On June 2 the Ohio Department of Agriculture canceled all live bird exhibitions for this year. The ban includes county and independent fairs, the Ohio State Fair, and all other gatherings of birds for show or for sale. This is hoping to stop the Avian Influenza or Avian flu from affecting Ohio. Since late 2014 this virus has affected 44 million birds at more than 197 locations.

Here in Brown County 4-H, FFA, the Brown County 4-H committee and the Fair Board are rapidly trying to find alternative solutions for the kids here in Brown County. Different ways to complete a bird project, another type animal project, and other possibilities will be discussed. Working together will solve this problem hopefully in the next week or two.

May 19 my family was invited to the Sardinia Elementary School for the dedication of a Red Maple tree planted in the front of the school. This tree was dedicated to my wife, Lottie, who worked for Eastern Local District. Mr. Bick the principal at Sardinia talked about Lottie’s years of service to Sardinia. He then read a poem and said a prayer about her. Many teachers told of her love for the students and the willingness to help in any way she could. Lottie’s love of trees and flowers were well known by everyone. I’m sure she would have felt blessed and honored. A special thanks to Lana Richey for the flowers. We thank everyone who was there and will never forget this and plan on smiling every time we pass Lottie’s tree.

Christy Clary, 4-H Educator gave me these date to pass along to you. I hope I have them right but if you have questions call (937) 378-6118 to get more information. Brown and Highland County Junior leaders are going to see Tecumseh June 16. State Fair Qualifying for horses is June 21 at the Brown County Fairgrounds. Clover Bud Fun Day is June 25. She told me of 37 campers and eight counselors going to Residential Camp but I forgot to write down the date. Swine tag-in is June 27.

The Brown County Horseman’s Association has two more Summer Horse Shows at the Brown County Fairgrounds. Those dates are June 20 and Aug. 8. June 28 from 5 to 7 p.m. they have plans for a pulled pork dinner and silent auction. This event is to help buy ribbons and awards for Junior Fair Horse Department. For more information call 513-256-5676. The Horseman’s Association has donated many improvements to Junior Fair and a watering tank for the fairgrounds.

Looking further down the road, August 13,14,15, and 16 is the 45th Anniversary of Ohio Valley Antique Machinery Show. It is our first chance for a Pork Tenderloin sandwich supplied by the Fayetteville Knights of Columbus. The featured tractor is Ford this year and I know there are a few right around Sardinia who will be ready to show. A great flea market, a tractor parade each day, and a chance to see the old way of making things. Hope to see Harold and Betty Manning and their homemade ice cream machine. Bring your lawn chair and set around and talk to old friends, listen to some music, and enjoy a slower relaxed time.

If you have any questions about the fair, look on our website at www.littlestatefair.com. Like us on Facebook at littlestatefair. Our e-mail address is: brcofair@hotmail.com. The telephone number is 937-378-3558. The 164th Brown County Fair will be held on September 28th through October 3rd. Be counted as you Stand Up for America at the Brown County Fair.