There are the obvious things about getting ready for the fair:

Kids have record books to do.

Judging on the record books and project knowledge before the fair.

Walking, washing, grooming beef animals.

Practicing show techniques for the beef show.

Securing supplies for the fair like feed pans and buckets, soap, and all the other needed items.

But, it’s a lot of other stuff for me to get ready for the fair.

I try to conquer as much laundry as possible so we are not overrun with dirty clothes after being away from the house so much each day. I try to make sure clean towels are ready at all times due to the numerous and extra showers that week.

I try to make sure we are eating at home and getting in some good nutrition. I know during fair week we will eat out and at the fairgrounds most of the time. While we try to eat the “real food” options at the fair like pulled pork and brisket, we do not get our fruits and veggies very much that week.

I am getting clothing ready for fair week. Finding all the 4-H and fair themed shirts ready and waiting so they are easy to find early in the morning or for a quick change in the afternoon. Ironing and preparing show clothes for show day ahead of time is important. One year, I realized our boys had outgrown their nice shirts for show day so I was placing an Amazon order a few days ahead of fair. Just knowing these clothes exist well before the fair eases the mind.

Coordinating schedules so that everyone makes it to the right place on the right day. Along with my own children, I advise over 20 other kids in the 4-H club. I want to make sure they succeed in their fair activities as well.

Many things have to be done to be ready for fair week. Everyone’s duties are a little different. But, we are all in it for the same reason.