4-H exhibits an important part of Kansas State Fair

By NANCY B. PETERSON

K-State Research and Extension

HUTCHINSON --- At the Kansas State Fair, it is possible to experience a little of Kansas' past, a whole lot of Kansas' present and a glimpse of the future, too. The event truly offers something for everyone, but what visitors don't see may be as much or more important than what they do see, said Gary Gerhard, state director of 4-H youth programs.

Gerhard, who also is assistant director of K-State Research and Extension, believes the Kansas State Fair, which runs Sept. 8-17, offers a sense of celebration. For example, 4-H members earn the privilege of exhibiting at the state fair. Their exhibits reflect their hard work, pride and a job well done.

The youth organization offers activities that build basic life skills in foods, nutrition, health, wellness, communication and personal finance, to name a few of the more than 30 project areas. 4- H also encourages mastery --- learning a skill and learning it well - -- in a pleasant environment. The youth program helps young people learn how to get along with each other, how to build a sense of community and how to be responsible citizens, too, he said.

"As fellow Kansans, each of us has a stake in our young peoples' success," said Gerhard, who quoted Kansas 4-H Foundation president Bill Riley: "4-H helps kids grow up to be someone you'd like to have as a neighbor."

The youth organization has been active in the state for 95 years. It began in Leavenworth County in 1905. It continues to be a community-based organization, but its tie with K-State Research and Extension allows the youth organization to utilize research and education resources from Kansas State University in its skill- building programs, Gerhard said.

The fact that 4-H has a large number of volunteer leaders who serve as mentors also is a plus, as is the fact that part of the program encourages older members to teach younger members. The intergenerational activities foster respect and a spirit of cooperation and often result in lifelong friendships.

Early on, 4-H served a largely rural population. That is no longer true. Most of Kansas' 30,000 members are from urban and suburban areas. More than 70,000 students who benefit each year from school enrichment programs come from all areas of the state, he said.

Gerhard, who has had experience as a 4-H member, leader, agent, parent and specialist before becoming state director, credits his continuing interest and enthusiasm for the program to the sense of hope that is a part of the growth and education process in 4-H programs.

Nearly 13,000 4-H exhibits are expected at the fair this year. A majority (more than 1,300 prize-winning Kansas photographs, for example) will be displayed in the 4-H exhibit building at the north end of the fair grounds. Others can be seen during special events, like the dog show or rabbit judging.

Copyright 2000
Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning Company. All rights Reserved.