Monday August 1^st was set for our first county project day after losing our young county fair through COVID.  During the early morning on July 28^th – the Thursday beforehand- our county along with others in our region was devastated by an unexpected and unforgettable flood.   Needless to say, our scheduled project day was not our priority 3 days following.   In fact, the morning of August 1st we were experiencing our second flood from additional rainfall.  Some of the progress that had been made for emergency roads and bridges were undone by mother nature, round two.

      The following week our focus was on helping clients, youth, neighbors receive medical attention, water, food, the basic necessities to survive.  During that time, the 4-H agent and a couple volunteers still managed to judge and enter a handful of state fair projects by the deadline of August 10^th.  The entries all received blue and red ribbons.  

       Knowing that we still had children focused on project entries was a testament to their resiliency.  It was also a reassuring reminder.  What we may see as just another program or another project is so very important to our youth. Fair projects are more than learning objectives for them. They are life experiences and many hours of dedication.  Overcoming those challenges give them a sense of personal value and a feeling of accomplishment.

      Thankful for the experience for those youth.  Simultaneously heartbroken for our youth who lost so much more than their fair projects that day.