After the dust settles from beef showmanship on Tuesday night, July 14, at the Logan County Fair’s Show Arena, the spotlight will shift from competition to creativity as young exhibitors and their animals take center stage for one of the fair’s most heartwarming traditions.

Wardrobe Wranglin’ is scheduled to begin approximately 15 minutes following beef showmanship (approximately at 8 p.m.).

The event invites 4-H and FFA members to dress themselves and their livestock in imaginative costumes, transforming the arena into a parade of laughter, showmanship, and community spirit.

From fairy tales to favorite movies, exhibitors spend weeks planning costumes that often involve the entire family. This year, for example, one group is bringing The Wizard of Oz to life, with children and animals portraying characters from the beloved story.

But behind the smiles and creative costumes lies a deeper purpose.

All proceeds from the event will benefit A Kid Again, an Ohio-based nonprofit that provides year-round adventures and support for children living with life-threatening conditions and their families. According to the organization, its mission is to foster hope, happiness and healing by giving families opportunities to create joyful memories away from hospitals, treatments and medical routines.

For event organizer Madi Lenhart, the cause is deeply personal. 

“My brother and I have both had more than 20 surgeries,” Lenhart said. “When we were growing up, we were given the opportunity to go on a special trip through an organization like this. It helped us leave the medical journey behind for a little while and just be kids again.” 

That experience inspired Lenhart to dedicate years of fundraising to helping other families facing similar challenges. Since 2020, she has helped raise more than $18,000 for children’s charities through fair events and community support. 

“This is a fun event for kids to come and relax after they’ve worked hard all week showing animals,” she said. “They get to laugh with their friends, dress up and have fun, but at the same time we’re raising money to make a huge impact for families who really need it.” 

The evening will feature class winners from poultry and rabbits, goats and sheep, hogs, and beef and dairy divisions, with a grand and reserve overall champion selected by a representative from A Kid Again. 

Spectators can also participate through the popular People’s Choice Award, where donations are collected in buckets carried around the arena. Every dollar donated goes directly toward the fundraising total. The costumed participant with the most dollars in their bucket wins! 

Lenhart hopes community support will help the event reach an ambitious goal. 

“My goal this year is to raise enough money so that we can donate $10,000,” she said. “I just want people to come, enjoy the show, and be ready to vote for their favorite costume.” 

For Lenhart, the event is about more than costumes and competition. 

“People gave so much to my brother and me when we were growing up,” she said. “It feels good to give back in any way possible. I know how hard those medical journeys can be, and if we can help another family have a day where they can just be together and make memories, then it’s worth everything.” 

On Tuesday night, a few dollars dropped into a bucket may help provide exactly that—a chance for a child facing extraordinary challenges to simply be a kid again.