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Friday, 31 July 2009 |
By KATIE YANTIS
Staff Writer
WAPAKONETA — Local 4-H members have taken the time to produce a variety of projects for the 2009 Auglaize County Fair, set to start Sunday.
The projects have been judged and awards have been given, but much hard work has gone into those projects.
“Basically at this point, many of the still projects have been judged and placed, that was done last Thursday and Friday,” Extension Educator Beth Miller said. “Livestock kids are getting ready to move into the fairgrounds starting today (Friday) and have to be in by 11 a.m. tomorrow morning (Saturday).”
Miller said the 4-H members have worked hard throughout the year and when they start on their projects is directly related to their project.
“It really depends, steers are purchased back in October of last year and they have been working with them ever since,” Miller said. “Other projects are summer projects and they start after school. Livestock, most have to be in their possession by May 1.”
Some projects that Miller mentioned this year include wool coats, formal dress for prom, a grandfather clock and a robotics projects. Each was judged in their own categories.
“We have just about every project, and each has a placing category,” Miller said. “We have over all awards, best gardening, clothing achievements and state fair selections.”
She said the judging process includes a variety of observations on the member and the project itself.
“Basically it’s a combination of things, what they have done in their project books as far as completing activities and keeping records of things,” Miller said. “Just their general knowledge of the project and their ability to share with the judges.”
The projects this year Miller said have been well-crafted.
“I am always amazed every year at the quality and effort that is put into the project, it’s hard to compare one year to another, there are always different things,” Miller said. “It’s always neat to see the creativity.”
She discussed the robotics project that was submitted this year, related to the robotics project already in place.
“We actually have a robotics projects based on Legos,” Miller said. “There was a kid in 4-H this year, rather than taking those projects he wanted to do a variation, what we call a self-determined project. He designed his own. He decided he wanted to do something a little bit beyond.”
As the students work through fair, they will take a break then gear up for next year.
“I think for everyone it’s different,” Miller said. “There are some already looking for projects for next year. Others may not start until spring, some will start in September of October looking to purchase a steer.”
Miller also said many students get ready to go back to school, then get back to their projects.
“The majority kind of take a breather,” Miller said. “The focus goes to getting them back in school and once that routine slows down they start thinking about 4-H again.”
The Auglaize County Fair begins Sunday and members of the 40 clubs in the county will have their projects displayed at the event.
“We encourage everyone to come out and see what the kids have done,” Miller said. |
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Last Updated ( Tuesday, 01 September 2009 )
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