LEARNING BY DOING AT THE COUNTY FAIR
August 7-13, 2006

4-H has been involved in County Fairs for a long time. We use the Fair as a "learning laboratory" that adds extra excitement for young people. It is also an excellent opportunity to provide recognition to members for what they have accomplished over the summer. County Fair exhibits and educational activities are arranged in two major areas: Junior Fair (related to young people) and Open Class activities done primarily by adults. Some young people do, however, enter certain types of Open Class categories.

At the Fair, young people can learn in several ways:

By visiting the Fair and seeing what others have done. Beginners in the program can get lots of ideas for things they would like to try by looking at what other young people are doing. They can also take part in various "live action" activities that can increase their awareness about a range of topics. They can also learn from looking at what is on display in the Open Class buildings as well.

By entering an exhibit in the Junior Fair. 4-H members can enter a poster, an item they have made, or any other type of display to represent what they have learned in any kind of project curriculum activity. Check your project guides or Exhibitor Handbook, or contact 4-H staff members, for specific ideas for particular projects. 4-H members really enjoy coming to the Fair and seeing their own work on display! They are also interested to hear that well over 20,000 persons visit the building during Fair Week to look at the exhibits. Members also receive a participation ribbon, and are eligible for a $1 premium (paid after the fair to the sponsoring club or group) for putting items on display. There is a limit of one exhibit per project per person, but members taking more than one project can enter an exhibit for each one!

By taking part in an "evaluation interview" with a judge about what they have learned. Check the Exhibitor Handbook or ask the 4-H staff about times for evaluation of various types of projects. In an evaluation interview, members talk to an adult who is a "good listener" about what they have done in a project and what they have learned. Adult judges give members lots of encouragement and suggestions. Members can receive ribbons for completing evaluation, and if they do well in the interview, can also win "outstanding" ribbons. For many kinds of projects, 4-H also selects the best of the "outstanding" members to represent the County at State Fair activities. For most projects, this selection has to be made in late July, since the State Fair starts before the Cuyahoga County Fair. If you have members whom you know do outstanding work, contact the 4-H staff to discuss possibilities for this kind of recognition.

For some types of projects there may also be County-wide competitive events held before or during the Fair. Some of these related to certain State Fair selections; others recognize winners within the County. Competitive events are always optional; no member needs to take part if he or she is not ready. Check with the 4-H staff for details.

By doing a "showcase" or "demonstration" at the Fair to share what they have learned with others. Both of these are "live action" activities. The showcase can be either an informal "how to" talk by a group of members as they make or do something related to a project. Showcases can also be skits, songs, puppet shows, drill team performances, etc. A demonstration is a more formal "how to" speech done by one or two members during a "showcase" time slot, or as part of a special program on Saturday of Fair Week Special ribbons and premiums are awarded for these activities. Showcase presentations need to be scheduled at least ten days before the Fair, and previewed by 4-H staff.

We encourage leaders and advisors to offer members as many kinds of learning
opportunities as possible. They are all excellent ways to put more excitement and satisfaction into "learning by doing!" Contact the 4-H staff at 216-429-8218 if you have questions or need more details.

Please remember that the Cuyahoga County Agricultural Society provides a substantial discount on Fair admissions to 4-H members and volunteers. You MUST, if requested, be able to present a valid 4-H membership card or Volunteer Advisor identification card, for the current year, with the name of member or advisor filled in, to receive the discount. These cards can be received from the 4-H Office after your group returns your member and leader enrollment form. Those presenting cards will be admitted for $2 per person. On Thursday of Fair Week, which is Youth Day, the cost of an amusement ride wrist band is also discounted from $12 to $6. The cost of admission for 4-H Youth and Adults is $2.00 per person. Total savings per member on Youth Day is $9.00.

2006 Fair Dates: Monday, August 7th, to
Sunday, August 13th

2006 Junior Fair Theme: "Create New Memories "

OSU Extension embraces human diversity and is committed to ensuring that all educational programs conducted by Ohio State University Extension are available to clientele on a nondiscriminatory basis without regard to race, color, age, gender identity or expression, disability, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, or veteran status. Keith L. Smith, Associate Vice President for Agricultural Administration and Director, OSU Extension TDD No. 800-589-8292 (Ohio only) or 614-292-1868.