It’s a new job, but not new work for L.C. Scramlin.
Scramlin is in his first year as ‘general manager? for the Oakland County 4-H Fair. The position was created by the fair board this past year to recognize the year-round, behind-the-scenes tasks necessary to stage the annual event (scheduled this year for July 24-Aug. 1 at Springfield Oaks County Park).
Scramlin was president of the fair board from 1988 through last year. For the last eight years, the fair board has been in a lease agreement with Oakland County Parks to manage the Springfield Oaks facility year-round.
‘In one way, it seems like I’ve been here forever. By another token, each day there’s something a little different,? Scramlin said, as he works with a two-person office staff to manage grounds, facilities and supplies for the annual fair.
The fair board is a separate entity from the 4-H organization, which is administered through the Michigan State University Cooperative Extension Service, but there is great coordination for an event which is expected to draw more than 800 young participants this year.
Scramlin is a third generation 4-Her, as his grandparents formed a 4-H club in the 1920s and his grandmother was fair board secretary. In 1985, his son was old enough to join 4-H, and in 1986 he tackled the project of building a new livestock barn at Springfield Oaks.
That project led him to be drafted by the fair board.
‘When I went back to give my final report [in late 1987] they said, ‘Oh by the way, we think you should be on the fair board? and the next guy said ‘I nominate you for president.??
Scramlin recognizes many changes in 4-H programming over the years, with new activities in areas such as computer science, but the basic principles (Head, Heart, Hands, Health) still apply.
‘When you talk to the kids you realize this is their ‘good old days,?? he said. ‘The thing 4-H was smart enough to realize is those pig projects still taught kids responsibility and leadership. There are so many things to learn.?
Indeed, Scramlin sees the emphasis of the 4-H Fair as being ‘life experience,? even if many kids no longer look to agriculture as an eventual career field.
‘I tell people everything that happens in life happens on these fairgrounds,? he said, running the gamut from joy to discouragement, depending on circumstances.
Even if a project animal dies or a participant loses in competition, it’s in a context where family and friends offer support in the life lessons.
‘The animal, in one way, is not the important thing, but the way the project helps the kid.?
The fair is also an opportunity to expand the horizons of those ? young and old alike ? who have not grown up in the agricultural culture. The Miracle of Birth exhibit, offered for the first time last year, lets people see animals being born. While the idea was to give a new perspective to children, Scramlin said almost two generations benefit.
‘The people who are most attracted are in the 20-to-45 bracket,? he said. ‘These parents haven’t been exposed to it.?
Scramlin is expecting more than 6,000 projects to be entered in this year’s fair, with 150-160 campers to be on site. It all comes together with a volunteer board of 18, with about 50 volunteer superintendents.
‘My job is to support the volunteers,? he said, and the volunteers are the key to a successful fair. All participants are asked to volunteer at least two hours at various stations. Those who volunteer at least four hours receive a special t-shirt, and they give away between 400 and 500 such t-shirts each year.
There are financial challenges, of course. Scramlin’s entire fair budget in 1988 was the amount it now costs for liability insurance, and he is grateful for many business sponsorships which augment direct income from the fair.
His job also includes working with Oakland County Parks on a new master plan, scheduled to be voted on by the county parks commission in August. Future plans include more permanent buildings to replace tents used at the annual fair.
It’s a lot of work, but Scramlin approaches the task with joy.
‘First of all, I enjoy kids,? he said. ‘My 4-H experience was one of the best things in my life, and knowing other kids get the chance for an experience like that is a tremendous reward.?
Scramlin is still a farmer at heart, with a family sheep farm still active in Groveland Township. In about three years it will qualify as a Centennial Farm.
His wife and three grown children are still active in raising sheep, and all three children came through 4-H and are either in or pursuing agriculture-related careers.
‘My kids are in their 20s and I can still make them cry by saying, ‘Either be good or I’m getting rid of the sheep,?? he said with a laugh, and they enjoy traveling to state fairs and other exhibitions throughout the country.
‘Going to sheep shows is our thing. Our whole family goes. That’s our family pastime.?