Multiple generations of families have now enjoyed the Midwest’s Largest Youth Fair, and to make sure that their 75th Anniversary is more memorable than ever, the Berrien County Youth Fair Board of Directors has announced plans for their 9th Annual Kick-Off Party, designed to boost cash premiums for the young people who produce amazing exhibits year after year.
Armed with the diamond anniversary theme that “Diamonds are Fair-ever,” board members tell us they plan to celebrate the milestone anniversary year and raise some funds side-by-side next month when they host the event at the Lake Michigan College Mendel Center in Benton Harbor.
Berrien County Youth Board Secretary Karen Klug and 2nd Vice President Kelly Ewalt are chairs for the celebration which is slated to be an adult only (21-and-over) evening featuring dinner, memories and both silent and live auctions on Saturday, March 28th from 5 to 11pm.
Asked why a fundraiser was coupled with the “Diamonds are Fair-ever” celebration, organizers say, “Simply put, exhibitors receive small cash premiums for the awards that they receive on their exhibits, which range — on average — from 25-cents up to $8-dollars per class.” They add, “Each year the goal of the Board is the raise enough money so the full premium amount can be paid to each exhibitor.” As a result, all proceeds from ticket sales and the live and silent auctions will go toward Berrien County Youth Fair exhibitor premiums.
Those planning to attend the 75th anniversary celebration can obtain tickets from now through February 28th for $40 per person, $70 per couple or $280 for a table of 8 at the Fair Office in Berrien Springs or online at www.bcyf.org. The evening calls for a social hour from 5 to 6:30pm featuring a cash bar and appetizers with dinner to follow at 6:30pm, the live auction at 7:30pm, and a special guest auctioneer handling the proceedings. The silent auction will occur from 5 until 6:30pm. The dress code for the event is semi-casual.
To commemorate the significance of the milestone anniversary, in addition to the fundraiser, the evening will be peppered with memories of the past 75 years with recognition of several VIPs in attendance.
