The Nelson County 4-H Council has a strong history of supporting the youth development program financially through their fundraising efforts.  Through this support they are able to offset cost for volunteers to receive continuing education, for program participants to attend leadership conference and 4-H camp, and to provide scholarship funding for graduating seniors.   

For the sixth year, Nelson County 4-H Council members with the help of the County Cooperative Extension Agents for 4-H Youth Development continued to host a holiday bazaar to raise funds for 4-H and to provide small businesses and entrepreneurs an opportunity to  market their business and have potential sales during the holiday season.  In an effort to support the economic development of Extension volunteers, current volunteers were offered a reduced vendor registration rate.  Six adults and two youth were able to benefit from this reduced rate.  In exchange for a free space, the Nelson County 4-H youth entrepreneurs assisted in reviewing applications, promotion of the event and set-up. The bazaar raised $1,200 for Nelson County 4-H and provided local vendors an opportunity for economic development.  

The event also featured a visit from Santa and family crafts to provide a safe and fun area for family to bond during the busy holiday season.  All vendors rated the event as good or excellent and all intend to attend the event next year. In an evaluation of the event, vendors placed high value on the event, stating that it is a great event that helps small businesses and allows last minute shoppers to help support small businesses. Two vendors participated in additional small business educational programs offered by the Nelson County Cooperative Extension office.   Several businesses from previous events have gone on to have successful store fronts in the community.