4-H is a volunteer based organization that utilizes funds from donors, sponsors and fundraisers to offer copious amounts of programming, clubs and activities to youth at the most affordable prices possible.  Pendleton County 4-H contracts with the Kentucky Wool Festival to sell drinks for the event which serves as an incredible fundraiser for the county’s 4-H program.  It takes numerous hands to make this run efficiently given the quantity of folks this festival brings in.  

This year, the Wool Festival brought in nearly 31,000 individuals!  The festival operates on an October weekend with Friday and Saturday being 10am-10pm and Sunday being from 10am-6pm.  Pendleton 4-H operates out of 2 separate drink tents as well as maintains the 4-H Tea Booth.  New to this year was the addition of a 4^th booth; the 4-H Coffee Shop which was a huge hit!  It takes 200-250 parents, 4-Hers, and volunteers to ensure that all shifts run smoothly and to maintain the pace needed to sell drinks for the duration of the weekend. Pendleton County 4-H sold $47,632 worth of drinks at this year’s Wool Festival which makes a record for drink sales with this event!  Pendleton 4-H receives 60% of the profits from the drink sales which helps fund much of the 4-H programming and clubs throughout the year. 

Success in this event can be categorized in numerous ways.  One, is that Pendleton 4-H is able to generate a substantial profit from an amazing fundraiser!  Another would be the work ethic that is promoted through hands-on fast responses needed to move enormously long lines of people through the drink booth.  There is also the aspect of teaching youth about money handling procedures. Comments from parents have included ones like this one, "My daughter has been learning to count money.  I am looking forward to her being able to practice what she's learned."  Perhaps one of the most important underlying successes is the community togetherness that must happen in order to maintain this intensive 3 days of drink sales. Males and females, from all ages (clover bud to grandparents) and of all races (blacks, whites, Asians & Hispanics) come together willingly to take on the demands required during their shift. Rain or shine, cold or hot, this event thrives. It is so humbling to see a strong passion for 4-H from so many youth and adults who help out with this fundraiser year after year to ensure that 4-H programs are funded for continued year round operation at its current prestige.