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PLAINVIEW, Minn. - Even though the Wabasha County 4-H dairy project has over 30 youth, four of the older dairy members are hoping for even more participation at this year's dairy show at the county fair.

Craig Betcher (18) from Plainview, Kelsey Petit (17) from Plainview, Robert Sexton (17) from Millville, and Chelsea Rabehl (17) from Lake City, have been the instrumental 4-H members who have helped organize the first annual Wabasha County Livestock Sale and Small Animal Swap Meet. Two 4-H adult dairy leaders, Barb Petit and Sheri Sexton, are working with the 4-Hers to manage the event.

"I hope it will bring new kids to the [dairy] project," Craig said.

The swap meet, which will be from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. on April 3 at the Wabasha County Fairgrounds in Wabasha, Minn., is a public event open to anyone interested and will have an admission fee of $3 per person. The event will be a place for buyers and sellers to arrange private sales of show-quality livestock: dairy, swine, goats, sheep, poultry and rabbits.

"I think it will be pretty interesting," Kelsey said of the first-time event.

In addition to animals, the swap will also be a place for people to sell or trade tack, equipment or clothing.

"If we have younger 4-Hers looking for showing stuff - show boxes, halters, brushes or show clothes - and are just starting out, they can get things from families that are done with 4-H and don't need their supplies anymore," Sheri said.

The idea for the swap meet started as a way to fund raise for the new livestock pavilion built at the Wabasha County Fairgrounds in 2008.

"We have over half of it paid for, but still need to raise more funds," Barb said. "All the [admission] proceeds will go toward the pavilion."

The dairy group thought a swap meet at the pavilion would also give the building more exposure.

"We've been trying to incorporate new events and activities at the building so people know about it," Sheri Sexton said about the 60- by 360-foot pavilion, which has already been in use the past two county fairs.

But the 4-Hers think there will be more benefits to the swap meet than paying for their livestock pavilion.

"It will help people get started in other projects," Kelsey said. "I know people who plan to bring swine [to the fair] and they usually show sheep."

They also hope it will help jump-start the first-time 4-Hers with both supplies and mentorship.

"It will give younger kids a place to get all their needs - show halters, show clothes or if they want help with how things go at the fair. We can talk to them about that," Robert said.

For their effort in playing host of the swap meet, the Wabasha County 4-H dairy members hope they can earn an additional state fair trip for the dairy project. Every year, the county has about 100 dairy animals in their show and sends 12 of those to the 4-H show at the Minnesota State Fair.

Robert, Kelsey and Craig all said they are going to participate in the event and diversify their 4-H projects beyond dairy.

"I might get a pig," Robert said.

Craig said he plans to sell some heifers in hopes to see more interest in the dairy project.

"I'm going to see some new people and hopefully give away some old clothes I can never fit in again," Kelsey said. "I'll also need to look for some show whites and clippers."

Whatever they end up buying - or swapping - the Wabasha County 4-Hers are excited for their event which will help enhance all 4-H livestock projects and the building they use during the county fair.[[In-content Ad]]

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