Junior Fair Board

The Ohio State Fair Junior Fair Board is made up of our great state's best and brightest young leaders, hand-picked to contribute to the success of the Ohio State Fair each year. Selected to represent their respective youth organizations, these students serve on behalf of thousands of students across Ohio. As ambassadors for 4-H, FFA, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Farm Bureau, and other career tech organizations. They are able to share their experiences and emphasize the value of the Junior Fair with patrons throughout the 12 days of the Fair.

For these dedicated Junior Fair Board members, the passion for the Fair is in their blood. They have risen through the ranks over the years, spending their childhood summers caring for livestock animals, exhibiting their projects at both the county and state level, attending group meetings, assuming leadership roles, taking part in summer camps and growing, all while these organizations have shaped their lives.

These students, ages 16-20, come together for two weeks of hard work, building enduring friendships and professional relationships along the way. Their personalities and experiences provide a youthful and fun perspective as they fill the roles of welcoming officials at livestock shows, Smokey Bear’s courteous assistants, friendly faces working at the Monster Mural and concert ushers at Celeste Center.

What is the Junior Fair Board?

The Ohio State Fair Junior Fair Board is made up of Ohio’s best and brightest young leaders, hand-picked to contribute to the success of the Ohio State Fair each year. Selected to represent their respective youth organizations, these students serve on behalf of thousands of students across Ohio. Goals of the Junior Fair Board include:

To serve the people of the Ohio State Fair
To interact with fairgoers and provide the best experience possible
To help other agencies and organizations with their tasks, booths, etc. at the fair
To gain networking experiences and special opportunities

Which skills should a Junior Fair Board member have?

Ohio State Fair Junior Fair Board members are dedicated leaders with outstanding characteristics such as:

Leadership
Public Speaking
Communication
Professionalism
Flexibility
Responsibility
Adaptability

What are the requirements?

In addition to being an outstanding leader, prospective members should meet the following general criteria:

16-20 years old
Currently a member of 4-H, FFA, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Farm Bureau, or any career tech organization
Highly involved members in their organization
Significant accomplishments within the organization (i.e. competition at the state and/or national level, leadership experiences, community service/volunteer experiences, etc.)
Leadership experience with the potential and desire to continue to grow as a leader
Very responsible, respectful and professional
Members are only eligible to serve one two year term on the JFB representing one organization

What is the time commitment?

Junior Fair Board members commit approximately 2 weeks of time to the Ohio State Fair, arriving the Monday prior to the Fair’s Wednesday opening. First year Junior Fair Board members are paid a flat-rate stipend for their service; returning members will receive a higher stipend for their second year of service.

Where will I stay?

Housing, as well as complimentary meals, are provided by the Ohio State Fair. All Junior Fair Board members will stay in dormitories located at the Ohio State Fair in the Rhodes Center building.

How do I apply?

If you are a member of 4-H, Boy Scouts, Farm Bureau, FFA, Girl Scouts, or any career tech organization you are eligible to apply. You can also apply to serve as an at-large member if you represent one or more of these organizations. All interested applicants should submit the official Ohio State Fair Junior Fair Board application through the online application portal below between February 1 – March 1. The application and portal will be available starting February 1.

Timeline

PROCESS TIMELINE

Feb. 1 Application portal opens on Ohio State Fair website

March 1
Application due via submission portal on Ohio State Fair website

Early-mid March Applicants notified of their status

Mid-late March
Candidate interviews

Early April Notification of selection of candidates

PROCESS TIMELINE
Feb. 1	Application portal opens on Ohio State Fair website
March 1	Application due via submission portal on Ohio State Fair website
Early-mid March	Applicants notified of their status
Mid-late March	Candidate interviews
Early April	Notification of selection of candidates

Questions?

For more information, please email Junior Fair Board Coordinator Alissa Belna-Muhlenkamp at a.belna-muhlenkamp@expo.ohio.gov. This informational PowerPoint can provide additional details as well.