While the Oneida County Fair is in the books for 2023, for many 4-H, FFA, and Open Class participants, the work is only halfway complete for many of the participants.  The Eastern Idaho State Fair kicks off in Blackfoot on Friday morning, and Malad will be well represented in the very first competitive show, the 4-H Working Ranch Show.  Throughout the week that follows, a number of events will involve competitors from Oneida County, including the Dog Show, Mustang Trail Challenge and Auction, a number of Horse Show events, 4-H Demonstrations, the Beef Show, and others.  In addition to the various animal categories, a number of local Open class participants will compete in the Fair with their entries.  No official list of Open Class entrants is available, but anecdotally, entries will be submitted in quilting, sewing, handwork, fine arts, and photography categories.

The State Fair is a chance for those who have had success locally to test their skills and talents against a much larger field of competition.  The increased scale of the setting can be intimidating to first time participants, and even those who have competed at the state level in the past, so please make time to support and cheer on representatives of the community if you can.  Qualifying and entering the big show is an impressive accomplishment, and the 4-H and FFA organizations are proud of all of their participating members.