Now I have a much better feel for the significant role that UNL Extension, and 4-H in particular, play in the success of the Nebraska State Fair. Having the opportunity to see behind the curtain, so to speak, I am amazed on what all goes on to make it work so well. My observation is that the process involving our faculty, staff and volunteers is a well-oiled machine. Obviously the steps and activities that happen did not evolve over night. They have been developed and fine-tuned over a number of years. However, this only occurred because of the innovation, creativity, visionary decision making, hard work and dedication of a lot of fine people. Kudos to everyone who came before and those who worked so hard this year to make the 2012 State Fair a success!
I first looked behind the curtain before the fair officially started when 4-H volunteers and UNL extension faculty and staff were busy judging 4-H project entries. Volunteers were there who I knew, however I had no idea they were contributors in this way. Educators and Assistants were running here and there making sure things ran smoothly. It reminded me of a description of Santa’s workshop. Some people were there from 7:00 a.m. until late into the evening. They were there because they care for Nebraska’s youth and want to help them succeed. The 4-H program exposes youth to so many life skill activities.
Later in the fair I saw young people involved in public speaking, livestock judging and weeds and tree specimen identification contests. Young entrepreneurs with the ESI program brought in their products to show the innovation and creativity that resides in our youth. The kids wore matching t-shirts identifying them as 4-Hers. I saw the pride on educators and extension assistants faces as they watched their county representatives compete.
To members of the state 4-H office, I take my hat off to you. Your dedication to the youth and the state fair is really impressive. Some of you celebrated birthdays and anniversaries during the fair and spent a big portion of a month living out of a motel room. Not everyone would show this kind of commitment and work ethic to a job. There is clearly a love for the job that is hard to put in words.
Another activity I attended was the Birthing Pavilion. Talk about precise planning necessary to make sure that new life is brought into the pavilion each and every day. Both University faculty and staff and veterinary volunteers are to be commended for helping people experience something that many would never experience in any other way.
The UNL Extension reception for County Extension Board members allowed me to meet a lot of new people from across the state. They were supportive of UNL Extension and felt a sincere commitment to their role in helping Extension set programming goals. We thanked them for their service.
And on a personnel note, the fair reminded me of my father and the love he had for fairs, especially his local county fair. Dad served as a member of the local county Board of Managers from 1956 to 1977, serving many years as President. He also served as President of the Nebraska Association of Fair Managers from 1973 to 1975. He attended many Nebraska state fairs as well. At the time I probably did not fully appreciate his passion and love for what he was doing but my time this year at the 2012 Nebraska state fair has given me a new perspective.
Again, congratulations and a big thank you to everyone who made the 2012 Nebraska State Fair another big success.
-- Alan Moeller
P.S. Did I say I got to ride in the opening parade in a 1966 Chevrolet convertible!