Bake or make for the fair

By Jessica Coleman
Staff Writer
    October is just around the corner, and alongside the gold-tinted leaves and the pumpkin spice comes the Jackson County Youth Fair. 
    The fair offers activities for almost everyone, including a livestock show, carnival, and more. The family department is a catch-all name for the non-livestock and non-pageant competitions – quilting, photography, cooking, and the like. This valuable but oft-overlooked part of the fair is accessible by design. Anyone can enter the competitions, which are separated into age groups.
    “We usually get art from all three schools,” said Leslie Kallus, family department co-chair, “And we have a $250 award that we give out, which is through Whitney [Wilfert, of Jackson County Veterinary Clinic].”
    Whitney Wilfert and her husband, Dr. Aaron Wilfert, sponsor a $250 scholarship for one participant in the family department of the fair, something they were inspired to do after a warm welcome when they first came to Jackson County.
    “The very first thing we did when we moved to Jackson County was to go to the fair and introduce ourselves.” said Whitney Wilfert. “That was 14 years ago. Everything was new, and we hadn’t been married long, we hadn’t had the building long, and we came in and everybody went above and beyond with welcoming us with ‘How can we help you,’ and ‘Nice to meet you.’ We had employees and clients before we left the fair.”
    Their desire to contribute to the fair’s family department was further inspired by a foster child who found happiness and meaning in the non-livestock side of the Jackson County Youth Fair. Ever since, the Wilferts have offered the scholarship, which differs from others because it doesn’t necessarily go to the grand champions. This arrangement is meant to encourage participation and to push the idea that it isn’t all about winning.
    “Its about mentoring, community involvement, and how welcoming the community in Jackson County has been to us,” said Wilfert.
    At this year’s Jackson County Youth Fair, kids and adults alike can enter their baked goods, photos, poetry, plants, handicrafts, quilts, or artwork. The categories are separated into events and age groups. Kallus said there are only a few rules.
    The department asks that photography entries not be larger than 8x10, and that they be printed out. No digital copies will be accepted. Photos may be black and white, feature special effects, and can be of any subject the photographer chooses. The cutoff to enter the photography contest is Saturday, Oct. 8 by 2 p.m.
    Baked goods must be turned in by Monday, Oct. 3 by 5 p.m. Judging is directly after the turn-in cutoff to ensure that dishes may be tasted and judged at their preferred temperature. 
    Kallus said they are also looking for volunteers to help set up on Monday, Oct. 3. Those interested in helping, or those with questions about the family department can contact Kallus at 361-782-8422 or by email at l.kallus@live.com.