After two years of fundraising, countless hours of organization, and a lot of determination from a very strong group of volunteers, the pig barn at the Dodge County Fairgrounds is full of sparkling, brand-new pig pens.

“The old pig pens were more than 50 years old, had been used by several generations in the swine project, and were unsafe for both animals and exhibitors,” noted Eric Salmi, adult fundraising co-chair. “We started fundraising on Sept.1, 2016, by selling the old pens.” Through trivia nights, t-shirt sales, and pen sponsorships, the Dodge County Meat Animal Sale Committee raised about $46,000 to order and install 92 new pens. Half the pens were installed last year just prior to the fair, and the other half were installed on Saturday, Aug. 4, 2018.

“We’re very glad to see the barn finished by fair time,” noted Andy Boschert, exhibitor and youth fundraising co-chair. “For both exhibitors and the public, it’s a much-needed upgrade which will, in turn, increase the safety and view of the pig barn at the fair.”

Courtni Salmi, who also shows pigs, added, “I was able to use a new pen last year, already, and they keep the pigs contained better, so they can’t get out. They’re so much better than the old pens.”

“I, personally, want to send a huge thank you to the businesses in and outside of Dodge County that helped with our fundraising, as well as all the families who supported this project from day one, so future kids have a secure barn for their animals,” noted Eric. “Our signboard featuring sponsors will be up by fair in the form of an aluminum sign at the front end of the barn.”

In addition to pigs, the fair features a variety of other farm-animal species, such as dairy cattle, beef cattle, sheep, chickens, turkeys, rabbits, and much more. Fairgoers are invited to walk through the barns to see the animals and visit with the exhibitors.

The Dodge County Fair is scheduled for Aug. 15-19, 2018. For more information, go to the Dodge County Fair page of our site.

Written by Dori Lichty – farm wife, 4-H Mom, and full-time communicator