A 4-H program might be synonymous with things like helping youths learn leadership roles and life skills, but the Baltimore County 4-H Fair at the Timonium Fairgrounds this weekend aims to go far beyond that.
Fair President Ann Price-Davis said that people should come out “to see what really is happening positively in Baltimore County with kids. These kids are all striving to do really well, stay in school and get back to nature. It?s not just video games with them.”
“I think it?s a great opportunity to see what the 4-H program is about and what it can offer,” said board member and former fair President Carrie Sellman. “While it?s great to learn to take care of animals or take a great photo, it?s skills like public speaking, responsibility and teamwork, hidden skills that you don?t see that the kids are learning.”
The Baltimore County 4-H members each choose a project in an area they are interested in learning about, such as photography or caring for livestock. The “4-H-er” then works on the project all year and displays their work at the fair.
“The fair is like the culmination for members to exhibit their project work, and show how they have grown through working on the project,” Sellman said.
Laura Pederson, 18, of Monkton, was showing her Hereford heifer, Sarah Jane.
“I?ve learned selflessness, on the days you don?t want to get out of bed, you know your cattle or sheep need you to feed them and take care of them. I learned a lot of compassion and patience, especially with the babies,” she said.
“It basically permeates every aspect of your life. You?ll be going along and stumble across something and say, ?oh I learned that in 4-H,? ” said Butler resident Hannah Patterson, 15. “You learn responsibly, how to care for something other than yourself and get a lot more experience than other kids your age.”
Last year the fair saw about 3,000 attendees with the same number expected this year.
Along with traditional events like a cake auction, livestock auction and basket bingo, the fair will also offer an ice cream-making contest, animal costume contest and fashion revue.
Baltimore County 4-H Fair
» Timonium Fairgrounds, 2200 York Road, Lutherville-Timonium
» Hours: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday
» Tickets: Free
» More info: baltimorecounty4hfair.org
