Since 2017, the Hardin County 4-H Council along with 4-H Agents and the 4-H Program Assistant have collaborated to offer an annual 4-H Festival & Expo. The purpose of the event has been to increase awareness of 4-H clubs, programs, events and as a simple outreach to the communities of Hardin County. The event was well-attended once again in October 2019 with just over 120 people in attendance, many of those attending being new, never reached participants. Current members and leaders from each 4-H 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 promoted, we also had a silent auction to raise funds for our council, door prizes, goody bags and giveaways to those attending.  

The event was also used as a fundraiser for our 4-H Council. In addition to the silent auction of donated items, the 4-H council also hosted a concession stand selling food and drinks. As a result, enrollment and participation increased significantly for the 2019-2020 program year. Plans are already in the making and the date has been set yet again for 2020 and will be offered near the beginning of the program year to get new members involved sooner rather than later.