Community very active in 4-H bidding at fair

To the Editor,

As a young girl growing up here in Gogebic County, I was involved in the local 4-H program raising animals to sell at the fair auction. It was how I and other members earned our spending money, afforded our first cars and purchased more animals to raise.

Now as a mother, I have wanted my children to have that same experience, learning the responsibility of raising their own animal. But, as an adult, the risks I overlooked as a child become more prevalent.

Every Saturday of the fair my nerves are jangling, knowing today is “payday” for all their daily efforts from the past year. Unlike a typical job, there is no agreed upon price, and actually, no guaranteed pay check either.

This is where the community members and local businesses step in. They show up at the auction ring in droves and send that bid up on each and every animal.

Each year, I am amazed at the generosity shown to these kids. I feel like these people go over and above what the club members could ever hope for when they begin a project.

I know I can safely speak for the whole club when I say we are once again blown away by the support shown this past auction. Thank you to this area for showing the youth that hard work, the effort of daily chores and raising these animals to the best of their abilities does have a reward.

This is also another good reminder for us to use local businesses as much as possible, as they do indeed give back! Thank you to each successful buyer as well as each back up bidder who took the time to be there for the kids. You didn’t have to, but you came and you bid. You are appreciated.

Jane Somero

Ironwood