The Kentucky State Fair is an annual event that traces it’s roots back to 1902. According to the Courier-Journal, the fair has been held every year since that inaugural event, with the exception of 1904 and two years during World War II. Attendees from all 120 counties in the state converge in Louisville for two weeks to see attractions, display their exhibits and peruse the never ending aisles of merchants selling their products. Bell County 4-H members take part each year in the Kentucky State Fair in several different capacities. 2023 marked the largest participation in terms of 4-H members and entries for Bell County in several years. A total of twelve youth submitted projects into multiple categories which included Country Ham Project, crochet items, photography, upcycle projects, collages and paintings. Out of the twelve participants, five are returnees to the Kentucky State Fair with seven being first time attendees. While working on their entries, youth learned life skills, understood timelines and deadlines while also enjoying presenting their projects to the masses. The Country Ham Project ribbon count for Bell County was two blue, three red and one white. For Cloverville entries, Bell County had five blue, seven red and two white. It is an exciting time when you have the honor to present a 4-H member with the ribbon(s) that they worked diligently to earn. Of the twelve that participated in 2023, all stated that they are wanting to return to the Kentucky State Fair in 2024.