An article written by Betty Jo Krosnicki, Michigan State University Extension - August 06, 2015, states “The county fair tradition is woven into the fabric of nearly every American community. It presents opportunities for young people to foster life skills such as communication, leadership, goal setting, work ethic, responsibility, and sportsmanship.”  This year at the Alexandria Fair we had 73 4-H Exhibitors, an increase from 2022. We also saw an increase in projects entered this year 362 projects were on display in the Exhibit Hall (Aerospace, Arts, Cake Decorating, Country Ham, Cut Flowers, Electric, Entomology, Foods, Forestry, Garden, General, Home Environment, Horticulture, Needlework, Photography, Sewing, and Wood Science) with atleast one entry in almost every class.

In part, the increase in number is due to the direct efforts of our 4-H staff. This year the six 4-H employees, three agents and three assistants, in Campbell County collaborated to provide Junior 4-H members the opportunity to be a part of our “4-H Prepare for Fair” Club. 15 4-H youth participated in the club this year. They were able to complete projects in the Arts, Wood Working, and Home Environment Classes. Each staff member led the participants through a project from beginning to end and helped with the completion of project record books.

We plan to continue this program in the new program year and hope to see continued growth in the number of exhibitors and project entries at the Alexandria Fair.