Clear days and a revamped approach contributed to a successful 2014 Four States Ag Expo, organizers report.
“I’m proud as heck for this year’s show,” said Kevin Lanyon, Ag Expo board president. “Compared to last year, we did well, and our improvements were well received.”
This year’s event was for three days, instead of four. Despite the reduction, the event had a larger attendance, said Radiance Beals, the event’s executive director.
“We had 8,500 attendance over the three days, quite a bit of an improvement from last year,” she said. “We are building back up to where we used to be before the economic downturn.”
Beals credits vendors for being more involved with the public, offering drawings, games, and door prizes.
“I think it made a huge impression, and the public had more fun,” she said.
Another change this year was expanding the children’s education programs, which received positive feedback, Lanyon said. This year, 206 school children, many of the bused over, participated in programs about agriculture, water conservation, forestry and animal husbandry.
“Last year, we brought in fourth- and fifth-graders, and we expanded that this year to K-5,” Lanyon said. “There was a misconception that it is just a petting zoo. But this year it was much more, a lot of hands-on, educational experiences were added in, and it made a difference.”
Another change this year was inviting federal land agencies to set up booths for education and information. A popular event was the forest service packing seminars, and the showing off of government mules.
“There was more information on forestry, fire science and prevention, ranching and recreation on public lands. It was a much bigger program, with a lot of participation,” Lanyon said.
He added that 22 new vendors signed up this year, and there was a total of 120 booths.
Training sessions by John Lyons “America’s most trusted horseman” were a huge hit. Another top draw was the Bar D Wranglers country show, which attracted more than 200 spectators.
The upcoming election brought some excitement to the event this year. Politicians roamed the grounds, shook hands and gave speeches. As usual, the Montezuma County Republicans booth was a popular hang-out. They handed out information on candidates and served up their perfectly prepared free popcorn.
“The excitement of the show was very good. We are in good shape for next year and have already started the planning,” Beals said. “A very special thank you to the public, sponsors, vendors and clinicians for making it a great show.”