WAURIKA — There are competitions that make the mouth water, contests that could produce future horticulturists and shows that honor the area’s history of farming and ranching. It’s time once again for the Jefferson County Free Fair.
Thought to be the 83rd edition of the event, the 2007 Free Fair unofficially begins Thursday, Sept. 6, when those entering some exhibits should deliver their entries to the Jefferson County Fairgrounds building between 3 and 5 p.m.
“That doesn’t include the baked goods,” said Gin Dodson, who’s assisting the county OSU Extension Office in coordinating competitions that don’t involve animals or farm machinery.
Dodson said those entering baked goods should wait until Friday, Sept. 7, and then bring their items to the fairgrounds building between 8 and 10:30 a.m.
The fair officially begins at 9 a.m., when members of the Waurika FFA and other youth agricultural groups in the county participate in the tractor driving contest, which features both written and driving competition.
“We’ll have some of our members competing in the tractor driving competition and the plant identification competition,” noted Chris Kidd, new FFA sponsor and vocational/agriculture instructor at Waurika High/Middle School.
Although few Waurika FFA members participate in the swine, sheep, beef and horse shows that are held on Saturday, Sept. 8, Kidd said, “Our officers will have an information booth throughout the fair.”
At 1 p.m. on Sept. 7, judging of all exhibits except livestock gets underway, with most competitions having Open and Youth divisions.
Among the 4-H members entering, first-place winners earn the right to continue competing at the Oklahoma State Fair later in the month.
“Although I don’t really have anything to do with the 4-H part of the fair, if there are any 4-H parents who want to contact me for help with their child’s entries, I’ll be happy to help,” Kidd said.
