The Wayne County Fair, along with other local county fairs, provides 4-H youth across the state with an opportunity to showcase the project work that they have completed throughout the year and to receive recognition for their efforts.
Model rockets that have been assembled from basic materials, cookies that will make your mouth water, sheep that are sheared for the big show, and many other exhibits can most likely be seen at the Wayne County Fair.
Through these projects, youth develop self-confidence by experiencing success at solving problems and meeting challenges. County fairs provide a safe environment for youth to make mistakes and to receive constructive feedback, not only through competition, but also through their participation. The 4-H year begins in October of each year, and youth can develop both new and old skills throughout the year. The county fair is the culminating showcase event for youth to exhibit what they have learned and show off their skills!
4-H youth look forward to the county fair because of the fun that this time of year brings. Whether showing a market steer, modeling a garment in the Fashion Revue, or exhibiting a GIS map of a local park, youth across all project areas compete and participate in the county fair activities because they are fun. Youth have shared that “achieving goals,” “spending time with friends,” and “teamwork” contributed toward their engagement in the annual county fair. Recognition, competition, fair premiums, and qualifying for the State Fair ranked low in comparison to these other motivating factors.
Important educational youth development opportunities also exist within the 4-H fair experience. By completing 4-H projects and activities at the local fair and throughout the year, youth are mastering skills to make positive career and life choices. It is important for young people to discover in a non-threatening setting that certain vocations may or may not be right for them.
Give 4-H youth at your local county fair a grand champion experience by providing constructive feedback and encouragement. Your words and actions will allow youth to discover their own personal strengths and weaknesses through their 4-H project areas, all while having fun in a positive county fair environment. We can’t wait to see you at the Wayne County Fair July 23-26.
July Calendar
July: 1, 8, 15: Dog Workout.
July 3: Office Closed in Observation of Independence Day
July 11-15: State Horse Show
July 16: Contest Day Judging including Favorite Foods Contest
July 18: Dog, Cat, and Household Pet Shows.
July 20: Pre-Fair Clean-Up
July 21: Extension Office moves to the Fairgrounds
July 22: Static Exhibit Judging Day
July 22: Horticulture/Floriculture entries DUE
July 23-26: Wayne County Fair
July 25: Public Fashion Show, Wayne Co. Expo Building
July 27: Extension Office re-opens at Courthouse, 1:30
July 27: Post-Fair Clean-Up
July 28-30: North American Manure Expo.
