Youths can apply for 2016 livestock exhibitor scholarships

Youth who exhibited beef cattle, sheep, meat goats or swine in the 2016 State Fair of Virginia 4-H and FFA youth livestock program are eligible to apply for 12 additional scholarships being offered by the State Fair.

Applications and scholarship details are available on the fair website at StateFairVa.org/Competitions_Education/Scholarship_Program.aspx. Funds allocated for the scholarships represent a portion of the proceeds from the second annual Youth Livestock Sale of Champions auction, which was held Oct. 1.

The scholarships, which will total $16,235, will be offered in three age groups: Juniors (9-12), Intermediate (13-15) and Seniors (16 and older). Groups are based on exhibitors’ ages as of Sept. 30, 2016.

Applications must be postmarked on or before Jan. 13, 2017.

Since 2013, the State Fair has awarded more than 800 scholarships and has dedicated more than $260,000 to youth education. The fair offers up to $70,000 each year in scholarship money through 4-H, FFA and vocational competitions and specific equine, fine arts and horticulture competitions.

The 2017 State Fair of Virginia will run from Sept. 29 through Oct. 8. Information is available atStateFairVa.org.

The State Fair is held each fall at its permanent home at The Meadow Event Park in Caroline County. The fair’s mission is to increase agricultural and natural resource awareness and interest through educational programs, exhibitions and competitions in a fun, family-friendly setting.