The Whatcom County Youth Fair is a two-day learning fair. It is not necessary to belong to any club or organization or to own an animal, but it is advisable to bring your own. Listed below are brief descriptions of each division.
Superintendent Tara Knaus TKnaus2002@gmail.com
You will attend a clipping clinic, a Fit & Show clinic, followed by hands on practice. After clinics & practice, you will show your animal in the ring. Animals must be at least three months of age, no horns, and clean but preferably not clipped. A Grant is available from Whatcom County Cattlemen’s for purchase of an animal. For more info see the Scholarships and grants page for application.
Exhibitor Ages 6-18
Superintendent Heather Oostra
Co- Superintendent Joanne Odens
360-318-4798
For novice to advanced dairy show-person, the division has classes on clipping, showing and judging. There will also be other fun and educational classes as well as Fit & Show and Type classes. No horns on dairy cattle.
Exhibitor Ages 6-18
Superintendent Alice Wiggens amwiggins31@comcast.net
In the goat division, (pygmy, dairy, meat) you will learn about proper care, grooming and hoof trimming. There will also be a Fit & Show clinic and contest. All goats will be required to have scrapies ID (ear tag or tattoo or other permanent form or identification) with flock number. For any questions regarding the federal program, please call the Wa. State Dept of Ag. (360)-902-1878. No Horned animals allowed.
Exhibitor Ages 6-18
Superintendent Lexi Amundson
360-922-4781
In the meat goat division, you will learn about proper care, grooming and hoof trimming, cuts of meat, preparing your goat for show and auction. There will also be a Fit & Show clinic and contest.
All goats will be required to have scrapies ID (ear tag or tattoo or other permanent form or identification) with flock number. For any questions regarding the federal program, please call . (360)-902-1878.
Exhibitor Age 6-18
Superintendent Cara Stuit and Klee Monroe
Two busy days of Horse related activities. You will learn judging, practice groom squad, basic vet care, and Fitting and Showing at halter class. Please do not bring your own horse. For the safety of the exhibitors, quiet horses are provided for the youth.
Exhibitor Ages: 7-18
**Exhibitors must be over 7 years of age.
**No riding
Superintendent Claire Hume
This is a hands-on learning environment, instructing youth on feeding, training and showing. We will work on following trends of the show industry. Our department is obligated to abide by federal regulations with regards to official identification (scrapie tags) of all sheep. For any questions regarding the federal program, please call Wa. State Dept. of Ag (360)-902-1878. No Horned animals allowed.
Exhibitor Ages: 6-18
Superintendents Max & Alex DePass
You will attend a Fit & Show and Type clinic, followed by hands on practice. You will also learn about different breeds and how to select a market animal. Please bring an animal if possible! We require erysipelas vaccinations for all swine.
Exhibitor Ages: 6-18
Superintendent Megan MacArthur Megmac999@msn.com
After getting to know each other, we will be decorating cages, (cats are home on Friday, bring your cat on Saturday only). You will learn how to prepare your cat for show, then practice fitting & showing. Other activities may be a poster making contest, cat safety, and first aid. Cat exhibitors must present proof of vaccinations from a licensed veterinarian for: Panleukopenia, feline rhinotracheitis, calici viruses.
Exhibitor Ages 6-18
Superintendent Danaya Snavely Dsnavely22@gmail.com
This will be a busy two days of obedience and sociability training along with several dog demonstrations and a talk by a local veterinarian. All dogs must be at least six months old, have a rabies certificate dated within 36 months, and be current on all vaccinations to include Parvo and kennel cough. Please bring proof with each dog.
Exhibitor Ages: 6-18
**Ages 6-9 must have parent present at all time.
Superintendent Chelsea Marion
Co-Superintendent Shauna Hanson
Basic instruction on healthcare, identification, and raising of quality poultry will be covered. Learn how to select and order poultry along with equipment and nutrition needs. You will attend a Fit & Show clinic; get hands on experience, then wrap up day two with a Type and Fit & Show class.
Exhibitor Ages: 8-18
Superintendent Maisha Lindquist
Learn about rabbits and cavies through workshops, contests, crafts and games. Participants will be more prepared for all the fairs, and more knowledge about rabbit care. There will also be a costume, Fit & Show, and jumping center. Bring your own solid bottom cage.
Exhibitor Ages 6-18
Superintendent Bert Rutgers treeandleaf@gmail.com
You will enhance, strengthen, and learn about the Game of Kings. All skill levels are welcome, from beginners just getting started, to advanced. Learn exciting new chess strategies and test your skills with a mini chess tournament. FUN!
Exhibitor Ages 6-18
Superintendent Maura Kalsbeek this.girl.smart@gmail.com
If you enjoy exploring new craft projects and want to learn about seeds, plants, gardens, and do crafts with a country motif, come join this division.
