Fallbrook Youth Fair celebrates 50 years

It has been 50 years since the Optimist Club of Fallbrook held their first Youth Fair. Harold Burchett, the man who developed the idea of the Youth Fair, will be on hand Saturday, May 21, and Sunday, May 22, for the event. His son, Gary, is now the current president of the Optimist Club and will also be present. Fifty years ago, Burchett wanted to give 4-H members a chance to practice their skills in the show ring and thus gain valuable experience to help them excel in the San Diego County Fair livestock competitions.

The Youth Fair still gives the local FFA and 4-H members a chance to polish their showmanship skills in preparation for the county fair. Students will be showing a variety of steer, sheep, goats and swine. A competition for chickens will also be held. Of particular interest each year is the ‘Chicken Parade’ where the youth dress their chickens and compete for

prizes. The audience votes on the winner, which is usually quite difficult because each entrant is unique. In the past, chickens have been dressed as brides, princesses and a ‘Chicken of the Sea.’ Justin Taylor won first place two years ago with his ‘4-H Chicken’ dressed in a miniature costume borrowed from a 4-H teddy bear.

Jan Hilton, leader of the Fallbrook 4-H Sheep Group, has been participating in the Fallbrook Youth Fair for 35 years. “I love working with the young people,” she said. “Each one tries to improve their showmanship skills — it’s such a positive opportunity for young kids.” Mrs. Hilton also mentioned that the Youth Fair is also an excellent venue for the development of leadership skills.

The Youth Fair would not be complete without the riotous ‘Kiss the Pig’ contest, which will be held on Sunday, May 22, around 3 p.m. This year the chosen contestants will be teachers from various Fallbrook schools. Who knows, your favorite teacher may be chosen to share a marshmallow with a lovely pig!

Saturday evening, after the competition, a barbeque ‘Tri-tip Dinner’ will be served by the 4-H Beef Group. Eight dollars will buy a dinner complete with a drink and dessert.

On Saturday, May 21, and Sunday, May 22, the Fallbrook Youth Fair will be held at the Fallbrook Union High School Ag Department, with the Still Arts Competition held in the gym. This year’s event, which begins at 9 a.m. on both days, promises to be one of the best with the livestock shows, hayrides, an FFA plant sale and carnival booths.