State 4-H Council – 2010 Iowa State Fair
Basic Information for Youth Volunteers and Parents
Orientation:
The morning before your first working fair day, you are required to attend an
orientation in the 4-H Exhibits Building. You will receive your breakfast meal ticket for
that morning, and instructions for your work assignment. So, if you’re scheduled to
begin August 9, plan to arrive at 8:30 am.
Work Schedule:
Your work assignment may change from day to day. This includes the shift you are
scheduled to work, duties, and free time for meals, etc. Remember that your flexibility
will help everyone have a great fair. Please be prepared for some early mornings (7:00 –
8:00 a.m.) and maintain a positive attitude. The State Fair 4-H staff works very hard to
ensure that your time as a volunteer is enjoyable, and we appreciate your help.
Parking and Admission:
If you are bringing a personal vehicle, you will receive a parking pass for Lot T (by the
Youth Inn). You will also receive an admission ticket to be used when you arrive at the
fairgrounds. Passes and tickets will be sent in the mail before the State Fair.
Lodging:
Council volunteers will be housed in the Cultural Center (up the hill from the Youth
Inn). There are laundry facilities available here. More details on bedding, toiletries, etc
will be sent before the State Fair.
Meals:
Meal tickets will be provided for the days you are scheduled to work. These provide an
allowance for meals with several State Fair vendors (Cattlemen’s, Pork Producers, etc.)
Clothing:
If you are working during prep days (Aug 9-11) plan on comfortable work clothes.
Clean jeans and t-shirts are acceptable. During the fair (Aug 12-22), plan to wear your
council polos, or staff polos provided at the 4-H Building. Please plan to wear dark or
khaki dress pants, skirts or shorts. Nice jeans are acceptable, but NO DENIM SHORTS,
and shorts/skirts should be fingertip length. Finally, comfortable shoes are appropriate,
but flip-flop sandals will not be allowed for any volunteers in the 4-H Building. If
working with livestock hard soled, closed toe shoes are appropriate. If working in the
4-H building, you will not be allowed to wear a hat.
Exhibiting:
If you are selected to bring an exhibit to the State Fair that infringes on your volunteer
schedule (communication, livestock, etc) Please contact Kourtney Determan as soon as
possible with your schedule changes: 515-294-1982 or kjdeter@iastate.edu.
Note: a final mailer will be sent in late July with parking passes, admission ticket, and
final details regarding work assignments, etc. Feel free to contact Kourtney Determan or
Mitchell Hoyer with any additional questions (515-294-1531 or mhoyer@iastate.edu).
** See reverse for information on weather safety and heat exhaustion**
Fair Daze: Keeping Your Cool
Summer heat waves bring high temperatures that may last for days or weeks. Working at the State Fair
puts volunteers, exhibitors and visitors at risk for heat exhaustion. Bottom line: use common sense.
People suffer heat-related illness when the body's temperature control system is overloaded. The body
normally cools itself by sweating. Sometimes, sweating just isn't enough. In such cases, a person's body
temperature rises rapidly. Very high body temperatures may damage the brain or other vital organs.
Several factors affect the body's ability to cool itself during extremely hot weather. When the humidity
is high, sweat will not evaporate as quickly, preventing the body from releasing heat quickly. Other
conditions that can limit the ability to regulate temperature include old age, obesity, fever, dehydration,
heart disease, poor circulation, sunburn, and drug and alcohol use. Check out these tips:
Drink Plenty of Fluid
Increase your fluid intake -- regardless of your activity level. During heavy exercise in a hot environment,
drink 2-4 glasses (16-32 ounces) of cool fluids each hour.
Replace Salt and Minerals
Heavy sweating removes salt and minerals from the body. These are necessary for your body and
must be replaced. The easiest and safest way to replace salt and minerals is through your diet. Drink
fruit juice or a sports beverage during exercise or any work in the heat.
Wear Appropriate Clothing and Sunscreen
Sunburn affects your body's ability to cool itself and causes a loss of body fluids. It also causes pain and
damages the skin. A variety of sunscreens are available to reduce the risk of sunburn. The protection that
they offer against sunburn varies. Check the sun protection factor; SPF 15 or higher to protect yourself
adequately. Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going outdoors and reapply, according to directions.
Pace Yourself
If you are unaccustomed to working in a hot environment, start slowly. If you must work faster, pick up
the pace gradually. If exertion makes your heart pound and leaves you gasping for breath, STOP all
activity, get into a cool area, and rest, especially if you become lightheaded, confused, weak, or faint.
Stay Cool Indoors
The most efficient way to beat the heat is to stay in an air-conditioned area. Fans can also be used to
regulate indoor temperatures. When the temperature is in the high 90's or higher, a fan will not prevent
heat-related illness. A cool shower or bath is a more effective way to cool off.
Use a Buddy System
When working in the heat, monitor the condition of your co-workers (and fair exhibitors) and have
someone do the same for you. Heat-induced illness can cause confusion or loss of consciousness.
Adjust to the Environment
Be aware that any sudden change in temperature, such as an early summer heat wave, will be stressful to
your body. You will have a greater tolerance for the heat if you limit your physical activity, until you
become accustomed to the heat. If traveling to a hotter climate, allow several days to become acclimated
before attempting any vigorous exercise, and work up to it gradually.
Use Common Sense
Avoid hot foods and heavy meals -- they add heat to your body. Wear comfortable clothes and sunscreen.
Take a break BEFORE you feel fatigued. Drink plenty of fluids and get a good night’s sleep. Keep an eye
on fellow workers, fair visitors, and exhibitors for signs of heat exhaustion, and ask someone to do the
same for you.