Through the auctioneer’s eyes

Hamilton County’s 4-H Fair all comes down to this

By AIDA KARIM
news@readthereporter.com

Day

Each year, the 4-H auction raises thousands of dollars in the name of family farms and food pantries all over the state.

The Reporter spoke with Nathan Day, regular auctioneer for the 4-H fair, about his connection to the event and motivation to give back to his community.

Day said he had been attending the 4-H fair ever since his early childhood. Growing up in Hamilton County, he was a 10-year 4-H member.

“The 4-H auction is a special night for a lot of kiddos and was something that was special for my brother and I growing up,” Day said.

Day said he experienced one particularly special night during his childhood when his brother won the Supreme Showmanship Contest.

“The winning side of it has been a lot of fun, but really, a lot of my closest friends are all ones that I’ve met from 4-H and showing livestock,” Day said. “Showing livestock and 4-H in general has just opened up my world.”

Reporter photo by Aida Karim

Day said he ended up learning to run a professional auction on a whim 12 years ago, attending the Reppert School of Auctioneering. He said he now uses the skills he learned a couple of times every year.

According to Day, he had been helping with the 4-H auction for close to 10 years. He said he loves to take the opportunity to give back to the kids who participate, helping generate funds for their next steps in life.

“Your job is to help generate as much money as you can for them. I always keep that in mind; that’s truly my job when I’m up there,” Day said.