The History of County Fairs
The origins of county fairs can be traced back to the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The first recognized county fair was held in 1811 in Berkshire County, Pittsfield, Massachusetts. The Berkshire County Fair exhibited produce, livestock, and other agricultural...
Beyond the Blue Ribbon: Make the Most of the 4-H Experience with Your Local Fair
Fairs have been part of the 4-H youth development experience since 1902. The origins of what we have come to know as a fair can be historically documented as early as 500 BC. The earliest fairs were community celebrations to recognize religious feast days,...
Meet the 4-H Agent- Dana Stephens- Okaloosa County, FL
Dana Stephens enjoys serving Okaloosa County, Florida and UF/IFAS Extension as the County Extension Director and 4-H Agent. In the County Extension Director role, Dana guides a vibrant team of faculty, program assistants, and staff engaged in impactful educational...
5 Ideas to Celebrate Youth Achievements
As the 4-H Club year draws to a close, it's time to celebrate the hard work, growth, and achievements of its members. Whether you've been raising animals, honing your leadership skills, or mastering a new craft, there are numerous ways to commemorate the end of the...
2024 Chick Chain Show Results
On Saturday, April 20, 2024, the Washington County Ag Center came to life with 64 4-Hers and 141 chickens for the 2024 Northwest District Chick Chain show. The show was the culmination of the seven-month Northwest District 4-H Chick Chain project. In September 2023,...
Secure your Future with Florida 4-H Scholarships
Not only does Florida 4-H teach life skills that make our youth members competitive scholarship applications, our organization also provides several opportunities to help youth pay for education beyond high school. Another benefit of our scholarship program is that it...
National Pretzel Day
Who doesn't love a warm, soft pretzel? Did you know they are fast and easy to make? Pretzels are a yummy way to introduce youth to the science of bread baking. Following a recipe can also help them practice following directions and measuring ingredients. Plus....it's...
5 Easy Ideas to Spark Green Thumbs
Gardening is not just about growing plants; it's about nurturing a connection with the earth, fostering a sense of responsibility, and discovering the wonders of nature. For 4-H youth, gardening provides a hands-on learning experience that teaches valuable skills,...
Spring Outside: 3 Ways to Move Club Meetings Outdoors
As the days grow longer and the weather warms up (but isn't too hot), it's the perfect time to take your 4-H club activities outdoors! Outdoor activities offer unique opportunities for hands-on learning, team building, and exploration of the natural world. Whether...
Planning a Safe and Engaging Paddling Adventure for Youth Part 2
As we continue with part two of our series 'Planning a Safe and Engaging Paddling Adventure for Youth,' our goal is to highlight the key elements that make these excursions both memorable and educational. You will be introduced to the essentials of group dynamics,...