Exhibitor Ages 6-18
Superintendents Justin Hutchings and Miranda Skochko
Justinseggsandmowing@gmail.com
Would you like to start your own business? Here is a chance to learn about the whole process: marketing, bookkeeping, etc. You will have an area to set up a booth to sell your product or service. NO FOOD PRODUCTS MAY BE SOLD!
Exhibitor Ages 9-18
Superintendent Brenda Dunford
Here’s your opportunity to learn the basics of knitting. Create a variety of fabrics using different yarns and needles. You will learn to do the knit & purl stitch, cast on, bind off, more advanced techniques for advanced knitters and go home with at least one small useful project and sample swatches. Equipment will be provided.
Exhibitor Ages 8-18
Superintendent Jeff Kentch
360-815-5979
Co -SuperintendentJason Cronk Jcronk228@gmail.com
Bring a riding lawnmower if possible and learn the ins and outs of tractor sled pulling, rules & regulations, how to keep your mower running and how to have fun competing with your mower. Learn Basics of troubleshooting and machine maintenance.
Exhibitor Ages 6-18
We will not be offering Photography this year. Sorry!
Introduction to camera basics. We will have Guest speakers who work in the photography field, a photo scavenger hunt & photo judging. You will have fun learning how to take better pictures and express your creativity. A digital camera will be needed.
Exhibitor Ages 6-18
Superintendent Tanya Johnson Tanyajohnson827@gmail.com
All entrants to the Youth Fair are encouraged to enter posters in the Poster Division. The posters will be displayed throughout the barns and serve as educational material for WCYF visitors. All posters will be judged and receive constructive comments. See the rules below for poster and display requirements to enter posters at the NWWF.
Educational Poster or chart Entries Must have been made since previous youth fair.
Exhibitor ages 6-18
We will not be offering Jr. Rodeo this year. Sorry!
Introduction to Jr. Rodeo and its events. Also learn to throw a rope, and the basics of riding a bucking barrel. There will also be demonstrations of horse events, pole bending, barrel racing and other fun competitive activities.
Exhibitor Ages 6-18
Superintendent Leslie Hagen
ilovelegacycreations2@gmail.com
We will work on both hand and sewing machine skills, as well as building a working knowledge of tools, equipment, pattern use and fabrics. Through hands on activities, students will create projects for their sewing boxes and place setting activities intermingled with knowledge building games.
Exhibitor Ages 6-18
Superintendent Todd Black tblack4038@aol.com
Students will work with an experienced technician and volunteers to tear down and put back together a small engine. They will be using sockets, ratchets, wrenches and other tools to help them learn how a small combustion engine works and how to repair and maintain it. Learn to identify the components, discuss concepts such as spark, fuel supply ,torque specs. no open-toe shoes. Automotive for 2nd year participants.
Exhibitor Ages 10-18
Superintendent Meghan Harting
Teen Managers serve as hosts and guides to exhibitors and parents and help manage between the office and the divisions. Teen Leaders will be working with “Supers” in a specific division as hands on instructor coaches, and organizers of that division. (Age Requirement of 13 years old for Teen Leaders. Teen Management must have served one year as a Teen Leader and be approved by Youth Fair Manager.)
Exhibitor Ages 13-18
Superintendent Katie Manner Katherinemanner@gmail.com
Urban Sketch & Watercolor: On Day 1, you will explore watercolor basics, how to mix colors, theory, control of pigments and water techniques and paper types. On Day 2, you will take what you learn, and apply it to Urban sketch and paint outdoors (weather permitting) the scenery. If the weather does not cooperate, you will work indoors with focus objects to work with.
Exhibitor Ages 10-18
Superintendent Andrea Stevenson
Fleece from animal to project. Learn the techniques of carding, drop spindle, hand spinning with spinning wheels, and dyeing wool in the Woolcrafts division. Equipment will be provided.
Exhibitor Ages 8-18
An Experience that lasts a lifetime.
The division superintendents will reach out to you after your entry is submitted to let you know what, if anything, you need to bring to the fair.
Division superintendents cannot accept entries or late requests.
Each division has a limited # of exhibitors, and spaces are filled in the order that entries are received.
MISSION STATEMENT: We are dedicated to creating a positive and meaningful impact on youth and the community, while promoting agricultural education through hands on learning opportunities, fostering mentoring systems, encouraging personal growth, and instilling community values.
Copyright © 2023 Whatcom County Youth Fair - All Rights Reserved.
The legacy of Chris Paul lives on through the countless lives she touched and the lessons she imparted. Our fair is a testament to her unwavering commitment to learning by doing, and we will continue to build upon her foundation, inspired by her vision and leadership.
Chris Paul, The WCYF founder & long time Fair Manager!
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