Dale Young, of Niles, is the assistant dairy superintendent at the Berrien County Youth Fair.

Q: What do you do as a volunteer at the fair?

Basically I do whatever it takes to help the kids out. Right now I am doing some announcing at the beef show. I will do more tomorrow for the dairy show.

Q: How long have you been volunteering at the fair?

Forty-seven years. I started out in the hog division, just pushing around hogs and weighing hogs. I got involved through my brother-in-law and sister-in-law. Their kids were showing up here and I came up with them one time. I just fell right in line.

Q: What do you enjoy most about volunteering at the fair?

Watching the growth that the youngsters exhibit from the time they come in as a six-year old to when they leave as a 20-year old. It is just heartwarming to see how these kids succeed. Just working for the kids. That’s basically what the fair is about in Berrien County.

Q: How long have you been assisting the beef exhibits?

I’ve been here about 10 years doing beef. I also announce the dairy show. I’ve been doing that about 15 years. I also take bids at the auction, which is every Friday. We auction off the large animals that these kids exhibited.

Q: How important are volunteers to the fair?

Volunteers are the backbone of this fair. We have a little bit of paid staff on the maintenance side of things, but that is about it. Everything else is done by volunteers — mom and dads and grandmas and grandpas. Whomever has time to give, it helps out a lot.

Q: How long will you continue to volunteer?

My crystal ball broke this morning so it is hard to say. It depends on health, but everything is fine now. I will be here as long as I can possible help out.

Do you know a volunteer worthy of recognition? Nominate him or her as the Volunteer of the Week by calling Craig Haupert, community editor, at (269) 687-7720, or emailing him at craig.haupert@leaderpub.com.