Success StoryMadison County Home, Farm, and Garden Expo Success
Madison County Home, Farm, and Garden Expo Success
Author: Brandon Darst
Planning Unit: Madison County CES
Major Program: Agriculture and Extension Leadership Development
Plan of Work: Encourage and Promote Sustainable Agriculture Practices
Outcome: Initial Outcome
Madison County Extension Agents want and need to bring attention and awareness to the local community to keep Extension from being the "Best Kept Secret." Madison County Extension Council decided to host an event that will help bring attention and awareness to the unique resources available through the Madison County Extension Office.
The Madison County Extension Home, Farm, and Garden Expo utilized various venues for outreach to share about the event including billboards, radio announcements, social media videos shared from Extension sources and the local news station, live on-location radio hosting, newspaper articles, newsletter bulletins, and through flyers shared by volunteers across all program areas. The Expo was hosted by the Madison County Extension Council and supported by Extension volunteers as well as collaborative partners who are invested in the future of Extension, such as local FCCLA chapters and FFA students and leaders. The Expo provided an opportunity for 4-Her's, their families, local Homemaker groups, Master Gardeners, and the Beef Cattle Association to all rally around Madison County Extension Professionals and staff to share expertise in a wide variety of fields, which demonstrates how Extension builds and supports our local community in a wide variety of ways. The event was held at the Madison County Fairgrounds in Richmond KY. There were more than 100 volunteers total for the event, spread across all four program areas.
Program areas featured various topics in booths or with guest speakers and demonstrations to ensure something useful and interesting for everyone.
The recent 4-H event provided a wide variety of engaging, family-friendly activities designed to educate and entertain youth of all ages. 4-H agents organized an impressive lineup of interactive stations, including games, a petting zoo, and hands-on learning opportunities. Educational exhibits showcased livestock such as meat goats, hair sheep, beef cattle, dairy goats, and chickens, while also featuring horses and unique displays like a duck slide. Participants also enjoyed experiential activities such as a pedal tractor course, hay rides, a corn bin sensory area, and a 3D archery range. Additional highlights included a service-learning project, a “make and take” bird feeder craft, and the chance to sample country ham, offering a well-rounded blend of fun and education.
The event welcomed a total of 586 attendees, including 354 adults and 232 youth. This strong turnout underscores the community's interest in agricultural education and youth development. While evaluation data and final impact assessments are still being reviewed, early feedback indicates the event successfully fostered learning and community engagement in a welcoming, hands-on environment.
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