GOSHEN —
Jon Gawthrop has spent the last three years as an “apprentice,” as he put it.
“I got assigned to a (Fair Board) director,” he said. “We follow them and learn from them about different programs.”
Gawthrop is finishing his three years as a Member-in-Training (MIT), as part of a program designed by Fair Board member Stan Knafel, who leads the program. He said it has been eye-opening.
“We come to understand that the fair is more than just 4-H,” Gawthrop said. “We learn to understand the bylaws and other processes of the fair. Too many people think it’s just this side (4-H) that is the fair, but it’s a combination of the fairgrounds and the 4-H that makes the Elkhart County 4-H Fair so wonderful.”
Gawthrop said he worked under Tom and Diane Pinkerman, who directed the backstage section of the fair. From setting up to tearing down shows, Gawthrop said he learned a lot about the inner workings of performances that take place at the fairgrounds.
Gawthrop also said his time spent as a 10-year 4-H member, and the time he and his wife, also a 10-year member, have spent with their two daughters is also important. Madeline, 10, and Morgan, 7, are preparing to follow in their parents’ footsteps in 4-H, showing animals including swine, rabbits, dairy feeders and other projects at the fair.
“(The MIT Program) is a great stepping stone to becoming a board member,” Gawthrop said. “I’d recommend it to anyone interested, and they should touch base with Stan — he’s done a great job with developing it and carrying it through.”
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Jon Gawthorp is a third-year Member in Training for this year's Elkhart County 4-H Fair. Gawthorp has two daughters who show swine for 4-H and open class, as well as other animals. AMANDA GRAY
FAIR FACES: Member in training learning fair board ropes
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