Junior Fair is a Family Affair
By Johnny McDonald

Photos by Jamey Ritter

Young entrepreneurs from age 9 into the teens are spending two months of their summer vacation preparing animals for the 35th annual Ramona Junior Fair and Livestock Show from July 29 to Aug. 7.

Ramona Junior Fair president Crissy Tobiason prefers to use entrepreneurs because it represents early and valuable experiences in management skills.

"They're running their own business," said Tobiason, a board member for 10 years. "It can

lead to careers in a variety of agriculture ventures.

"They begin with a budget, produce a marketable animal, and hopefully turn an auction profit at the end. Then they turn around and reinvest it toward next year."

She said the basic business and citizen skills they are learning can be applied to any endeavor, not necessarily agriculture.

"I wouldn't have continued on the board if these kids hadn't impressed me," said Tobiason, 32, whose family has been involved since the Kit Carson Park days 35 years ago. As a one-time 4-H youngster herself, she said, "It's like giving something back and a gratifying experience."

Entries in 4-H, FFA and Grange will come from Fallbrook, Olivenhein, Oceanside, Julian, Escondido, San Marcos, Warner Springs and San Ysabel, as well as Ramona. Most come from 4-H Clubs.

Although there is major attention in preparation of beef, lamb and swine, Tobiason said there is a terrific program in home economics, baked goods, planting, art, sewing and even bee keeping.

Mechanical techniques are developed, too, as others learn the steps that go into revitalizing and restoring old tractors.

"Any good project a kid does is very much family-oriented to be successful," she said. "A little bit of guidance and assistance.

A complete family effort in training, feeding and caring for their animals.

"There have been instances where people go out and spend a great deal of money for a 'show ringer,'" she said. "There are no rules against it, but you'll also find the local animal breeders do just about as good. Spending top dollar for an animal doesn't guarantee a top prize."

She said Junior Fair auction buyers are three-quarters interested in efforts to prepare the overall operation by changing tarps and cleaning barn areas.

"We have a great fundraiser with a pie auction on July 8," she said. "The kids make the pies to be sold. Last year's successful auction made $10,000. It's a fun day where someone might get a pie in the face for a $1,000 contribution."