Our Ag Loan officers had a chance to share their thoughts on the fair.
Read more to hear what the fair means to them and to the bank and even some of their personal experiences.
Thank you to all of those families who put in the time to prepare and exhibit at this year's fair and to the Fair Board for your leadership and organization to put on a great fair for our county.
David-Senior Vice President of Credit Administration
Marion County Bank has been participating for several decades as a buyer at the Livestock Sale and also as part of the Marion County Bankers Association Appreciation Dinner. The same can be said for Iowa State Savings Bank, who we purchased in 2019. In addition, Iowa State Savings Bank had a rich tradition of clerking the Livestock Sale and administering all Sale proceeds payments to the kids participating with market animals for MANY years. Marion County Bank has happily carried on those Sale clerking and payment disbursement traditions after we completed the bank purchase. Marion County Bank also supports the Friends of 4-H & Youth Foundation with an annual contribution.
Marion County Bank’s participation in and financial sponsorship of the Fair is just one more way that the bank helps to Build Community. It’s events like the Fair that bind us together as a community to make Marion County the wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family that it is. If you’re from here, you know.
Our ag loan officers and other staff members certainly enjoy volunteering to help with Fair functions, but what we do doesn’t come close to the efforts of the Fair Association members, the 4-H club & FFA leaders, and parents who work so hard to put on a meaningful and fun event for the kids every year.
Brian Hauser-Ag Lender-Pella Area
Oftentimes, fair participation, like many other activities, runs in the family. The parents pass their interest in it to their children and that continues throughout the generations. Their year(s) worth of planning and completing projects culminates with their fair presentations and their week of fun of attending the fair.
The 4-H and FFA members are taking an interest in agriculture and rural-culture at a young age. They are the next generation of agriculture and agribusiness.
Did you grow up going to a local fair or even participating in them?
As a young attendee, I remember fair week as my time to stay with my older sister and her husband who were farmers near the town that hosted our county fair. She would take me to walk the barns, ride the carnival rides and attend the Figure 8 Races and the Stock Car Races held during the week. Many times, I would get to “help” my brother-in-law prepare his Figure 8 car during the week (which included test runs down the gravel road) so it was very exciting to watch him compete on the track.
Why is it important we are so involved in the auction?
The auction is our chance to show our appreciation to the kids who have spent considerable time raising their animals. Hopefully the financial success they have at the auction will be one factor they consider as they look to how agriculture can play a role in their future.
Why should I go to the fair?
The Marion County Fair continues to grow and improve. Whether it’s viewing the livestock and exhibits during the day or bringing your family to the evening events, there is something for everyone with new experiences each year. Also, be certain to take in the free Exhibitor Appreciation meal held at the end of Marion County Bank Day at the Fair, July 19.
Any other highlights?
This year’s evening events offer something for everyone. A big concert, rodeo, monster trucks, and pro-wrestling. I’d encourage everyone to attend at least one of those and take in the fair before the evening event.
Robert Poppe-Ag Lender-Knoxville Area
Having kids involved with these programs teaches them a lot ranging from, animal husbandry, to general care for animals, to the financial side of things. It’s a learning opportunity for all involved.
They are often pushed outside of their comfort zone. I respect the kids that are proactive in the marketing of their animals and proper follow up after it is sold.
Can you speak to the auction? Why does it really take?
Somebody must roll up their sleeves and get the job done. The bank donates a lot of time necessary to complete our clerking involvement from initial setup to the actual day of sale to collection process after the day of sale. There are many hours spent on the phone to clear things up and reconcile the books appropriately.
Trey Sathoff-Ag Lender-Pella Area
The county fair is multi-generational. Many of the exhibitor’s parents, siblings, and grandparents were likely involved in the fair in some way. That could be showing livestock, exhibits, volunteering or any number of other ways. The fair is as special to the parents watching their kiddos as it is to the kiddos themselves. It is very neat experience for everyone.
What do you admire about the 4-H/FFA members?
I admire their desire to take on challenges. These challenges could be caring for an animal, completing a project, networking, and learning how to better their communities through involvement.
What is the importance of the auction?
I love being a part of the auction. It shows that we support the kiddos and our community. It is fun to be a part of the process and see the kid’s hard work be rewarded. All the kids do a very good job thanking the people who purchased their livestock.
Why is supporting our local county fair so important?
I push you to be involved in the fair in some way, even if it is supporting the events that the fair board puts on. It is important to many families to keep the rich tradition of a strong Marion County Fair alive.
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