Salinas Valley Fair, a learning opportunity for FFA and 4-H youth
jose.romo
KING CITY, Calif. (KION-TV) –Today marks the last day of the Salinas Valley Fair. While it’s all about funnel cakes, turkey legs, and live entertainment for most, it’s also an opportunity for local ag students to showcase their hard work. Most of them say this experience has taught them time management skills along with creating a community.
“You really get to bond with animals you never thought you’d ever get to bond with,“ Jayce Duhon says. “You had to know the struggles and get to feed them ice cream.”
For Jayce, that is the most rewarding part of the annual Salinas Valley Fair. Celebrating the last day of their 81st weekend, organizers recognize the importance this fair has to the community.
“This is a huge part of South County,” says Lauren Hamilton, CEO of the Salinas Valley Fair. “Everybody looks forward to our fair in May. They come out as such a fun family event, and it’s the annual celebration that everybody looks forward to.”
For Nathan Marquez, owner of three food vending locations at the festival, his goal is to provide the community with the best customer care and great food options. “we appreciate all the customers and guests that are coming out. we say come out, have a good time, bring your family here.”
Once you get past the food and fun, the Salinas Valley Fair is also recognized for its livestock auctions. Many student members of Future Farmers of America and 4-H make their way here to sell the animals they’ve been working hard to raise.
Mekenzie Gearhart says, “the community is helping me out as well and also buying my goat. That also supports me as like a showman and a. person in high school.”
Jordan Davis, this year’s Miss Salinas Valley Fair, says she has worked closely with FFA and 4-H. She adds its a true learning experience. “Definitely time management. and… just not procrastinating on anything and figuring out what i have to get done throughout the and having a schedule ready to go.”
The learning does not stop with the students. Jayce Duhon’s dad Justin says he has learned a lot from seeing his son and two daughters participate in these programs. “For Jayce, you know he’s got to overcome a huge animal compared to his size and just watch him kind of face some fears. It’s pretty neat and just the rewards. getting up early every day, go feed. say no sometimes to hanging out with friends because you’ve got to go feed at night.”
Jayce now gets to enjoy the rewards of his hard work. “I sold my animal for a surprising $8 thousand, which was amazing,” Jayce says with a smile. He adds that while his steer showed some nerves during the showmanship portion of the auction, he was able to pull through proud to have calmed it down.
With the $8 thousand Jayce hopes to participate in a big baseball tournament in Cooperstown. He also hopes to buy his dream car.