For the last eight years, Geauga County sixth-graders from less agricultural areas have been spending an educational day through the help of Geauga Learn at The Great Geauga County Fair. Geauga Learn is an innovative educational program that brings sixth graders from local Geauga County schools to The Great Geauga County Fair, where the students participate in classes on agriculture, earth science/natural resources and history of the military and Geauga County as well as become acquainted with various farm animals.
Geauga Learn was started by Judges Tim and Diane Grendell, Helen Scheuring, and John A. Ralph. The program’s continued success is contributed to the generous contributions from state Sen. John Eklund, state Sen. Capri Cafaro, state Rep. John Patterson, Congressman David Joyce and Hambden Grange, which provides a free lunch to every student. The program also receives support and assistance from the Geauga County Fair Board, Sheriff Dan McClelland, Geauga County Farm Bureau, Geauga County Historical Society, Geauga Soil and Water Conservative District, Geauga Park District, Geauga County Veterans Service Commission and American Legions in both Newbury and Burton, all of which are important integral participants in the Geauga Learn educational program.
The highlight of the day is the chicken flying competition between local schools. Cheered on by the students, the superintendents for each school select a chicken and compete for the flying chicken trophy.
Each student is provided a goody bag that includes agricultural and historical related items, along with a free milkshake ticket and a free family pass back to this year’s fair. With the help of all involved, Geauga Learn expects to educate roughly 500 sixth-grade students this year.