Livestock Program And Auction Will Go On Without Fair

The Meramec Community Fair was cancelled several weeks ago due to COVID-19, however due to ever changing government mandates; young children and teens who have already committed to their livestock for the fair show and auction; many spending large amounts of money raising and feeding their animals the livestock program will go on June 24-25, according to Sue Koch, Livestock Chairperson.

Koch received permission from the Sullivan City Council on Tuesday, June 2, to be able to use the livestock grounds as Governor Mike Parson’s mandates are set to expire on June 15, ending Phase One of the COVID-19 recovery.

“Everything we expect to do will go on as normal, except the kids will not have to stay with their animals after Thursday night and the auction will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday morning,” Koch said. “However, we will not be hosting the buyers luncheon due to health concerns. We are securing space for processing of the animals for the buyers and they may not get their first choice of processors, but we are working and fully expect to have processors for our buyers.”

Koch reported that they expect to show and sell over 105 animals that may range from 25 market steers, 93 hogs and one sheep. Those numbers may change or be changed slightly.

“These kids have a lot of money invested in these animals from purchase and feed. It’s a big investment for them,” said Koch. “Many use their sale proceeds to pay these bills and then also save for their college and possibly their first car.”

The event will feature open classes for all species except for market hogs.

“We also plan on doing our pig scramble at 7 p.m. on Thursday and possibly having some other games for everyone as well,” said Koch. “We just encourage our buyers to still come out and support these kids with this program and auction.”

Koch stated that health mandates, if still in effect will be followed.