Each July, the Johnson County 4-H and Agricultural Fair arrives during one of the summer’s hottest weeks. Rain and muggy weather are common, but volunteers work long hours to keep the fair running smoothly. This year’s fair will be held July 19-25 at the fairgrounds in Franklin, where Kim Roberts of rural Franklin will be among those helping out.
This year marks Roberts’ 47th year of involvement with the fair. She began as a 10-year-old member of the Hopewell Boys and Girls 4-H Club. Since then, she has served as a Creekside 4-H Club leader for 33 years and spent a total of 26 years on the fair board.
Growing up in 4-H gave Roberts a broad understanding of the fair, especially its livestock programs. As a youth, she participated in projects such as clothing, foods, ceramics and showing pigs. She understands the hard work behind caring for and showing livestock.
Roberts said one of the most rewarding parts of her involvement is seeing children she once supervised in 4-H return with children of their own. Watching multiple generations learn the same life lessons, build lasting friendships and share meaningful experiences speaks to the strength of the 4-H program.
The fair is the joyful result of that challenging work — a time to showcase projects, compete, support one another and have fun. Roberts said she loves the fair parade because it gives fair board members a rare chance to relax and socialize. Once fair week begins, each board member is busy with assigned duties and often sees the others only in passing.
Her favorite part of the fair is the livestock auction. Roberts oversees the livestock auction, where local buyers and businesses support 4-H members by purchasing their steers, pigs, sheep, goats, chickens or rabbits.
Technology has made the auction run more smoothly. Roberts remembers when organizers used one typewriter and carbon copies for buyers. Today, computers and printers help keep the sales moving.
“It’s a night of chaos, but it works because so many good people help,” Roberts said.
Roberts credits the dedicated volunteers who have helped make the Johnson County fair one of the state’s best. She said much of the preparation and hard work happens behind the scenes.
Generations of county families enjoy looking back on their days at the fair. Roberts said watching those generations return year after year and seeing how the fair has changed has been amazing.
Fair week is typically a time for people to discuss their favorite fair treats and foods. Roberts cites pineapple Dole Whip and snow cones among her favorites.
While not busy with 4-H and the fair, Roberts enjoys flower gardening and admits she really loves to mow her lawn. She also enjoys listening to live music, and seeing George Strait in concert was a highlight.
If you are an auctiongoer, you may know Roberts as the cashier at Findley Auctioneer events. Her “real job” is with Northwestern Mutual, where she has been employed for 32 years.
Roberts said she is forever grateful to the volunteers who shaped her life and showed her that volunteering is one of the most rewarding jobs there is. Roberts cites Ed Pruitt as a mentor and friend who helped her and her family through the years.
“4-H and the fair have made me who I am. Being involved and being part of the traditions is my thing,” Roberts said.
