The COVID-19 epidemic has taken a lot from all of us in 2020. We’ve seen local kids that have missed interaction with their peers, graduations, proms, and many other social activities. Many of our 4-H participants missed out on doing so many things in person and had to do them virtually instead. It had gotten to the point that, “going virtual” was starting to be paired with an eye roll from many clients. When 4-H Council met to discuss options for the awards banquet, it was decided to attempt a drive-in style awards banquet. Families received a boxed pizza when they arrived to enjoy in the vehicle with their family in our parking lot. They parked and watched a slide show of 4H activities from a huge blow up projector screen. LaRue County Agriculture Extension Agent Daniel Carpenter emcee’ d the event in 25 degree weather in front of the projector screen. The office used a FM modulator to project Carpenter’s voice to all the vehicles through their radios. Everything was done following COVID guidelines with no contact.

As kids were recognized for their accomplishments, we asked them to flash their lights when someone in their vehicle, or family, was mentioned. At the end we had them honk their horns to recognize graduating members. All 20 families that attended said that they appreciated being able to do it “in person”. Support Staff Sue Ann McCandless and Marcy Ward went above and beyond to make sure that this program went off without a hitch!