Help pen the pigs at the fairgrounds

Community members are being asked to go hog wild to help pen the 4-H pigs during the North Idaho State Fair at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds.

The Kootenai/Shoshone 4-H and the Kootenai County Fairgrounds are throwing a family-friendly party Friday, Feb. 9, in the Jacklin Building in an effort to raise funds for pig panels.

These pig panels are put up and taken down at fairs to house the pigs during the fair. The panels are also used to create the show ring for 4-Hers to show their prized pigs.

For almost 20 years, the local 4-H program has participated in a panel sharing system with multiple surrounding programs, but this sharing program is no longer available, so the 4-H program and the fairgrounds must purchase their own panels.

With the help of local companies and school programs offering to donate materials and welding services, 4-H and the fairgrounds must still cover $75,000.

So far, a little over $40,000 has been donated by families and companies offering to sponsor the cost of a pen or a show ring panel.

“We have been shocked and relieved at the generosity we have come across in such a short time. Our community has really stepped in to help the fair and 4-H program to support these kids,” said Teresa Balderrama, 4-H program coordinator.

In an effort to raise the remaining $30,000, the Kootenai County Fairgrounds is hosting Kootenai/Shoshone 4-H’s “Pen the Pigs” fundraiser.

The event is free to attend. Tickets will cover dinner provided by Scheffelmaier Meats. There will be dinner, drinks, dancing (live music by Earl Wear), a game area, silent auction, and a live auction.

Pre-sale tickets are $10 per person or $40 for a family of five and can be purchased from the University of Idaho Extension Office, 1808 N. Third St., or the fairgrounds office, 4056 N. Government Way, Coeur d’Alene.

To sponsor a panel or donate without attending the fundraiser, call the Extension Office at 208-446-1685.