The Muhlenberg County Cooperative Extension Service hosted their second annual Extension Extravaganza in September of 2023.  The Muhlenberg County Extension Council planned, prepared, and hosted the Extension Extravaganza as a way of showcasing the variety of Extension opportunities community members can become involved in.  The concept came about after office staff members discussed ways to involve the whole family and provide research-based materials that participants could not only learn about at the event but build upon by becoming involved in Extension programs.  All Extension program areas were represented in some manner.  Stations were displayed across the grounds of the Extension Office covering: 4-H Gardening, Nutrition Education Programs, Soil Testing, Homemakers, 4-H Teen Club, DIY Cleaning Recipes, Master Gardeners, 4-H CloverBud Club, Muhlenberg County Fair Exhibits, Budgeting, 4-H Shooting Sports, 4-H Horse Club, Cattlemen’s Association, Sewing, Farmers Market, 4-H Country Ham, 4-H Project Me, Beekeeping, Food Preservation, 4-H Woodworking, 4-H Camp, and just for fun, snow cones and a petting zoo.  Three hundred and twenty six participants enjoyed the day meeting Extension staff and volunteers, learning of the program opportunities, club membership and resources that our office can provide to enhance their lives.  Fifty Extension Volunteers made the day possible by hosting a station.  Volunteers encouraged involvement by sharing their personal Extension journey and impact that programs have had on their personal lives as they exchanged information.   The County Extension Council Planning Committee promoted the event through the Chamber of Commerce, local radio, newspaper, and social media outlets.  Impacts were made and new clientele were reached because of the event.  One participant specifically shared their excitement for joining the Cooking through the Calendar Classes as she though the program was only for Homemakers.  Increased participation in summer day camps, and 4-H club enrollment has also been a direct impact from the Extension Extravaganza event.  Extension staff and passionate volunteers came together to deliver information, education, and solutions.  We shared Extension’s guiding principals of growing ideas into better communities, stronger local economies, and healthier lives. 

“Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much.” Helen Keller