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Catch the best of 4-H program at fairgrounds

The La Plata County pre-fair events kick off Saturday and Sunday.

The community is welcome to come to the fairgrounds, 2500 Main Ave., on Saturday to watch the ARBA (American Rabbit Breeders Association) Rabbit and 4-H Horse Show. On Sunday, spectators can enjoy 4-H Gymkhana, which is a horse event. These are free events, and concessions will be available.

The La Plata County Fair officially will begin Wednesday and will run through Aug. 9. By the start, 4-H members will have entered their unique clothing, natural-resource, arts, cake and foods projects.

They will have completed interviews about all their projects. Many participated in contests such as cake decorating, creative cooks and fashion revue. All of their projects will be awarded a ribbon and be on display inside the Extension Building.

The biggest day of the fair will be Aug. 8. The day will be filled with animal shows, the demolition derby, the Junior Livestock Auction, the Family Dance and the 4-H community barbecue.

Once again, we will be hosting the best barbecue of the summer from noon to 5 p.m. on the Durango/La Plata Senior Center lawn next to the fairgrounds. All proceeds will help support La Plata County 4-H programs.

The barbecue will include local beef and pork from Sunnyside Meats. Four sponsored barbecue teams will showcase their grilling talents for everyone to taste. A people’s choice award will decide the favorite.

The meal will include corn on the cob, salad, bread, cobbler, ice cream and a drink. Tickets are $10 at the door, $8 in advance and $5 for seniors 65 and older and for children younger than 8.

We are also excited to bring the La Plata County 4-H Marketplace to the barbecue area. The 4-H Marketplace, which is in its third year, supports 4-H members who are young entrepreneurs. Tents will be set up outside the entrance/exit of the barbecue.

Seven members will showcase their business products. They have attended summer workshops and built skills in working with consumers. Remember, it is never too early to start planning for Christmas gifts.

Here is a brief look at the businesses:

Kat’s Kreations: Katherine McCourt of the Rocky Mountain Rough Riders 4-H Club will have necklaces and note cards with her own photos on them at her booth.

Bullet Babes: Oakley Felker and Lexie Crawford have taken their love of the 4-H Shooting Sports project to make jewelry and accessories for women who are involved in shooting sports.

The Farmhouse: Sisters Isabella and Josie McGaw will showcase handmade crafts and baked goods.

Halle Dazzle: Halle Moore will be back to market her unique jewelry line.

Kiara Homemaker: Kiara Valley will take the skills she has learned in 4-H food preservation projects to display her canned goods.

Finally, Stan Ott and Cara Kallaher of the Animas Valley 4-H Club haven’t picked out a name for their businesses, however, Stan will be selling a special pesto sauce, and Cara will be offering cupcakes made with goat’s milk from her ranch.

This is shaping up to be an exciting year at the fair. We look forward to seeing you there.

Greg Felsen is the La Plata County 4-H youth development agent. He can be reached at felsengh@co.laplata.co.us or 382-6463.



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