Clark County Fair to host inaugural Special Drive

The Clark County Fair has long been a place for youth to grow, explore new opportunities, and develop lifelong skills. This year, the fair is proud to introduce a meaningful new event: the first annual ClarkCountyFairSpecialDrive,amentoring program that provides youth with special needs the chance to experience the joy of showing a pig at the fair.

Seven current exhibitors have stepped up to be the inaugural group of mentors and have received their mentor/mentee group assignments.As the mentors continue to prepare for the upcoming fair, their mentees are excited to join them in the show ring and gain hands-on experience with livestock.

“The idea for this show came up while I was attending and competing at the Wisconsin Association of Fairs convention, where I met with other past Fairest of the Fairs and learned about similar programs,” explained Devani Hinkelmann, Special Drive coordinator. “I knew I wanted to give back to my community in a way that combined my love for showing pigs.

“The show was approved at an Agricultural Society meeting back in January and I hit the ground running to gather sponsors so the entire experience could be cost-free for families. I’ve been creating promotional items, applications, and staying in contact with mentors, mentees, and our volunteers. I’m very excited to see all the final details come together.”

A key supporter of the program has been Noreen Tyznik, a dedicated member of the Clark County Agricultural Society.

“We’re thrilled to bring the Special Drive to the fair,” Tyznik said. “Devani’s passion and effort has created an opportunity for these youth to have the experience of exhibiting at the fair, an experience they may not have otherwise had. We’re very proud of the exhibitors that have stepped up to be mentors this year and cannot wait to see the impact they will make.”

The Clark County Fair Special Drive will take place Aug. 9 in the Allen Jr. & Marilyn Krause Livestock Building. Mentor/mentee groups will meet at 6 p.m. to begin working with their pigs. At 7 p.m., the show will begin.

“We ask that our community bands together to show these youth that hard work pays off by attending the Special Drive and cheering them on,” Hinkelmann wrote in a press release.

For any further questions about the Clark County Fair Special Drive, contact Hinkelmann at 715-937-1990 or hmhinkelmann@gmail.com.