Letter to the Editor: Youth Ag Day at the Solano County Fairgrounds

Dear Editor:

Please join us in supporting the 10^th annual Youth Ag Day at the Solano County Fairgrounds on March 20.  This event is a free, “agventure” field trip open to all third graders in our county.  For four fun-filled hours, classes explore more than thirty interactive learning stations where they experience demonstrations and hands-on activities covering a wide range of agricultural topics.

In Solano County, we are fortunate to live in or near rural areas where various aspects of agriculture are a common means of business or recreation.  Even so, many children growing up here, and particularly in the more urban areas of our county, have never seen a dairy cow being milked, or learned what worm composting is, or watched an energetic sheep dog at work herding a flock of sheep.  These are just a few of the many activities that await our county third graders at Youth Ag Day.

This is a FREE event, but registration is required.  Classes must provide their own transportation and many need assistance with the necessary transportation funding.  Youth Ag Day is seeking bus sponsors in any amount to contribute towards the $500 per bus, or just $10 per child, needed to provide this priceless opportunity to the third graders in our county.

Volunteers are also an integral part in the success of Youth Ag Day and are needed to direct classroom groups, assist the presenting organizations and greet arriving classes.  It is such fun watching the kids experience new things for the first time, many of them far outside of their comfort zones and daily experiences.  We highly recommend giving your time to this event – you’ll be glad you did!

Solano County third grade classes must sign up by Friday, February 24 to participate in Youth Ag Day.  School registration, presenter, sponsor and volunteer information can all be found on the Fair’s web site, SCFair.com, on the Youth Ag Day page.  Additional questions can be directed to Marcia Coffman at mmcoffman@SCFair.org or 707-551-2002.

Solano County Fair Association, Board of Directors Members

Marilyn Royse

David Hamilton

John Cronin