Meiers prepare for first 4-H fair experience
With the Marion County Fair beginning Wednesday, many 4-H'ers and others are finishing projects to enter in the 4-H or open class competition. Aubrey and Jesse Meier, first-year members of South Cottonwood 4-H Club, are tying up loose ends on their projects for the fair.
Aubrey, 11 and a sixth grader at Hillsboro Middle School, has several entries. Her bucket calf, Midnight, is her first venture in calf raising.
"My dad is in the beef industry," said Aubrey. "One of his cows had twins and I kept one for my project. I've never done this before."
Taking care of a bucket calf can be time consuming. Aubrey bathes Midnight twice a week, cleans his pen, grooms and walks him, and trains him in the art of being shown.
"After the fair, I'll take Midnight to Dad's farm," Aubrey said. "He'll be in a pasture in Ramona."
In the future, Aubrey wants to do pottery, sewing, and foods.
Jesse, seven and a second grader at Hillsboro Elementary School, also has multiple entries, including a bug collection.
"I like bugs. They're cool to look at and they do cool stuff," said Jesse. "They change colors and change shape. I like bugs."
Jesse's entomology project is a work in progress. However, his pine wood derby car and Christmas tree are complete.
Aubrey's and Jesse's entries are a part of Exploring 4-H which includes many areas and is for beginning 4-H'ers. First-year or second-year members may enter three projects in Exploring 4-H at the fair such as arts and crafts, woodworking, bugs, and others.
According to county extension agent Nancy Pihl, Exploring 4-H is a good way for beginning 4-H'ers to get an idea of what the program is about.
"Exploring 4-H projects are for beginners," said Pihl. "It allows them to try a wide variety of activities and get a taste of what 4-H offers."
Marion County has six 4-H clubs with more than 200 members; 40 to 50 of those members are beginners. Entries for Exploring 4-H are due by 10 a.m. Wednesday at the fairgrounds.
"Marion County Fair is a great time for 4-H'ers to show what they've been learning," Pihl said. "It is their time to shine."
The Meier children will be ready for the fair. The glass has been etched, K-State brick painted, pillow and blanket sewn, and all the bugs collected and pinned in place. The Christmas trees with ornaments representing different things about 4-H also are ready to go.
"Everything about 4-H is the best," said Aubrey. "The meetings are fun, especially the snacks."
"It's fun," echoed brother Jesse. "It's hard work but I got to choose what I wanted to do."
Collecting ribbons also might be fun for them.
Jill Meier appreciates the fun her children are having but also sees some other benefits.
"We encouraged our children to be in 4-H," said Jill. "This is something we can do together as a family and Aubrey and Jesse will learn public speaking skills, gain self-confidence, and develop organizational skills."
4-H entries will be in the 4-H building Wednesday at the Marion County Fairgrounds. Livestock entries will be at the livestock barn.
