| Ambassadors help the Fair run smoothly By Lorie Palmer Idaho County Free Press Have you seen those high schoolers at the fair in their green shirts and khaki pants? They’re more than a fashion statement – they’re at the heart of what keeps the fair running smoothly. The brainchild of former University of Idaho extension agent, Mary Schmidt, the Idaho County Ambassadors made their debut in 1997. Twenty-three years later, Idaho County 4-H Program Director, Susie Heckman, said she thoroughly appreciates the work Idaho County 4-H Ambassadors provide. “I count on them, especially during the fair,” she said. “They work hard. They are kids who lead very busy lives, yet take time to make the commitment to community service.” This year’s group consists of Dani Sonnen, Levi Stowell and Jessi Sonnen. The group started, Heckman explained, as a way to retain older 4-H kids in the local clubs. “We didn’t want to take them out of their clubs, because they are mentors and leaders in those groups and are needed there,” she said. Those who are Ambassadors must maintain membership in their chosen club(s), be a sophomore through senior in high school (public, private or home schooled), and have been a member of 4-H for at least four years. Those who qualify – up to 10 per year -- and are interested apply and interview for the extracurricular honor. “These kids are the face of what goes on in 4-H, as well as the help – the volunteers –for many county events,” Heckman said. In the past, this has included help with the Idaho County 4-H party, Kids Klub and 4-H summer camps, the recycling center, Idaho Forest Group’s annual family picnic and the Farm and Forestry Fair. They also sponsor the Green Swing 4-H dance at the fair. “And of course, they are everywhere all week long at the fair,” Heckman said. “They run errands, announce, judge – they just work everywhere and anywhere they are needed.” When fairgoers and 4-H kids see the green shirts and khaki pants, they know they can ask questions and get a professional answer. “Ambassadors provides a great leadership experience as members often go to 4-H groups and speak about the program, or are at the front of activities in the county,” Heckman said. It also helps them see, she said, what it takes to prepare for and execute a large event such as the fair. “The planning, the work – they really get a close-up view of what it takes for the fair to run and be successful,” she said. Heckman knows the kids who apply to be Ambassadors are most often the most active, involved students. “They learn to manage their time, prioritize and attend the mandatory monthly meetings,” Heckman said. And it doesn’t look too bad on scholarship and college applications, either. For information on the program, contact Heckman at 208-983-2667. 
2020 Idaho County Fair 4-H Ambassadors from left Dani Sonnen, Levi Stowell and Jessie Sonnen. Contributed photo. 4 to vie for Kiss the Pig honor
By Lorie Palmer Idaho County Free Press Once again, it’s okay to buy votes in Idaho County. That is, for the 2020 Idaho County Fair Kiss the Pig contest. “This year we are honoring some of our county’s school coaches,” said Idaho County 4-H Program Director Susie Heckman. And just how will they be “honored?” “A $1 buys a vote and the one with the most votes will ‘get’ the honor of kissing the fair’s grand champion pig on livestock auction day, Saturday, Aug. 22,” explained Heckman. This year’s candidates are Grangeville Hugh School’s Chad Hill, Prairie Junior-Senior High School’s Matt Elven, Clearwater Valley Junior-Senior High School’s Kolby Krieger and Salmon River Junior-Senior High School’s Charlie Shepherd. Votes for the candidates can be purchased at the Citizens Washington Focus (CWF) booth during the fair. Participants cast votes with $1 donations. All donations go toward the CWF 4-H project. The contest is in its seventh year. Here’s a little about each of this year’s candidates:  At the Idaho County Fair, Elven enjoys the history in the Lions Agricultural Museum, as well as viewing the open class entries. Elven’s favorite animal at the fair are the steers – but in general? The bobcat. “If I were a pig judge, I’d look for a large hind-end, clean, and muscular,” he said. And favorite cut of pork? “Umm I’m not a fan of pork at all,” he admitted. “I used to butcher a lot of pigs so now I don’t like to eat them.” Elven guessed the grand champion hog will weigh 285 pounds. “I don’t really know why I chose to do this, but I want to help support to 4-H’ers and teens in my community,” he said. “If I win, I will take my weekly bath!” Aside from assisting to coach football and field sports, he is also a supporter of the Greencreek breakfast.  Even so, his favorite fair activity is fitting and showing, he tends to favor the fair steers, but feels the winning fair pigs should be “long and have lot of muscle tone,” he said. His favorite cut of pork is the crowd favorite – bacon – and he is guessing the grand champion pig will weigh in at 275 pounds. Hill said he signed on for the pig kissing contest because he enjoys helping the community, much in the way he spends a big portion of his year helping the young men of Grangeville learn the game of football and to play as a team. How will he celebrate if he’s the kiss winner? “Wash my mouth first, then have a beer and a burger,” he laughed.  His favorite part of the fair is kids showing their animals, and his favorite animals are cows. He sees the qualities of a good pig as one that is good sized, has decent muscle and handles well. His favorite pork cuts are the tenderloin, as well as bacon. Krieger is going big with his weight guesstimate for the champion hog: 325 pounds. “I was honored to be asked to be a contestant,” Krieger said. He is active in his community in KIRO youth recreation and sports; however, this is his first time supporting 4-H. If he wins, what will he do? “Say a prayer for the pig after I kiss it,” he laughed.  Pushing muscle tone to the side, Shepherd said, if he were a pig judge, he would look for friendliness and manners in his hoggy friends. His favorite cut of pork is bacon and he’s the contestant with the highest weight guess for the grand champion pig: 340 pounds. When asked why he accepted the invitation to potentially kiss a pig, he laughed, “I have a problem saying no!” Shepherd is a candidate for Legislative District B this November, and he has been a coach for many different sports, including Little League, football and basketball. “If I win the honor, I will try to get even with the 4-H kids who encouraged me to sign up,” he joked.
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