Over the past 6 years, Campbell County Cooperative Extension has hosted its annual family-friendly event:  Community Celebration to help market and increase awareness among residents and the surrounding communities about The Cooperative Extension Service. Across Kentucky, Extension continues to be the “best kept secret.” In effort to build awareness about Extension and the research-based information for communities, Campbell County Extension held the event at the Campbell County’s primary office in Highland Heights. On Saturday, September 10, 2022, over 550 people attended the event, which is almost tripled from attendance in the past. The sunny fall like weather was a huge factor in our success, but community support and program marketing helped the overall success of the event. 

Free books provided by the Campbell County library was a new and exciting program for all age groups to take advantage of. The library rolled up to the event in their mobile bus where participants were welcomed to walk into their mobile library and choose a free book. Beekeepers were busy educating folks about honey making and the importance of our pollinator friends. Drone education was provided by the Campbell County Police Department. Local chainsaw artist, Chris Rust displayed his final work of an 8’ tall “Mother Nature” which is featured in the Campbell County Educational Gardens and did a live demonstration of the 4’ bald eagle “Sam”, which is also displayed in the gardens. As participants were engaged in extension programs, the Northern Kentucky Dulcimers, played music where many young children recognized the tunes and danced in the gardens.

In addition to these great programs from local collaborators, Extension agents, program assistants, staff and volunteers also highlighted programs and resources for everyone. Horticulture provided resources on sustainable gardening highlighted an insect discovery display and highlighted the importance of insects in our gardens, even spiders! Master Gardeners were available to answer all gardening questions and shared gardening books and other gardening resources. 4-H offered youth programs including nature crafts, paper flower craft, and engaging games to excite the youth. Yoga instruction by the FCS Agent with help from local goats attracted over 150 participants to learn a few new yoga poses all while having their furry friends assist them while climbing on their backs. Our Agriculture Agent shared an herb bar and beef recipes to spark a new flavor in families’ beef cooking. 

As of result of this Saturday morning program and the 4-H programs offered, 4-H ended the day with 28 new enrollments: 16 returning and new 4-Hers and 12 new Cloverbuds. 55% of survey respondents indicated they plan to participate in future Extension programming, many indicating either 4-H or Cloverbuds as their program of interest. Each year Campbell County Cooperative Extension will continue to host this annual event and continue to partner with local agencies to increase awareness about research-based information to residents.