The pandemic quickly forced everyone to "think outside the box". Traditional 4-H programs went virtual, anticipating the change to be short lived. Over two years into the pandemic agents, volunteers, and youth continue to move forward, opening new doors and trying new things. The Simpson County 4-H Council has held an annual banquet for fifty plus years. The banquet is the annual culminating event for 4-H members, where they are recognized for their many accomplishments in 4-H throughout the year. In 2020 the pandemic forced the banquet into a one-time virtual zoom banquet. However when it came time for the 2021 banquet the Council could not go back to their traditional banquet due to pandemic restrictions on facilities, so they decided to try something new...a drive in 4-H Banquet held at the Franklin Drive-In.      

We took advantage of our local drive-in movie theatre and held a 2021 Virtual 4-H Awards Night where 4-H families watched a pre-recorded award recognition program on the big screen. Members were not aware of the awards they were receiving ahead of time as sponsors, the 4-H agent, and award presenters recorded presentations ahead of time then the clips were set to music and edited into an approximate 50 minute virtual awards program. The drive-in was closed to 4-H families only. Attendees enjoyed pizza, popcorn, and candy from their vehicles and/or lawn chairs then watched the awards program followed by a special screening of the Wizard of Oz. Members picked up their awards between the awards program and the movie. 

A virtual awards program was a first for Simpson County 4-H and an event such as this was a first for the Franklin Drive-In. Every year the awards banquet is paid for by local sponsors including businesses and organizations. Those businesses and organizations continued their sponsorship of the virtual banquet giving over $2000 towards the theatre rental fee, meal, and awards. The banquet was such a hit it with 100% of those in attendance in favor of continuing such an event. 4-H families loved the relaxed atmosphere and watching the awards in anticipation of their name & face being shown on the big screen.

In addition, during the banquet an anti-vaping Public Service Announcement debuted featuring Simpson Co. 4-H members. The PSA was written & created by the Barren River District Health Department's Anti-Tobacco Coalition then professionally recorded inside the Franklin-Simpson High School by VID Monster Productions. It is currently airing at the Franklin Drive-In, online on social media, and during WBKO television AM KY episodes reaching thousands of viewers daily.