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The Kosciusko County Goat Club wants a barn, a roof and solid floor for the many project animals shown at the 4-H fair each year.
"Estimates are around $30,000," said club leader Sue Studebaker. "That's for a roof with a cement floor. It would get them up off the ground, if it rains, so they're not laying in water."
For years the goats have been sheltered with a tent. The tent rents for $1,800 per year, an expense paid by the 4-H Council.
Studebaker began the club 20 years ago when her daughter, Janet (now Moore), aquired some goats while she was in high school and was a 4-H member. Studebaker's husband, Roger, is co-leader.
"We started out with 32 goats and the rest of the tent was sheep. Over the years the club started to evolve and grow."
4-H'ers do not have to be a goat club member to have a goat project. Forty to 50 4-H'ers bring goats to show at the fair.
Last month 15 children attended the goat club meeting, in the KC Recycling Depot, many of them first-year members.
Two goat shows are planned for this year's fair, July 17-23: the specialty meat breeds show Sunday and dairy breeds Monday.
The club has been saving money for years toward the barn, selling food and drink during the goat show or operating a dunk tank. There is a certificate of deposit in the bank that amounts to less than half of the funds necessary to build a barn. Once the barn is built, it would become fairboard property.
"Caring for an animal teaches children so much," Studebaker. "It is a lot of responsibility to care for something. And, when they're doing that, they're not out getting into trouble."
Ideally, a large business would sponsor the building, she said.
A fund-raiser chili supper is planned Saturday in the Home and Family Arts building on the fairgrounds. Tickets are $4 each and may be purchased from any club member, committee member, at the Extension office or at the door. Serving is from 4 to 7 p.m.
