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| 4-H Members Gear Up for County and State Fairs By Trisha Gedon | |
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| Posted by Agricultural Communication Services on Friday, Jul. 16, 2004 | |
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STILLWATER, Okla. - The smell of cotton candy is in the air and Oklahoma 4-H'ers are preparing for county fairs, of which the top exhibits will be taken on to the Oklahoma State Fair and the Tulsa State Fair. As club members go through the fair book, they may notice a change in some of the age divisions and classes of exhibits, said Kevin Hackett, Northwest District 4-H Youth Development program specialist. "We've reworked some of the classes at both the Oklahoma State Fair and the Tulsa State Fair. Some categories have been combined and others have been split into new categories," Hackett said. A committee comprised of volunteer leaders, specialists and Extension educators worked on updating the new exhibit opportunities back in November. The newest exhibit category is called Community Service Education Booth Displays (section 301). This category is devoted to promoting community service in which 4-H members and groups have been involved. "Community service is a big part of the overall 4-H program and we wanted a way to highlight the efforts of the club members to the public," he said. "The youth can either do the community service project themselves or they can lead others youth in doing the project. We want to bring to the forefront some of the excellent work our club members do around the state." All of the 4-H exhibits are listed in the livestock portion of the fair book for both fairs. The plan is to not print fair books for either state fair this year. They are available online only through each state fair's respective Web site. Hackett said most county fairs have adopted all the classes featured at both the Oklahoma State fair and the Tulsa State Fair. Both state fair books are available online through the 4-H Web site at www.clover.okstate.edu/fourh/. Click on the 2004 State Fair Information link near the bottom of the page in the "Recent Site Updates" section. Near the middle of the page is "Fair Book Information." Both of the state fair books can be reached from this link. The Oklahoma State Fair kicks off Sept. 17 and runs through Sept. 26. Exhibit judging day is Sept.14 and all exhibits must be in place by 11 a.m. The Tulsa State Fair opens to the public on Sept. 30 and runs through Oct. 10. Exhibit judging day is Sept. 28 and all exhibits must be in place by 11 a.m. The Oklahoma Vegetable Association will once again sponsor the Giant Pumpkin Contest at the Oklahoma State Fair. This competition is an effort to get more 4-H and FFA members interested in horticulture. The weigh-in will take place Sept. 14 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and is open to all 4-H¿ers no matter what fair in which their county participates. "The winners of this competition are determined by the weight of the pumpkin or pumpkin-type squash," he said. First prize is $100 and a trophy, second place is $50 and a trophy and third place will receive $25 and a trophy. Hackett said both of the state fairs give the public a wonderful opportunity to see the diversity of the Oklahoma 4-H program. "There will be traditional livestock exhibits, as well as exhibits that showcase breads, science and technology, photography, conservation of natural resources and sewing, just to name a few," he said. "4-H offers its members so many different opportunities and the Oklahoma State Fair and the Tulsa State Fair are great places to see the positive effect the organization has on its members." Membership in the 4-H Youth Development Program like all Oklahoma Cooperative Extension programs are open to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, national origin, gender religion, age or handicap. ### Oklahoma State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, State and Local Governments Cooperating: The Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, disability, or status as a veteran, and is an equal opportunity employer. |
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