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New pavilion earns cheers at fair By KELLY STEWART This year's fair is much cooler than in years past, say 4-H and Future Farmers of America members. The reason: a new, shady building called the Olsrud Pavilion. The pavilion is used for livestock judging and auction. Previously, youngsters had to show their animals in a huge, hot and crowded tent. After stepping foot inside the Olsrud Pavilion this year, 4-H and FFA members had little fond to say about their "old days" in the tent. Betty O'Brien, leader of the Trail group Upper Rogue TLC, said the tent's warmth was unhealthy for animals. "It would get so hot, they'd just flop out in the corner," O'Brien said. "I think they froth at the mouth a lot more. All they wanted to do was get in the water to drink." The 20,000-square-foot Olsrud Pavilion offers a wealth of space and seating, according to Megan Hunter, 18, a member of the Applegate Valley Beef 4-H club. And because the pavilion is well-ventilated, its temperature is milder, said Lynnette Jackson, 14, a member of Applegate Super Swine 4-H club. "I was only in (the tent) one time with my pigs," Jackson said. "It was really warm, and the fans just blew the hot air around." Hot weather wasn't the only problem in the tent. Rain could be even worse, said Carolyn Krebs, a member of the Crater FFA group. "I've been going to the fair for many years now," the 15-year-old said. "One year, it was raining, and the tent was a big mud puddle." Hunter also recalls a rainy year in the tent. "It got really stuffy in there," she said. The roofed Olsrud Pavilion alleviates such troubles. "It's a cleaner, nicer place to be," said Cole Hawkins, 14, a member of the Upper Rogue TLC. "There are more places to sit and for people to yell and scream." Judges also have an easier time working in the less cramped environment, Jackson said. The Olsrud grocery family donated $400,000 to build the pavilion. Hunter expressed her appreciation for the Olsrud family, which owns local grocery stores, including Sherm's Thunderbird Market. "Sherm is a generous man," Hunter said. "He buys steers each year and supports us. I just really appreciate Sherm." Mail Tribune Copyright � The Mail Tribune 1999, Medford, Oregon USA