County fairs are about much more than exhibits, auctions and competitions. They provide an opportunity to bring the community together and showcase the learning, creativity, hard work and personal growth of its young people.
“For me, being at the fair is about helping people make those connections — between youths and caring adults, families and community resources and learning and real-life experiences,” said Megan Suehring, 4-H positive youth development educator with the University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension Shawano County. “It is a privilege to be part of an event that celebrates our young people while creating opportunities for the entire community to learn, engage and grow together.”
During the fair, Suehring’s role is centered on education and community connection, with a focus on supporting youths, families and fair visitors.
“Throughout the week, I work alongside fair volunteers and partners, answer questions, provide guidance related to 4-H projects and youth development, and help create positive and meaningful experiences,” she said.
Suehring noted that 4-H learning happens 52 weeks a year.
“Youths are caring for and training their animals days, weeks and sometimes years before September rolls around,” she said. “Kids are meeting in community club and after-school 4-H club settings every month to improve leadership skills and plan community service events. Youths are increasing their skills in designated project areas, from trapping to foods and nutrition, deciding to bring specific exhibits for judging at the fair.”
Suehring said 4-H’s partnership with the Shawano County Fair provides youths with a place where they can have projects judged, receiving critique for how to make their exhibits even better.
She said one of her favorite parts of the fair is creating hands-on opportunities for visitors to learn.
“Shawano County 4-H provides education stations, informational displays and interactive scavenger hunts that invite people of all ages to explore, ask questions and discover more about 4-H and the many project areas available to local youths,” she said.
“The week also features the Shawano County 4-H Leaders Inc. main fundraiser, the 4-H Food Stand, which is the main source of financial support toward 4-H educational and outreach programs and youth travel opportunities. The cheeseburgers, chocolate shakes and watermelon that are purchased directly support Shawano County 4-H kids. It also provides a place for youths and adult volunteers to improve food safety and preparation, teamwork and customer service skills.”
The Shawano County 4-H Program features four youth auctions that happen during the fair:
• Decorated Cake Auction, 5 p.m. Sept. 4 in the Hunting Family Youth and 4-H Building.
• Livestock Auction, 6:30 p.m. Sept. 4 in the Coliseum.
• Youth Dairy Auction, 6:30 p.m. Sept. 5 in the Coliseum.
• Small Animal Auction, 10 a.m. Sept. 7 in the Coliseum.
Shawano County 4-H has an enrollment of about 570 youths in 19 community clubs, and an additional 200 are in after-school and organizational 4-H clubs and programming at Gresham and Marion school districts, Shawano Boys and Girls Club, Bridge the Gap and the Stockbridge-Munsee Mohican Family Center.
Like many adults involved in 4-H, Suehring’s favorite part of the fair is seeing the hard work of youths on display.
“That doesn’t always mean earning a merit ribbon or being the grand champion,” she said. “(It’s) kids helping other kids — whether it’s washing chickens, grabbing an ice cream together after disappointment or sharing showing tips before walking in the ring. I love seeing fair friends greet each other like they’re at a family reunion. We chuckle hearing the tales of the escapee pig and the cake that cracked.
“Most of all, I enjoy seeing kids feel proud of the projects they have made, skills they have learned and hours they have put in.”
The week of the fair is full of highs and lows for everyone involved.
“The memories and friendships you make are more important than the ribbons you will take home at the end of the week,” Suehring said.
kpasson@newmedia-wi.com
