Local students got a glimpse at a variety of occupations last month during the fourth annual Dawson County Fifth Grade Career Fair.

About 250 students gathered April 29 at Rock Creek Park to participate.

They moved around the park in classroom-sized groups, where volunteers with different businesses and government agencies talked about their jobs.

Lance Stiffler, guidance counselor at Robinson Elementary, said the career fair “gives these kids exposure to just as many different jobs as possible.”

Stiffler said organizers “try to get a wide variety of occupations.”

Julia Mashburn, principal at Black’s Mill Elementary School, said the event is “one of the greatest opportunities our kids get, because a lot of times we only think about what we’re going to do when they’re in high school and beyond ... it’s never too early for them to see these careers.”

Added Mashburn: “Something like this makes all of their education a little more relevant.”

Stiffler said the process of searching for career fair volunteers begins months in advance.

Those interested in getting involved with next year’s event can contact him at (706) 265-6544.