Kane County fair time is not just about the animals

Summer is a busy time for 4-H members across Kane County. Over the next couple of weeks, they will be putting the finishing touches on their projects for the culminating event of the 4-H year - the 4-H shows at the Kane County Fair. While for 4-H members the best part of the year might be participating in the fair, most adults know that the learning and educational experiences throughout the program year are really the most valuable part of the 4-H experience.

When you hear the words 4-H and fair, I know many of you are thinking about the animal projects. And that is still an important part of the 4-H program in Kane County. However, did you know there are many other types of 4-H projects in which today's youth can participate? For example, computers, child development, robotics, consumer education, foods, woodworking, visual arts, bicycles, intercultural, child development, electricity, and natural resources are just a sampling of the 100-plus projects for youth to choose to learn about.

4-H is a positive youth development program for boys and girls, ages 8 to 18. It is for all youth, regardless of where they live. Today in Illinois most 4-H members are from towns and cities and they participate in projects addressing life skills and other important issues. 4-H serves youth from all backgrounds and interests. 4-H gives kids a chance to learn new things, develop new skills, travel to new places, experience new situations, make new friends, and most importantly, have lots of fun.

The 4-H program is volunteer based. Adult volunteers help throughout the year in 4-H community clubs and at 4-H events and activities. Without the support of volunteers, the 4-H program would not happen. They are crucial to the program and more are always needed.

To learn more about 4-H, visit the Kane County Fair, July 15-19 and check out the many different types of projects in the 4-H/Industrial Building or the various animal barns. The fairgrounds are off Randall Road, just north of Route 38 in St. Charles. For details about the fair, visit www.kanecountyfair.com.

4-H events related to project exhibits include the following.

• 4-H Small Pets and Cat Shows at 5 and 6 p.m. Tuesday, July 7 at Trades 1 and Rabbit Barn.

• 4-H Bicycle Rodeo at 6:45 p.m. Thursday, July 9 at Robinson Hall.

• 4-H Fashion Revue at 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 14 in atrium of new exhibition center.

• General Projects Exhibits open to public viewing starting on Wednesday, July 15; with hours from noon to 10 p.m. daily except Sunday in Robinson Hall.

• Sheep, poultry, horse and pony, swine judging on Wednesday, July 15 at various barns

• Dairy, swine, horse and pony, rabbit judging on Thursday, July 16 at various barns.

• Goat and beef cattle judging, horse and Pony Fun Day on Friday, July 17 at various barns.

• Horse and pony dressage judging on Saturday, July 18 in the horse arena.

• Awards program at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 18 in the livestock judging area.

• 4-H/FFA Milking Derby at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, July 18 in the livestock judging area.

• Blue Ribbon livestock auction at 1 p.m. Sunday, July 19 in the livestock judging area.

If you can't make it to the Kane County Fair to see 4-H in action, visit www.extension.uiuc.edu/kane

4-H is part of University of Illinois Extension. It is a community of young people across America learning leadership, citizenship and life skills. To learn more about 4-H, visit the University of Illinois Extension in Kane County at 535 S. Randall Road in St. Charles, or call (630) 584-6166. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.