The La Plata County fair kicks off in just over two weeks.
Right now, many 4-H members are focused on finishing their livestock, horse and general-project record books. 4-H members are required to complete a record book and interview, do a public demonstration and participate in a community service event in order to have their project compete in the fair.
Through their record books, 4-H’ers learn how to set specific and attainable goals for their projects. In addition, they learn accounting skills by recording their expenses and recording the income they receive from their projects. Furthermore, they are encouraged to be creative by providing pictures and a story about their projects.
On the Monday and Tuesday before the official start of the fair, these projects will be judged and 4-H’ers will be interviewed. We are extremely blessed to have a great community of adult 4-H judges. These adults give their time and energy to assist youths in completing successful projects. The interview process allows a professional to give great advice to a 4-H’er. From top-notch local photographers and woodworkers to hardworking farmers and ranchers, 4-H gives back to the next generation.
It is truly amazing to see the growth 4-H members make from year to year. All 4-H record books will be on display in the Extension Building from Aug. 6 to Aug. 10.
For the second year, the fair will host the 4-H Marketplace. This program highlights our young entrepreneurs. These members have prepared business ideas they would like to show the community. The marketplace will be at the south entrance to the Exhibit Hall. 4-H members have purchased a banner and are preparing signs to advertise their goods. The market will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 9.
Currently, we have four youth business ideas to showcase. These include:
River Rock Goods. Sisters Katie and Cara Kallaher of the Animas Valley 4-H Club raise goats and chickens on River Rock Ranch. They are creating products from these animals to make great handmade items.
Halle Dazzle. Halle Moore of the Bayfield Riders 4-H Club created this business to showcase her unique jewelry. She had great fun at last year’s marketplace and is super excited to show off her new goods.
Kat’s Nifty Card Collection. Kat McCourt of the St. Columba 4-H Club is a kid who likes to be outside and take pictures. She will be displaying her photos on unique note cards.
Everything But the Kitchen Sink. Sisters Izzy and Josie McGaw from the Animas Valley 4-H Club love cooking, getting their hands dirty and doing new things. They decided to display a variety of items, hence the name, and will show off cake pops, eggs, earrings and photography.
Please visit these young entrepreneurs and support them. Who knows, they might have the next hit store in downtown Durango.
felsengh@co.laplata.co.us or 382-6463. Greg Felsen is La Plata County 4-H youth development agent.
