One of the bigger events in Mexico and Audrain County is back: 

It’s youth fair time.

The 2022 Audrain County Youth Fair is set to kick off officially 3 p.m. Thursday with FFA Chapter Check In at the Exhibit Hall and will go through Tuesday, July 19, closing with Opening Ceremonies followed by Livestock/Ham/Bacon sale (livestock complex).

With weather and temperatures expected to be normal and hopefully, not-much rain in the forecast, this year could be another special one.

“I think we are ready go: We had some hiccups this year, but I think we stepped up and overcame those,” Brad Hagan, Youth Fair board member and a 4-H foundation representative, said. “It’s still a learning process for some.”

Hagan stepped back into a fair board role after about a half-dozen years away while being a foundation member and he noted this year has been a mishmash of newer persons being actively involved with the process combined with some newer machinations.

“Not a lot of back history to pull from and they are doing things a lot different than we have in the past and it’s a lot better,” Hagan said. “The board the last few years have done a really good job to lay a foundation for the new members. It’s nice to see new blood on these new boards and see these new ideas.

“We have had some of our FFA advisors step up. It’s nothing negative. It’s a learning curve for a lot of folks. Everyone has been really flexible, and it will all come together – it always does.”

Hagan is back on board as his turn as a representative as a foundation member rolled in his direction. He has been involved with the fair for almost 20 years.

A lot of volunteers have stepped up to create good work force.

“It’s not just 4-H and foundation members, it’s the whole community,” he said. “It amazes me the support from our local community and surrounding communities that come out and support the 4-H program.

“Even when the economy is in a slump, the kids do really well with sales. It’s a testament to local businesses and individuals on how important 4-H is.”

Following is the schedule for the fair (subject to change)

Thursday, July 14

3 p.m. FFA Chapter Check in (Exhibit Hall)

4 p.m. 4-H Project Exhibit Check-in and Conference Judging (Exhibit Hall)

4 – 6:30 p.m. Country Cured Ham & Bacon Check In & Showmanship (Exhibit Hall)

Friday, July 15

9 a.m. Ham and Bacon Judging

9-11 a.m. Learn & Play with Ag Today

2-3:30 p.m. Beef Check-in, Weigh-In, Ultrasound (Livestock Complex)

3:30 p.m. All Beef Must Be In-Place

4:45 p.m. Ham and Bacon Results Announcement (Livestock Complex)

5 p.m. Fair Royalty Coronation (Livestock Complex)

5:30 p.m. Beef Show (Livestock Complex)

Saturday, July 16

7:30 a.m. Set-up pens (Livestock Exhibitors & Parents)

8 a.m. Dairy Show (Livestock Complex)

8:30 a.m. Barnyard Challenge Small Animal Show Registration (Small Animal Barn)

8:30 a.m. Open Small Animal Show Registration (Small Animal Barn)

8:30 – 10 a.m. Children’s Barnyard Display (Small Animal Barn)

9 a.m. Barnyard Challenge and Small Animal Show (Small Animal Barn)

9 a.m. Goats in place, Check-in, Weight-in (Livestock Complex)

9 a.m. Barrell Race

19 a.m. Rabbit Show Check In (Small Animal Farm)

11 a.m. Goat Show (Livestock Complex)

11:30 a.m. Rabbit Show (Small Animal Barn)

4 p.m. Trap Shoot (Pulling Track)

Teen Dance

Sunday, July 17

9 a.m. Poultry Show Registration (South Barn-Livestock Complex)

10 a.m. Church Services (Livestock Complex)

10 a.m. Clover Kids Dog Show Registration (Small Animal Barn)

10:30 a.m. Clover Kids Dog Show (Small Animal Barn)

10:30 a.m. Poultry Show (Livestock Complex)

10:30 a.m. Dog Show Registration (Small Animal Barn)

10:30 a.m. Baby Show Registration (Pavilion)

11 a.m. Baby Show (Pavilion)

11 a.m. Dog Show (Small Animal Barn)

12 p.m. Sheep Weigh in and Check In (Livestock Complex)

12:30 p.m. Open Big Veggie Contest Registration (Exhibit Hall)

1 p.m. Open Big Veggie Contest Judging (Exhibit Hall)

1 p.m. Open Photography Show Registration (Exhibit Hall)

1 p.m. Pedal Tractor Pull Registration (Pavilion)

1-3 p.m. Youth Market

1-4 p.m. Family Day Events (Mexico Blue & Gold Supporters Poultry Bingo), Audrain County Sheriff K-9 Demonstration, Kid Games

1:30 p.m. Open Dog Show Registration (Small Animal Barn)

1:30 p.m. Open Photography Show Judging (Exhibit Hall)

2 p.m. Pedal Tractor Pull (Pavilion)

2 p.m. Open Dog Show (Small Animal Barn)

2 p.m. Sheep Show (Livestock Complex)

3 p.m. Corn Hole Tournament 

6 p.m. Concert (Horse Arena)

Monday, July 18

6:30-8:30 a.m. Swine Check-In, Weigh-In (North Barn)

4 p.m. Swine Show (Livestock Complex)

4 p.m. Horse Show Check-In (Arena)

5 p.m. Horse Show (Arena)

Tuesday, July 19

11 a.m. Livestock Complex Clean and Set-Up Sale

12 p.m. All Livestock/Ham/Bacon in Place for Sale (Livestock Complex)

1 p.m. Master Showman (Livestock Complex)

3:30 p.m. Seller Meeting (Livestock Complex)

4-6 p.m. Foundation BBQ Dinner (Exhibit Hall)

6 p.m. Opening Ceremonies followed by Livestock/Ham/Bacon Sale (Livestock Complex)

4-H FOOD STAND SCHEDULE

July 14 – 4-8 p.m.

July 15 – 4-10 p.m.

July 16 – 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

July 17 – 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

July 18 – 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

July 19 – 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.