The Register Citizen (Torrington, CT)
Annual 4-H Fair set for Aug. 4-5
Animals, clubs highlights Lichfield County yearly event
GOSHEN — Every year, members of 4-H chapters around Connecticut host their annual fair, showing what they’ve learned to their friends, family members and thousands of visitors. At the Goshen Fairgrounds, the Litchfield County 4-H Fair will return on Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 4-5, daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Woodbury resident Madeline Hall, 12, the publicity chairperson for this year’s fair, is a home-schooled student whose mom, Margaret, leads her daughter’s 4-H dog club. Madeline has been a member for 5 years. She joins more than 300 members of the Litchfield County chapter.
“I do dogs because I love them,” Madeline said during a phone interview. “I have four of my own, two labs and two mixes, Mylie, Bella, Rose and Ivy.”
Her love for dogs may begin a career as a veterinarian, she said. But she has plenty of time to decide. For now, her 4-H experience is fun and helps her talk to people more easily, she said. She starts eighth grade in September.
“I went to the 4-H fair in Goshen and walked around all the barns where they have the animals,” she said. “I saw the dog barn, and I decided I wanted to join.”
Many of the young members of 4-H focus their experience on raising and caring for animals — dogs, chickens and ducks, cows, goats and sheep.
But the biggest benefit of 4-H membership, for Madeline, is talking to people.
“I do a lot more than the dog stuff,” she said. “I did a public speaking competition and I’ve learned leadership skills. I can learn interviewing skills, and how to write a good resume.”
On fair weekend, the various clubs show their animals and explain how they take care of them. That explanation is also shared with visitors and during competitions.
“There’s a home show barn, where members can enter things they’ve made, like sewing projects, woodworking, mechanical engineering (such as the robotics club), and of course, animals, cows, goats and pigs,’ Madeline said.
The Litchfield County fair is almost a family event, since so many of the young people spend time together and families are often included. They also invite state leaders to participate.
“We invite all the legislators to do a treasure hunt, and they have to go to each barn,” Madeline said. “There’s a question posted on the wall, and they have to ask that member the question. So it gives them a chance to meet the 4-H members and talk to them.”
There’s also a membersonly Saturday night dinner and a silent auction to fund raise for the chapter.
At the fair, all profits are returned to the Litchfield County chapter. There are no vendors — 4-H members run the concession stand. Admission to the fair is free. Donations are welcome at any time.
Jan Carmody-Tanner and Laura Marek are the advisers for the Ltichfield County Club
According to its website, www.4-h.uconn.edu, 4-H is open to any youth between ages 7 to 18, with a special program for 5- and 6-yearolds called CT Explorers. There is no charge to become a member. Interested youth should contact their local Extension Center and will then be referred to an existing club leader, provided information on independent membership or starting a new club. Registration as a 4-H member is completed through the 4-H Online Enrollment System.
Volunteers are also needed. “There are many ways interested adults can become 4-H volunteers. Interested adults should contact their local Extension Center. Those wishing to start a 4-H group will receive training and complete application and screening process,” according to the website.
To learn more about the Litchfield County 4-H Fair at the Goshen Fairgrounds, visit the Facebook and search Litchfield County 4H or go to http://www.4-h.uconn.edu/ program/fairs.php