportunities offered to youth and 4-H families.

   This year’s fair will see a jump in youth and exhibits.

   “The number of participants across the fair has increased,” shared Monaghan.

   Concerning 4-H and Extension, fairgoers will see several changes and new additions this year.

   In the past, there has been two 4-H food stands in the Expo Hall and the Equine Center. Due to an increase in Horticulture enrollment and projects, there will only be one food stand in the Expo Hall during the fair.

   “We will be offering more breakfast options in the morning,” said Monaghan.

   The 4-H food stand is the biggest annual fundraiser for the 4-H program.

   Monaghan joked that the Horticulture exhibit has had several homes around the fairgrounds over the years, from the Berndes Center to the Youth Development Center meeting room, and now the Equine Center.

   Both judging and display of the Horticulture entries will take place in the Equine Center.

   “The numbers (of Horticulture entries) have been different every year,” Monaghan pointed out. “COVID saw a decline in numbers, but after COVID, the numbers heavily increased.”

   She said the Master Gardeners really made a difference in expanding the Horticulture Department, offering more ways in which youth can enter projects.

   “They have really done a good job with the variety of projects and opened up the projects for both individuals and groups (4-H clubs),” said Monaghan. “There’s more collaboration and creativity of diverse ideas and projects. It all allows for more participation.”

   This year’s Market Livestock Auction, set for Saturday, July 23, at 9 a.m. will also look a bit different than in the past. It’s not just open to market beef, but all market species.

   “This is the first year 4-H members can enter one market division/species,” offered Monaghan.

   The conversation around expanding the Livestock Auction started last August, following the GJCF when Monaghan came on board.

   “How could we grow the auction and sales opportunities for all members and grow the auction?” proposed Monaghan. “This provides a learning opportunity for all members about financial management.”

   The Cat Show and Other Animal Show have been combined this year and now referred to as the “Pet Show.”

   Monaghan said it appeared as though the Other Animal Show tagged along behind the Cat Show. This combination allows all exhibitors to shine.

   “This allows home-cared animals to be showcased and exhibited at the fair.”

   The Poultry Show used to be divided into two days with meat birds and breeding birds exhibited on separate days. Due to low numbers this year, there will be just one day of the Poultry Show on Saturday morning.

   As 4-H youth get ready for fair week, Monaghan encourages everyone to have fun and try to take part in all aspects of the fair.

   “The Extension is here to help turn these life experiences into memories,” she said. “Come to us if you have any questions. We want to make the fair the best experience possible. We’ll all be available to help during the week of the fair.”