Hickory Smoke & Hard Work: Celebrating Trumbull County’s 4‑H Youth
This year’s Trumbull County Fair was full of big smiles, hardworking kids, and a whole lot of heart—and we were proud to be part of it. Commissioner Denny Malloy recently hosted a celebratory dinner to thank the fair workers who keep things running smoothly, and Cockeye BBQ was honored to pitch in.
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“Buying from 4‑H kids is one of the easiest decisions we make all year. Every dollar spent goes right back into our community, and it’s an investment we’ll keep making as long as we can.”
Here’s our pitmaster, Erik Hoover, alongside one of the incredible 4‑H youth whose animals we purchased this year. Supporting 4‑H is a tradition for us—every bid is an investment in the future of our county’s farming and ag community.
A Shared Commitment to Community
The Trumbull County Fair is more than rides, games, and livestock shows—it’s a celebration of the agricultural roots that built this county. We’re grateful to Commissioner Malloy for recognizing the importance of thanking the people who make it all happen, and we’re proud to have a small hand in that thank‑you.
Investing in the Next Generation
Every year, Cockeye BBQ proudly purchases several 4‑H animals at the Trumbull County Fair—not just because it’s great meat for the smoker, but because it directly supports local youth and their families. Those bids help kids pay for future projects, fund college savings, and keep family farms thriving. It’s our way of making sure the traditions we love—hard work, agriculture, and community pride—stick around for the next generation.
The thank-you dinner, hosted by Commissioner Malloy and prepared by our team, was a moment to pause and celebrate the people who make the fair happen every summer. Fair board members, workers, and friends of the fair all came together to share a meal.
The auctionhouse, where we made our purchases. The energy in this barn is unbeatable—kids showing off their hard work, families beaming with pride, and community members stepping up to give back.
