By Richard Fechter
The Elk County 4-H Fair events began earlier this week with the horse show on Monday evening and on Wednesday judging of the 4-H fashion revue, clothing construction and fiber arts projects will took place. The “Supporters and Friends of 4-H Picnic” was held that evening prior to the 4-H fashion revue.
On Friday morning, July 17 the 4-H foods exhibits will be judged. That evening at 6 p.m. the 4-H market livestock will be weighed and checked in.
Saturday morning the fair officially kicks off. 4-H and open class exhibits will be accepted from 8-10 a.m. Judging of all indoor exhibits will begin at 10 a.m. During the judging, the fair building will be closed to allow the judges to complete their work. The fair building will open up once all judging is completed.
The county fair has a long and closely related history with the 4-H program. In fact, many folks cite the county fair as the culmination of the 4-H year. A time when project members are rewarded for their hard work with recognition of ribbons, trophies and premiums.
The fair also offers a unique learning opportunity. Youth at the fair learn responsibility, sportsmanship, the thrill of victory as well as the agony of defeat. However, the fair must be fun for youth. If it is not, then the many benefits of a fair will be lost.
Try to put the 4-H fair in perspective. It is only one part of the total 4-H learning experience. Serving as an officer or on a committee, giving a talk or demonstration, going to a project meeting or workshop, completing record sheets and going to camp are only a few of the hundreds of experiences a 4-Her learns from throughout the year. Yes, the fair is a special part of the 4-H experience, but it is not the only part.
For a 4-H member the fair is an exciting time. It gives them an opportunity to display their projects, see what others have done and renew friendships with people they may only see at fair time. The fair is also a good time to “steal” ideas from others about exhibits for future fairs.
For parents it may be a “pain in the neck” or it may be a time to relive their childhood through their 4-H’er.
For extension agents, it may be a time of great stress and anxiety. It is a given that we will be chewed out many times, usually over things which we have no control. At times the fair just seems like three, long, grueling days for many people. Yet, when we see that smile or joy on the face of a 4-H’er that just won a blue or purple ribbon, it makes all of our efforts worthwhile.
I invite everyone to come to the Elk County 4-H Fair in Howard and see the many accomplishments and efforts of the Elk County 4-H’ers during this past year. For a complete schedule of events, contact the Rolling Prairie Extension District Howard Office or see other articles in today’s Prairie Star.
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The Howard Chamber of Commerce is pleased to sponsor the annual Elk County 4-H Fair parade, slated for 11 a.m. Saturday, July 18, in Howard.
This year’s theme will be “Stars and Stripes,” and parade participants are encouraged to use costumes and decorations with plenty of red, white and blue.
See this week’s printed edition of Prairie Star for all the details.
