By VIRGINIA DRYE
Eagle Times Staff
CORNISH, N.H. — For many 4-Hers the Cornish Fair is one of the highlights of the year. With a long history of agriculture at the fair, this is the time for youth to demonstrate and highlight their skill sets learned during the year.
4-H is a youth educational program of UNH Cooperative Extension.
“It is a partnership between screened volunteer mentors and youth, but together, work on projects that kids are interested in,” said Laurie Field, 4-H Program Manager for Sullivan County.
When at the Fair, here are five ways to see 4-H in action:
Visit the Dairy Booth
One of the biggest fundraisers for the County, youth engage with the public by selling Ice cream, sundaes, milkshakes, frappes and more! Be sure to stop by and enjoy the delicious ice cream.
Fence Talks
Have a question about the animals? Be sure to visit the barns, as several youth have presentations about their animals. The fence talks are not scheduled, but they happen all Saturday and Sunday.
“I think the biggest thing is people should not be afraid to talk to the kids about their 4-H project animal because that’s what they’re there for is to educate the public on agriculture,” said Field.
4-H Shows
Throughout the fair there will be shows featuring dairy, sheep, working steer, beef, horse, rabbit, poultry and dogs! This is when youth demonstrate their skills with the animals and receive awards.
Scavenger Hunt
New this year, there is a scattered Scavenger Hunt around the fair. Starting at any barn, the hunt brings you around the fair to learn about animal science and talk to a 4-H exhibitor about their project animal, and then they punch your hunt cards.
One you complete the eight stops on the scavenger hunt, you can go to the poultry/rabbit tent and receive a prize by turning in your cards.
4-H Exhibit Hall
At the top of the hill at the school building, there will be exhibits from 4-Hers that showcase their special projects.
“We have a couple of fun contests up there. There’s a sunflower contest, and then there’s a disguise of potatoes,” noted Field. “We handed out seed potatoes [earlier in the year]. Everybody took them home and planted them so they can either come or put their vegetables in to earn a prize. Or they can actually disguise a potato into something other than a potato,” said Field.
If you would learn more about 4-H, content will be available at the fair.
