The past five months have been filled with meetings and planning that we never anticipated in early 2020. Hosting the annual county fair 4-H youth competitions is always the highlight for youth and their projects. Most consider it the end, however many youth, continue onto State Fair and compete with record books in the fall. This year, many times we questioned what the journey would be for them, and for us too.
Back in March, we started getting serious about planning what a modified fair could be. The youth and their families continued on with projects as usual, as we reassured them that there would be some sort of fair for 2020. Christine and I attended numerous virtual meetings to see what our options would be. From a 100% virtual fair to a 100% normal fair, the options were overwhelming at times.
As the spring moved along, we knew that the health and safety of the 4-H members and their families are always our number one priority and that a normal fair, just wouldn’t be an option for this year. Although our recommendations were unpopular, we found the middle ground to host a modified fair, reducing contact and keeping a safe environment for everyone visiting.
Bleaches were not set up in the show arena, youth were allowed to bring in their entries, leave them for display or take the back home after judging. The barns were quieter with less animals, the exhibit building looked empty with no display cases, and probably the saddest to us, no children enjoying time with their friends at the fair. As Extension staff and an outreach of Kansas State University, it is part of our job to make those tough calls and follow statewide policies put forth by our administration team on campus, but also finding a balance with the local community.
The lessons learned in 2020 will go beyond the ribbon and the project itself. In 4-H, our pledge states, “I pledge my head to greater thinking, my heart to greater loyalty, my hands to larger service, and my health to better living, for my community, my county and my world.” This year, indirectly, we got back to our basic life skills. Using our own minds for thinking and decision making early on. Using our hearts to show understanding, kindness, concern and affection for others. Using our abilities for social responsibility and to accomplish something through physical or mental effort. Finally, most importantly for 2020, our health. This year taught stress management, personal responsibility, how to manage feelings, and character.
Life handed us a bunch of lemons in 4-H this year. Youth were not able to participate in many educational events and experiences ranging from club meetings, camps, spring livestock shows, and workshops. The youth seemed enjoy what was given in the end. I know they took home more than just a ribbon this year. There is no doubt, that this year, will make them more successful contributing citizens to our community in the future.
Onward 4-Hers.
