By: Kathryn Fenstermacher

“When you teach kids to volunteer and love your community at a young age, they’re more likely to give back and want to be active in that community.” – Kyli Penrod, 4-H Youth Development Director with Purdue Extension in Blackford County.

The 125th annual 4-H Fair is in full swing at the Blackford County Fairgrounds. Approximately 126 youth from 3rd through 12th grade have entered animals, produce, handcrafts, and more to be evaluated and awarded. We spoke with Penrod to get an inside look at the goings on at this year’s fair. In the process, we learned about the changing landscape of 4-H and the important role it will continue to play in the future of Blackford County. 

Today’s 4-H programming maintains many foundational priorities from when it started over 100 years ago. True to their creed, “Head, Heart, Hands, and Health,” 4-H aims to pique children’s curiosity while developing practical skills through hands-on experience. “Our goal . . . is to teach kids responsibility, leadership, encourage them to ask questions . . . and make sure they feel safe and included,” Penrod said.

As Blackford County 4-H has adapted to the 21st century landscape, the organization has branched out into technology and STEM. During the COVID-19 pandemic, staff switched to virtual programming, which is now a standard offering, allowing kids to participate from anywhere. They also delivered around 200 take-home kits to area children containing prepackaged projects they could complete at home. “It’s been amazing to see . . . the community-mindedness that we’ve all had in trying to move forward and make things better,” Penrod said.

Another major development is a capital improvement campaign currently underway. The 4-H Fairboard aims to raise $200,000 to tear down their Cattle Barn and Show Arena and replace them with one large enclosed barn. This new, multipurpose building will be available for community events, open shows, and traveling vendor markets throughout the year. So far, $123,000 in donations had been received, mostly from within Blackford County. Penrod hopes that many more donations will come in during the fair. “We’re definitely in a growth phase,” Penrod said. “Everybody’s been looking at making the community stronger, and I think Blackford 4-H could play a huge part in that.”

Leadership development has become an important emphasis within Blackford County 4-H. This can be seen in several aspects of fair week, including the beloved Clover Pageant and the Ambassadors Program. Clover Pageant participants aged two and up got on stage to answer questions, such as their name, favorite color, and favorite animal. Penrod said that this experience helps build confidence and public speaking skills at an early age. For the Ambassadors Program, an ambassador was selected to engage in school visits and local programs – and even to cross state lines. Last year, Penrod took the ambassadors to Kentucky to meet 4-Hers from another district. “I really think kids respond better to kids,” Penrod said.

Penrod’s team also hand-selected livestock ambassadors for each species being shown at the fair. These ambassadors demonstrate expertise and leadership, helping the younger kids and educating fair attendees. “The kids love to talk about their animals,” Penrod said.

This year, children in kindergarten through 2nd grade were eligible to participate in fair week through a new mini program. Penrod hosted a camp for these “minis,” who completed projects that exposed them to the principles and practices of 4-H. Their projects have been put on display at the fair, including them in the 4-H experience and, hopefully, encouraging them to participate in the full program once they reach 3rd grade. This Thursday, Penrod has arranged the county’s first ever mini livestock show for these youngsters to enter the show ring and get hands-on experience with animals.

While each day is packed with fun and educational activities, a few fair highlights to look forward to later this week include:

Kiddie Tractor Pull – 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 12, Events Tent

Ladies Tea – 2 p.m. Wednesday, July 13, Events Tent

Langdon Brother Breakfast – 7 – 9:30 a.m. Thursday, July 14, Events Tent

4-H Livestock Auction – 6 p.m. Friday, July 15, Show Arena

4-H Barn Dance – 9 p.m. – midnight Saturday, July 16, Show Arena

With activities ranging from live bands to cooking demonstrations, the fair truly has something for everyone. Pendrod urges the community to come out to the fair because it specifically showcases the hard work and achievements of our youth. “If there’s anybody that we really need to support at the moment, it is our youth,” she said.” When the conversation is about the amazing work that they are doing, that’s really important to them and it helps them grow.”

4-H Fair runs every day this week through Saturday, July 16 at the Blackford County Fairgrounds. You can pick up a schedule of events at the fairgrounds office, or visit Blackford Co. 4-H & Open Fair on Facebook. Capital campaign donation forms are available at the 4-H Fair Office, or by calling (765) 348-3213.