GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) – When one thinks of county fairs, many images come to mind – especially happy children downing popcorn and cotton candy while they wait in lines for the next adrenaline-filled carnival ride.

But the Butte County Fair (BCF) is more than that for our youth.

From the Miss Butte County Scholarship Program Competition, new stills exhibits inviting youth participation, to the massive livestock division, the BCF has become a huge event for the youth in our county and community.

According to Matt Reed (who has managed the BCF Livestock Auctions in years past), the livestock portion of the fair is now open to youth only. The Livestock Open Division, which allowed any party to show livestock at the fair, was closed by the fairgrounds a few years ago, partly due to limited space on the grounds and rising interest in showing animals from youth in programs such as 4-H, FFA and Grange.

That has not changed in 2022, in fact, the livestock entries have nearly doubled in all animal species. Reed attributes this to multiple factors but says the economy and COVID-19 have both been major drivers of the increased interest in youth participants showing animals.

The Livestock Division and Auction has always played a pivotal role in the Butte County Fair as youth in our communities start raising animals as early as a year in advance to participate. This portion of the fair requires heavy planning by fair management and by youth exhibitors – most of the judging being done before the fair begins so that animals are ready for auction.

This year, the Livestock Auction will be held Saturday, August 27^th at 10:00 am at the McClanahan Pavilion. New bidders from the public are welcome and encouraged to support the youth that have worked so hard to raise their animals for sale. Interested parties may still fill out “new buyer” forms online at the BCF website to register for the auction.

In addition, the Youth Industrial Arts Auction will be held Saturday during the Livestock Auction.  Handmade items for sale will be on display next to the sheep barn and the sale will begin at 11:30. Metal benches, BBQ’s and more will be auctioned off for the benefit of their young builders.

Meanwhile livestock exhibitors will ready themselves for the pinnacle of Saturday’s livestock events, the “Sale of Champions” and the announcement of Supreme Exhibitor title.

Premium livestock exhibited at the 2022 BCF will be auctioned off during the “Sale of Champions” and the title of Supreme Exhibitor will be bestowed on a youth that has proven their in-depth knowledge of the 6 main species of animals shown at the fair. Judging for this coveted title includes scores from a written test, project report, showmanship during competition and the exhibitor’s public image.  The winner will take home bragging rights for a year, banners, and prizes – namely one of the largest belt buckles given out at the fair.

Come on down to the Butte County Fair and support our community’s youth, whether it’s by viewing artwork and projects in the stills divisions or potentially purchasing an animal or industrial project.

For more information on the Still Exhibits, Livestock Auction, auction registration, or pre-sale tickets, visit Buttecountyfair.org.