In 2017, Hardin County 4-H Agents and the 4-H Program Assistant worked with the Hardin County 4-H Council to offer the 1^st annual 4-H Festival & Extension Expo. The purpose of the event was to increase awareness of 4-H clubs and Extension programs to the communities of Hardin County. The event was well-attended with just over 300 people in attendance. Current members and leaders from each club in the county were present and provided club information as well as hands-on activities for visiting youth and families interested in joining their club. In addition to all 4-H clubs being present, we also had members of our Lincoln Trail Area Master Gardeners present and Family & Consumer Sciences Extension information was available.

The event was also used as a fundraiser for our 4-H Council. In addition to selling food and drinks, we also sold tickets and had carnival games and prizes were given. As a result, enrollment and participating increased significantly for the 2017-2018 program year. Plans are being made for the 2^nd annual event and will be held in conjunction with National 4-H Week.