Hardy Telecommunications is stepping up to improve opportunities for students and other children to exhibit animals at the Tri-County Fair.
The company has donated $400 to the Tri-County Fair’s project to build a new barn at the fairgrounds. Derek Barr, Hardy’s director of customer service and sales, marketing and human resources, presented the check to Jessica Wilkins, who sits on the Fair’s goat committee.
“We really appreciate the generosity of Hardy Telecommunications,” Jessica said. “This goes a long way toward rewarding our children who put so much time and effort into their animals.”
Jessica explained the reasoning behind the project to build a new barn at the fairgrounds in Petersburg.
“Due to the limited barn/pen space at the fairgrounds, many exhibitors are forced to move their exhibits off the fairground before the completion of the fair. Many hours of hard work go into each project, and we feel that all of the participants should have the opportunity to display their project for the entire length of the fair,” she said.
The material for the barn will be purchased locally, and students from the nearby South Branch Career and Technical Center will build the structure, she said.
“We are excited about this opportunity as it will allow the children who have worked so hard to raise animals to show as long as possible, as well as helping to teach a lifelong skill set to the students building the barn as they practice their trade,” Jessica said.
Derek said Hardy was happy to support the project.
“Farming and agriculture are absolutely vital to our community, and many of our youth spend an enormous amount of time preparing to show animals at the fair. It’s not an easy job,” he said. “They should have as much time as possible to display the results of their hard work and be recognized.”