It’s fair time! The Merced County Spring Fair in Los Banos is from April 30 through May 4. While there are many amazing exhibits and activities, youth animal projects are a main component of the fair.
Animal sales provide an opportunity for 4-H and FFA exhibitors to sell projects. Any profits help youth recoup the costs of raising animals for a continuation of the junior livestock program. Thus, bidders support 4-H and FFA programs in our area.
According to Sarah Souza, Junior Livestock Auction Chairman and Awards Chairman, “The Junior Livestock Auction at our fair is the culmination of our exhibitors’ hard work! This exciting event is sure to showcase the unwavering support of our community, the talent and passion of our local auctioneers and the dedication of our livestock exhibitors.”
The Junior Livestock Auction at the Merced County Spring Fair in Los Banos takes place in two parts this year. Youth who raise rabbits have their own sale on Friday evening. The traditional large animal auction will be on Saturday morning.
Rabbit exhibitors sell their projects on Friday, May 2, beginning at 6:30 p.m. The evening starts with a hosted social gathering for the buyers. The auction follows. Single fryers and meat pens of three are offered for sale.
The Junior Livestock Auction for beef, swine, goats and lambs begins at 10 a.m. on May 3. Each junior exhibitor receives a lot number, which indicates their place in the auctioning process. Interested bidders can consult youth or use the published catalog to estimate the sale time.
Buyers can choose to have purchases processed for personal use or designate animals for resale at both Junior Livestock sales. Various forms of payment are accepted and kindly requested on the day of sale. After the sale on Saturday, buyers are invited to join auction devotees at a thank-you barbecue dinner.
Continuous supporters receive bidder information prior to the fair. New bidders can register beginning one hour before each sale time on Friday or Saturday. Bidder registration is in the arena.
Bump bids are amounts bidders add to a bid to help individual youth in marketing their animals. It is a way bidders can contribute at a modest level without having to buy an animal. The animal is sold to another buyer.
Bump bids are accepted again this year. Bump bidders need a registered bidder number available in the arena. Forms for submitting bump bids are available at both sales.
A company or individual can spread their support to many exhibitors if desired. The bump bidder need not be present throughout the auction.
Each bump bidder needs only one form. Several bump bids can be on the same form. List each seller with the animal’s lot number. If they wish, bump bidders may pay a price per pound or a flat amount. Payment must be made with the form.
A sales catalog is available for bidders. All animals are sold by lot numbers in the order listed with exhibitors’ names in the catalog. Helpers will assist first-timers with the process.
Peewee Showmanship is May 1, at 5 p.m. Children 9 and under who are not in 4-H compete in four classes. Ages 3-5 and Ages 6-9 show either sheep or dairy. This event is a show only, not a sale.
Souza comments, “We are always amazed and humbled by the sheer generosity of our community members and local businesses that turn out to support the youth of our fair. It gives us a sense of appreciation for the togetherness and bounty of commonality that we all share for our fair, our traditions and our future generations.”
(Janet Miller is a freelance writer specializing in family faith. She offers Family Prayers and Activities: Weekly Guides on compact disc for families to explore the Bible together. Email jmiller@dospalos.org.)
