The Fifth Annual Botetourt County Fair will be Friday and Saturday, Aug. 11 and 12 at the Buchanan Town Park on Lowe Street.

This family-friendly, free-admission fair is Botetourt County’s premier agricultural event, showcasing livestock, crops, vegetables and all facets of local agriculture in an old-fashioned county fair atmosphere.

One of the new events highlighting this year’s fair will be the “Botetourt’s Best” Youth Livestock Sale.

Four area youth, all members of Botetourt County 4-H and James River FFA, will sell their market steer, market lambs and market hogs during the auction beginning at 4 p.m.  Saturday, August 12.

This public auction provides the opportunity to purchase locally produced beef, lamb and pork raised by these Botetourt County exhibitors.

Purchase of these animals can be accomplished several different ways.  The animal can be purchased for personal use or consumption and processed by one of several local purveyors.  Information on processors will be provided, as well as transportation of the live animal to the processor.

There are also options to purchase animals and support the youth exhibitors for those who may not be interested in keeping/consuming the meat products.

For more information on what animals will be available for sale, how you can purchase an animal or support the youth exhibitors and details on the auction, contact Katherine Carter, 4-H Youth Development Agent, at 540-473-8260 or email carterke@vt.edu.

Bidding and purchasing through the 4-H/FFA Livestock Auction is an excellent way to show support for local youth engaged in the endeavors of keeping agriculture alive and growing in Botetourt County, Carter said.  The exhibitors selling these livestock will use the funds from the sale of their animals to reinvest in future projects, invest in their future educational pursuits, or promote ongoing business opportunities.

“Most importantly, as a buyer, you are investing in the future of these youth and encouraging them to stay involved in agriculture,” Carter added.  “These youth are engaged in educational, leadership, and community service projects through 4-H and FFA and are making a positive contribution to our community. Your financial support of their projects provides the capital they need to continue this positive development and success.”

For more information on rules and entry forms regarding the competitive events as well as a complete schedule of events, call the Botetourt County Extension Office at 540-473-8260 or visit the Botetourt County Fair website at https://botetourtcountyfair.com/.