The Allen County Fair came to a lucrative conclusion for scores of young 4-Hers and FFA members Monday evening.
The 4-H/FFA Livestock Premium Auction brought in a combined $50,050 in premiums to youngsters selling their cattle, swine, meat goats or lambs. That averages to more than $926 for the 54 sellers.
The bids came in fast and furious from start to finish, with Brody Nemeceks grand champion steer receiving the top premium, at $2,500. Kyser Nemecek had the top earning swine, raking in a $2,000 premium for his grand champion. Shelby and Julianna Sprague were tops in meat goat, bringing in $1,400 and $1,300, respectively, for their animals. Only three sheep were sold, with Nata-lea Elmenhorsts Hampshire the top seller, bringing her $1,600 in premiums.
Premiums are bids buyers were willing to pay on top of the base price for the animal.
Most use the money to fund projects for future county fairs, or as a tidy nest egg for college.
The 15 cattle brought in a combined $18,050 in premiums, with the Allen County 4-H Booster Club willing to chip in a little extra to anybody whose steer did not earn at least $1,000 in premiums.
The 19 hogs sold for a combined $16,200 in premiums. The 4-H Boosters said they would chip in enough to make sure all sellers earned at least $650 in premiums.
Seventeen goats sold for a combined $12,300. The Boosters upped each minimum premium to $800.
The three sheep sold for a combined $3,500.
Auctioneers Kent Thompson, Ross Daniels and Jack Franklin volunteered their services for the sale.
TWO FAIR events still remain.
Phil Vandel, a country music performer from northwest Missouri who has performed across North America, as well as several overseas military bases, will be at Wide Open Speed Park south of Iola Saturday. Tickets for the 7 p.m. show sell for $15 apiece, (or three event tickets.)
On Sunday, children 6-12 will be admitted for $10. Those 5 and under will be admitted free of charge.
Wide Open Speed Park is at 1361 Maryland Rd.
The Terry Ellis Memorial Draft Horse Pull, postponed from last weekend because of rain, will be at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Lyle Dre-her Roughriders Arena at Riverside Park.
