4-Hers work hard for priviledge

A lot of work goes into the animals shown at the fair.

- Kansas State Fair

By NANCY B. PETERSON

K-State Research and Extension

MANHATTAN --- Exhibiting at the Kansas State Fair usually is one of the highlights of a 4-Her's career.

It is a privilege that has to be earned. To qualify, 4-Hers must first earn a purple or "State Fair" blue ribbon at their county fair, said Lindy Lindquist, associate K-State Research and Extension 4-H Youth program specialist who manages the 4-H exhibit building at the Kansas State Fair. The fair runs Sept. 8-17.

Lindquist, who has logged more than 25 years working with the youth program in the state, said she never tires of the event.

"Exhibiting at the Kansas State Fair often is the final step in the ladder to reach a goal, so it's fun to see the sense of anticipation and share in the excitement that the kids bring along with their displays. They are flanked by proud parents and grandparents, but not everyone who visits is a relative. Friends and neighbors often stop by to see the winning exhibits of those they know. For years, one rural mail carrier always came to the Fair to see the entries of everyone who lived on his route," she said.

"People don't need to be involved in 4-H to enjoy the exhibit building. Visitors who have no previous exposure to 4-H usually are amazed at the number, variety --- and, sometimes, complexity --- of the projects," Lindquist said.

For the state fair this year, she is expecting nearly 13,000 4-H entries. A majority of the exhibits will be displayed in the 4-H building that is located at the north end of the fair grounds. 4-H demonstrations, which provide a chance to learn about everything from being a rodeo clown to making the best cookies in town, will be given during both weekends at the Fair.

New to the fair this year are 4-H tour guides. They will be on hand to answer frequently asked questions like "How high can that rocket fly?" or "How many ribbons are in that quilt?"

Children also are invited to play a match game that will help them learn more about the exhibits. Completing their game sheets make them eligible for a souvenir and prize drawing. Special activities also are planned for students who visit the fair during the week, said Lindquist, who encourages families who are considering enrolling in one or more of the more than 30 educational programs 4-H offers to visit the exhibit building. Such visits can help them identify projects that best match their interests, she said.

In addition to managing the exhibits in the building, Lindquist also will coordinate efforts of nearly 700 volunteers. Most are 4-H leaders and members who give their time as a way of paying back for the benefits they received from the youth organization.

"Today's kids have a lot of choices, but interest in 4-H remains fairly stable. It offers activities for both boys and girls and is one activity the family can do together. About 70,000 students age 7 and up are 4-H club members in Kansas. They can choose from a variety of projects or create their own. For example, current self- determined projects include adopting a buffalo as a pet, learning to be a rodeo clown and organizing a county food drive that yielded more than 3,000 pounds of food. Children need not, however, be a member to enjoy benefits --- more than 100,000 children who are not members of 4-H clubs benefit each year from school enrichment programs sponsored by 4-H," she said.

The 4-H exhibit building is located at the north end of the fair grounds. It will be open each weekend day of the fair from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., and from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. weekdays.

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