Tuesday’s 4-H grounds clean up was more than a time to set up hog pens and scrub down the concession stand. For several 4-Hers, it was time to meet up with friends and prepare to show off their hard work during the 4-H Fair at Eastside Park Saturday through Thursday.

“I like working with animals and doing projects myself and being around the people because everyone’s so nice,” said fifth-year 4-Her Emily Westmer of Odon while helping move chairs in the exhibit building.

Like most 4-Hers, seven-year member Austin Jarrett of Washington said he likes 4-H because it’s fun to come out to the fair, see friends and hang out. Plus, he enjoys showing sheep and competing in the photography project.

“4-H teaches responsibility and hard work,” he said while taking a break from setting up livestock pens.

Looking back on her 10 years in 4-H, Country Cougar Club leader Beth Riggins said adults like to come to the fair to see the children show their work and win their ribbons.

“I think 4-H teaches important leadership skills and responsibility in youth,” she said while preparing the livestock arena. “4-Hers come together to have a good time and work together to get projects done.”

Due to daylight saving time, evening livestock classes at this year’s 4-H Fair have been moved back an hour from previous years to 6:30 p.m. But the shows and exhibits look to be just as entertaining as the number of 4-Hers has risen slightly to about 360, said Extension Educator Jane Ann Beard.

This year, photography and small livestock classes continued to be the favorite projects, and 12 members will celebrate their 10th and last year of 4-H membership.

For the second year, proceeds from the concession stand will benefit the 4-H Association.

Roger Clinton, on the 4-H Board of Directors, said the stand was swamped last year and raised about $1,600 for the upkeep of the 4-H buildings and grounds. The windows will be run by 4-H club members, while directors, trustees and leaders cook the traditional fair food.

One difference this year will be that mini 4-Hers bring in their projects on Saturday with all the other 4-Hers instead of on Monday.

“I encourage everyone to come out and see the kids and the effort they have put in,” said Beard. She also commended the tremendous numbers of adults volunteers, leaders and committee members.

4-H Show Schedule

Saturday