TAKE THE TIME TO VISIT THE COUNTY FAIR found true for non-animal projects. Youth may love photography, crafts, or gardening and the idea of Why are County Fairs so bringing those projects to important to 4-H youth? They the fair may encourage them are a culmination of many to learn more. Preparing weeks, months, or even a for the fair offers life skills year’s worth of learning, and leadership roles that the creating, and growing through youth get to share with fair their 4-H experiences. The attendees. Fair goers will get visit might not just be the fair to see youth-raised animals itself that is important to the during the judging process program, but the completion and youth may be asked to of their projects. For example, explain their project to the a youth that raises an animal, judge. whether it is for market or Many times, 4-H youth don’t show would have to care for, realize all the great things they work with, and learn about have learned until they reflect that animal. on their 4-H experiences. In another example, this is Certainly, 4-H teaches life and Submitted by Barbara Moran, 4-H Youth Development Program Manager
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Extension Connection
July 2022
leadership skills and helps youth develop these skills earlier in life with the support of volunteers and CCE staff. So, the next time you come across the opportunity to visit a county fair, be sure to look at all the 4-H projects. On your visit you will see the innovative, creative hard work the youth have brought to the fair. Take the time to stop and ask the 4-H youth what went into their project and learn how much it means to them.