The Oconto County Youth Fair is a natural fit for the hundreds of students enrolled in Oconto County 4-H groups, but participation isn’t required.
“The Oconto County Youth Fair provides 4-H members with an opportunity to showcase the skills, knowledge and projects they have worked on throughout the year,” said Aimee Elkins, 4-H youth development educator with Oconto County’s University of Wisconsin-Extension Unit. “As the nation’s largest positive youth development organization, 4-H serves youths from kindergarten through one year beyond high school and offers opportunities for young people to explore their interests, develop life skills and build confidence through hands-on learning.”
There’s no limit to what they can learn, Elkins said.
“Whether a young person is interested in animal science, photography, art, foods, STEM, leadership, woodworking or countless other project areas, the fair provides an opportunity to celebrate their growth and accomplishments while sharing their learning with the community,” she said.
Participating in the fair gives young people a chance to demonstrate what they have learned, receive feedback, build confidence and share their interests with others.
“Our goal is to provide a wide variety of opportunities that allow youths to explore their interests and develop life skills in ways that are meaningful to them,” Elkins said. “However, many of our members choose to participate, because the fair provides a unique opportunity to exhibit projects, connect with peers, receive recognition for their hard work and engage with the broader community.”
While livestock projects are often the most visible, fair exhibits include everything from photography and visual arts to foods, STEM projects, natural sciences and more.
The success of youths at the fair is often made possible through the support of volunteers, club leaders, parents, grandparents and other adults who encourage, mentor and cheer them on throughout the year.
“The fair is as much a celebration of community support as it is a celebration of youth achievement,” Elkins said.
Oconto County 4-H currently includes nine community clubs, several school-based clubs and about 275 youth members.
Elkins is busy enough throughout the year, but she steps it up during the fair as well as the weeks leading up to it.
“My role during the fair is educational in nature and focused on supporting youths, volunteers, families and fair visitors,” she said. “Throughout the week, I work closely with volunteers and fair partners, answer questions, provide guidance related to 4-H projects and youth development, and help create positive learning experiences for participants and the public.”
She also creates hands-on educational opportunities such as activity stations, educational displays, demonstrations and interactive scavenger hunts that help visitors learn more about youth development and the many project areas represented within 4-H.
The arts, food sciences and STEM projects continue to be a very popular area for many 4-H members, but Elkins has seen growing participation in animal science projects — particularly goats, poultry and rabbits.
“Livestock exhibitors often look forward not only to their traditional breed and showmanship classes but also to fun events such as costume and formalwear contests, which allow youths to showcase creativity while building confidence and sportsmanship,” she said.
As far as Elkins’ favorite part of the fair, she enjoys seeing young people shine.
“There is something incredibly rewarding about watching youths proudly share a project they have worked hard on, explain what they learned, work through challenges and gain confidence through the experience,” she said. “I also enjoy seeing the relationships behind those accomplishments — including the volunteers, parents, grandparents and mentors who have invested their time and encouragement throughout the year.
“Seeing those moments of pride, growth and accomplishment is what makes fair week so rewarding.”
kpasson@newmedia-wi.com
