Take Time to Visit The County Fair

TAKE THE TIME TO VISIT THE COUNTY FAIR

Submitted by Barbara Moran, 4-H Youth Development Program Manager Why are County Fairs so important to 4-H youth? They are a culmination of many weeks, months, or even a year’s worth of learning, creating, and growing through their 4-H experiences. The visit might not just be the fair itself that is important to the program, but the completion of their projects. For example, a youth that raises an animal, whether it is for market or show would have to care for, work with, and learn about that animal. In another example, this is found true for non-animal projects. Youth may love photography, crafts, or gardening and the idea of bringing those projects to the fair may encourage them to learn more. Preparing for the fair offers life skills and leadership roles that the youth get to share with fair attendees. Fair goers will get to see youth-raised animals during the judging process and youth may be asked to explain their project to the judge. Many times, 4-H youth don’t realize all the great things they have learned until they reflect on their 4-H experiences. Certainly, 4-H teaches life and 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.