East, West Otter Tail County Fairs begin this week

By Tom Hintgen

Otter Tail County Correspondent

This summer’s West Otter Tail County Fair in Fergus Falls drew in youth 4-H members, similar to other county fairs, with a rich tradition of 4-H participation from generation to generation.

Every summer thousands of 4-H members take part in Minnesota county fairs. 

“When they show their projects, they demonstrate the knowledge and skills they’ve gained throughout the year,” said a representative of the University of Minnesota Extension which works closely with 4-H adult volunteers.

Here in Otter Tail County our 4-H leaders emphasize that participation at county fairs not only makes great memories but also helps 4-H youth grow into successful adults. An added bonus is moving on to participate at the State Fair in St. Paul in the days preceding Labor Day.

From animal science to creative arts, there’s something for everyone. Members of 4-H choose projects that interest them and they dive in.

Gary Eide, a 1961 Fergus Falls High School graduate and retired teacher living in Highland Park, Illinois, still recalls his participation in 4-H and raising hogs as his 4-H project.

Gary Harrington was raised on a farm near Phelps Mill and his wife, Karalyn, grew up on the Schulz farm north of Fergus Falls. Both fondly recall their 4-H days.

They are among those who grew up on area farms while working alongside family members while doing farm chores, working with animals from chickens to horses, taking the opportunities to watch sunrises and sunsets, loving country school, 4-H and friends on nearby farms.

“I was a 4-H member for ten years,” Karalyn said, “showing Holstein cattle at the West Otter Tail County Fair and Minnesota State Fair.” She also participated in dress revues at the county and state fairs.

Gary says that some of his best memories from living on the farm include raising 4-H hogs. Today he and Karalyn are retired and live on the farmsite in Maine Township where he grew up.