08/24/2026
We wrapped up the 2026 Berrien County Youth Fair today. I hope everyone enjoyed the fair food, still exhibits, rides, and livestock barns.
The end of fair is always bittersweet. If you walked through the barns on Saturday you may have seen a few tears being shed. What you don’t get to see is the hundreds of hours that the kids and families put into their animals. We may raise the animals but in retrospect I think the animals raise the kids.
The barn was built to house our animals but it also builds our kids. It challenges them to be problem solvers, critical thinkers, celebrate the good and the bad, learn patience, responsibility, teamwork, and creates lifelong friendships.
There truly is nothing like the stock show industry. I want to congratulate all of our members that had a very successful fair season and for stepping outside of their comfort zone to try something new.
While the barn may be a lot more empty now it leaves behind some of our favorite memories. The long days, early mornings, and late nights. All of the laughs, frustration, successes, friendships, and teamwork are what makes this experience so special.
It won’t be long until we get to start all over again. A huge thank you to the parents, sponsors, buyers, and everyone that encouraged our students throughout the season. We could not have done it without you!
