Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Getting ready for the 4H fair

Before I start this blog, I need to explain what 4H is.  I'll do my best to tell you in my own words.  4H is a civic non-profit organization.  4H clubs are youth organizations that can be general or specialize in one or more things.    Some clubs I know of specialize in:  sheep, goats, horses, dairy cows, beef cows, rabbits, dogs... many types of animals (I'm sure you get the point), clowns, baking, insects, machine building, and the list goes on.

When I was seven years old my parents started the Bloomfield 4H club, which was a general club.  We did many things, varying from work with livestock to volunteering with senior citizens.  I have wonderful memories of baking and having our kitchen COVERED in flour, sugar, apples and messy kids.  The Auer Farm in Bloomfield used to groom a huge hill for us and we would sled in the winter.  The list of things goes on but my favorite thing to do was to participate in the Hartford County 4H fair every year.  

Over the years I showed sheep, goats, swine, and beef cattle.  I entered in a variety of items including photography, an electronic goat (I was so proud I make that thing), vegetables, canning, record book, and the list goes on.  Did I mention competing in public speaking contests to be Fair Queen? Looking back at everything I participated in I now realize I probably spread myself too thin at the fair every year but I wouldn't change it if I could.  

At the age of 18 years old I became a 4H leader and I did so for a number of years until we dissolved the club.  

Now that I work full time and parent full time, I unfortunately don't have the time to dedicate to being 4H leader.  Annually I try to find the time to volunteer at the 4H fair.  This year I will be spending Thursday evening and Friday morning signing in Canning and Freezing entries.  On Friday, I will be assisting with the Swine show (I normally announce the shows, record the placements, and help break up pig fights).  On Sunday,  my family and I will be walking to support the Austin Harlow Memorial Race (hopefully next year I'll have the endurance to run the 5 K race with the stroller).  Also on Sunday,   I will be doing something new for me.  I will be judging the swine showmanship competition for the premier showmanship contest (when the top showman of a variety of breeds show those breeds in a competition to be awarded the most "premier" showman).  

My dad died on August 19, 2010 (the day before the 2010 4H fair).  My parents started my family's involvement with 4H and they, especially my father, have always been very active with the organization. I have SO many fond memories of my father at the fair!  From camping and sleeping over in the barns with my friends and him (chaperone), to chasing around loose animals, to his silent loving support and the goofing around he was best known for.  He was the swine advisor for many years and was lovingly known as the "Pig Man".   My involvement in the swine barn is something I enjoy to do in honor of my dad.

So if you're free this weekend, August 17, 18, 19 2012 and you want to check out the Hartford County 4H Fair please feel free to stop by, say hi, and check out what the kids have been busy getting ready for all year.  If you're interested the 5 K road race and 1 mile fun walk is Sunday 8-19-12 at 9:00 AM.  

The fair is at the Four Town Fair Grounds on Egypt Rd, Somers, CT