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ENLARGE
Megan Ruhn
Each year the Douglas County Fair is the Grand Finale for 4-Hers who choose to participate.
Most of this year we spent pondering the idea that this might be our final “fairwell” to the program and this event. Many youth and adults spent countless hours working to provide awareness about our ballot measure in the May election. Thanks to their hard work and your community support, we can continue this 92-year tradition of fun-filled learning.
Please come celebrate with us this year, because “It’s Magical!”
These youth tend to celebrate when they earn recognition for their hard work. The 4-H Motto explains that the 4-H program is designed for “Making the Best Better.”
The fair truly is a unique opportunity for youth to set a goal, have materials to help them learn through doing, keep records of the experience and then be personally evaluated so they can learn more from a professional. They are judged on the Danish Merit System, which means that participants are judged against criteria. A blue ribbon means they meet and exceed standards, red means they meet the standard and have done a good job, and a white means the participant has room for improvements. Awards are given in the form of ribbons, premiums and public recognition to distinguish a job well done.
There are many different project areas in which youth can be identified for outstanding project work. This year we have 497 youth in Douglas County either bringing an animal, a static exhibit or who are participating in a contest.
Most people recognize 4-H as youth who have farm animals to show at the fair. However, there is much more offered than just that. For example, showing dogs has become quite popular in the last few years.
Static exhibits include, but are not limited to, foods, clothing, technology, forestry, geology, woodworking, educational displays, arts and photography. Beyond the exhibits and animals there are also contests that are going on during fair. There is the fashion revue, ready-to-wear, mini meal, food preparation, presentations and table setting.
There are also many more activities throughout the year to help build leadership, citizenship and life skills. These activities include OSU Summer Conference, Interstate Exchange, Oregon Leaders Forum and Resident Camp.
One major part of fair is the Junior Market Auction Program. This year there will be 88 beef projects and 195 swine projects crossing the scale for sale in the auction. Youth work very hard on showmanship and confirmation of their animals, as it determines their respective spots in the sale. They also work diligently this time of year to go out into the community to encourage people and businesses to support the Roseburg Rotary 4-H and FFA Jr. Livestock Auction programs.
Oftentimes these youth are saving the money earned for college or for the next year’s projects. If you are interested in supporting this program and purchasing an animal at the sale, please contact the Extension Service for more information.
To learn more about the 4-H program, please contact Megan Ruhn at the Oregon State University Extension Office at 672-4461 or by e-mail at megan.ruhn@oregonstate.edu.
Most of this year we spent pondering the idea that this might be our final “fairwell” to the program and this event. Many youth and adults spent countless hours working to provide awareness about our ballot measure in the May election. Thanks to their hard work and your community support, we can continue this 92-year tradition of fun-filled learning.
Please come celebrate with us this year, because “It’s Magical!”
These youth tend to celebrate when they earn recognition for their hard work. The 4-H Motto explains that the 4-H program is designed for “Making the Best Better.”
The fair truly is a unique opportunity for youth to set a goal, have materials to help them learn through doing, keep records of the experience and then be personally evaluated so they can learn more from a professional. They are judged on the Danish Merit System, which means that participants are judged against criteria. A blue ribbon means they meet and exceed standards, red means they meet the standard and have done a good job, and a white means the participant has room for improvements. Awards are given in the form of ribbons, premiums and public recognition to distinguish a job well done.
There are many different project areas in which youth can be identified for outstanding project work. This year we have 497 youth in Douglas County either bringing an animal, a static exhibit or who are participating in a contest.
Most people recognize 4-H as youth who have farm animals to show at the fair. However, there is much more offered than just that. For example, showing dogs has become quite popular in the last few years.
Static exhibits include, but are not limited to, foods, clothing, technology, forestry, geology, woodworking, educational displays, arts and photography. Beyond the exhibits and animals there are also contests that are going on during fair. There is the fashion revue, ready-to-wear, mini meal, food preparation, presentations and table setting.
There are also many more activities throughout the year to help build leadership, citizenship and life skills. These activities include OSU Summer Conference, Interstate Exchange, Oregon Leaders Forum and Resident Camp.
One major part of fair is the Junior Market Auction Program. This year there will be 88 beef projects and 195 swine projects crossing the scale for sale in the auction. Youth work very hard on showmanship and confirmation of their animals, as it determines their respective spots in the sale. They also work diligently this time of year to go out into the community to encourage people and businesses to support the Roseburg Rotary 4-H and FFA Jr. Livestock Auction programs.
Oftentimes these youth are saving the money earned for college or for the next year’s projects. If you are interested in supporting this program and purchasing an animal at the sale, please contact the Extension Service for more information.
To learn more about the 4-H program, please contact Megan Ruhn at the Oregon State University Extension Office at 672-4461 or by e-mail at megan.ruhn@oregonstate.edu.
