Junior Fair Events Begin

The livestock area at Ramona Outdoor Community Center is spruced up and ready for opening day Aug. 2 for the 40th annual Ramona Junior Fair. Future Farmers of America and 4-H Club members from around the county will show their animals in hopes of qualifying for the auction.

“They’re coming from Encinitas, Valley Center, Lakeside, Jamul. They’re coming from all over,” Mary Martineau, fair administrator, said. “Encinitas is new this year.”

The majority of entries will be from Ramona and Julian. Entries from Warner Springs and Poway also are among the regulars.

The theme for this year’s show is “Sew It, Grow It and Show It.” The opening ceremony is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. Tuesday.

Martineau said the number of exhibitors remains about the same as in past years although some animal categories have seen a rise or decline.

Overall, there are more than 300 animals and just under 200 home economics entries, which include industrial arts, fine arts, crafts, sewing and food divisions.

Animals winning first- and second-place ribbons qualify to go into the auction ring on Aug. 6. The fair ends Aug. 7 with a closing ceremony and presentation of awards at 6:30 p.m.

Rabbits, cavies and dogs were scheduled for showing on Saturday. On Sunday, dairy pygmy goats will show at 9 a.m. and the horse show begins at 2 p.m.

Monday is move-in day for the other animals. In addition to taking their animals into the show ring, young people will have a host of other activities and games scheduled throughout the week.

A movie night, dodge-ball games, Knowledge Bowl, hay-bucking contests, scavenger hunt, talent show and line dancing are among the activities planned by the steering committee.

Carol Roe, organizer of the steering committee, said one of the fun events will be Parent Showmanship on Thursday, when the parents will go into the ring to show off their children’s animals.

“Some of the parents get all dressed up,” she said. “They really get into it.”

Animal categories include steer, veal, swine, sheep, goats, rabbits, poultry and cavies. Martineau said there are fewer swine and veal entered this year but lambs and turkeys are seeing an increase.

The home economics building will have displays of crafts, quilts, sewing projects and a food division, including breads, jams, jellies, cakes and pickles. Tractors and industrial arts projects also will be displayed there.

For a full schedule of events, click here.