Logan County Fair 2022

Page 8 2022 LOGAN COUNTY FAIR LINCOLN DAILY NEWS JULY / AUGUST 2022 down-right-good-fun. The superintendents for the 4-H and Open Shows on Thursday are John Coers, Jim and Jared Coers. In addition to the regular judging there are special activities started by John and Jared. John has been showing sheep for many years and he and his family travel all around the state showing in the open categories at various fairs. The Coers family also has shown through multiple generations in the 4-H shows, and this year have one 4-H member left who will be showing. A few years back John and Jared decided they wanted to dress up the show barn a bit... and that is how it all began. The first thing they decided to do was create a nice looking area for the photo opportunities for winners. Jared Coers handcrafted the wooden Logan County Fair sign as a gift for John about six years ago. The year gets changed out to keep it current. Parrs Greenhouse of Mason City provides the beautiful flowers and greenery. Irwindale Farms in the past have donated the corn stalks. John Coers noted that it is a collaborative working together to make the Logan County Sheep Shows special for all. As a showman who has been to a lot of fairs, John wanted to find other ways to make it fun and entertaining for the participants and guests. So a few years ago, the Coers’ began announcing the ‘Grand Drives’ in “a crazy way.” Current pop music blares, a disco ball was even incorporated the year Thunder by Image Dragons was played. The audience is revved up to cheer each participant into the arena with their winning sheep. To cut loose even a little more, after all the serious work of competition, John and Jared introduced the costume contest three years ago. They started out with their own little skit where they introduced “Betty and Ethel,” which evolved into a costume event that includes any of the exhibitors regardless of age. The costumes have proven to be the highlight of the day. John said that there is not generally a specific theme to the event, but it is recommended that the exhibitor include his or her sheep in the entry, and extra points are awarded for using woolen items. After all the fun and games it is time to eat. The superintendents host a luncheon with what else but lamb being the main entrée. The lamb brats are usually prepared by either Steve and Pam Schreiner or Nuthatch Hill BBQ. The food is donated by the Schreiners, and John and Annie Coers. Exhibitors bring a dish to pass in potluck fashion. Continued p