Welcome to the Living in McKenzie County Podcast! This episode dives into the excitement of the upcoming 2025 McKenzie County Fair, themed 'Mardi Gras.'

As we gear up for fair week, host Vawnita Best gets together with several guests, including Cassie Haak, Dylan Cargo, and Shantell Jepson, who share their experiences and roles in the 4-H community. Listen as they talk about the importance of county fairs in North Dakota, reminisce about past fairs, and outline all the amazing events coming up—from livestock shows to grandstand spectacles like the ranch rodeo, demolition derby, and NDRA rodeo.

Whether you’re a fair veteran or a first-timer, we cover everything families in McKenzie County need to know to make the most of this exciting week. Tune in to get all the details, including the highlights of the premium livestock sale, showmanship competitions, and the fun-filled parade. Don’t miss out on the biggest event of the year in McKenzie County!

2025 McKenzie County Fair Exhibits & Exhibitors BY THE NUMBERS!

• 329 Participants
• 913 Projects
• 144 4-H Members Showing Livestock
• 89 Steers
• 24 Goats
• 31 Sheep
• 64 Pigs
• 4 Rabbits
• 5 Poultry
• 14 Horse Showmen

314 Livestock Lots

• 102 Beef Lots
• 44 Goat Lots
• 54 Sheep Lots
• 80 Swine Lots
• 20 Rabbit Lots
• 14 Poultry Lots

00:00 Welcome to the Living in McKenzie County Podcast

00:40 Meet the Guests: Former and Current 4-H Members

01:41 Cassie Haak: A 4-H Mom and Leader

02:49 Dylan Cargo: Junior Leader and Cattle Enthusiast

04:34 Shantell Jepson: Family Consumer Wellness Agent

05:31 Planning for the McKenzie County Fair

06:45 4-H Projects: From Livestock to Woodworking

11:18 The Importance of Interview Judging

12:29 Memories of the Old Fairgrounds

18:33 Excitement for the 2025 McKenzie County Fair

22:29 Exciting Events to Look Forward to at the Fair

23:07 Grandstand Highlights and Fair Board Appreciation

24:26 Favorite Fair Foods and Morning Routines

26:14 4-H Livestock Show and Parade Day

28:37 FFA Livestock Show and Farm Olympics

31:48 Showmanship Day

36:29 Community Spirit and Fair Etiquette

40:34 Final Thoughts and Fair Dates

2025 McKenzie County Fair 4H Exhibit Entry Book: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1-2Je-6Mo6Een_lNdR-7ypwhRhmfNfG4r

Fair Lineup & Venue Information: https://www.mcagexpo.com/events