Sunday, May 5, 2024
With another Coryell County Youth Fair in the record books and frequent 4-H programs continuing, Becky Coward with the Coryell County Texas A&M Agrilife Extension Office gave a presentation on Jan. 26 to the Gatesville Exchange Club.
Coward said the youth fair is a year-round endeavor, with many activities that take place behind the scenes playing a crucial role in the success of the weeklong youth fair each January.
While much of the attention during the event goes to the livestock categories, Coward said the home economics portion of the youth fair also attracts strong participation.
"Home economics includes things like woodworking, baking, crafts and preserving foods, which is sometimes a lost art," Coward said. "The youth fair brings families together and teaches kids new skills. The baked foods (category) is always a hit. We were able to utilize the services of some soldiers from Fort Hood who served as judges."
Also showcased during the youth fair are skills in ag mechanics, which covers a range of areas including repurposing furniture.
"There were probably 400 to 500 entries in home economics," Coward said.
As for the livestock portion of the fair, Coward said, "our animal numbers were down a bit except for the horse show. We had 42 entries in eight different categories, and a lot of kids around here are still involved in working with horses. I'm proud to see that involvement."
An event that generates plenty of excitement is the pig scramble, in which third-graders chase a pig in hopes of securing a little extra funding.
"They turn loose the pigs which weigh 30 to 40 pounds and if the kids can catch one, they get $100 toward the purchase of their first 4-H project to show at the fair," Coward said.
There was also an auction on the last Saturday of the fair that allowed youth to receive financial rewards for their efforts.
"I'm super-duper proud of these kids and their hard work," Coward said.
Busy 4-H slate continues
While the youth fair is over for another year, that doesn't mean 4-H activities have slowed down.
A Coryell County livestock judging team has been selected to participate in an international competition in Scotland in June, which is just one example showing the level of dedication and skill that local youths have developed.
"Right now 4-H is very busy," Coward said, adding that there are activities or meetings nearly every weeknight in addition to the weekend commitments, and these continue throughout the year.
Members of the local 4-H clubs will have an opportunity to visit the state capitol in March, make presentations to the community in April and participate in the state 4-H contest in June. There are also summer camps focusing on different things.
Coward credited the dedication of adult volunteers for contributing to the success of the programs.
"All of this would not be possible without the many volunteers who work to make things happen," she said. "I so appreciate all of those who give their time and talents."
Seeing children and teens thrive in 4-H is very rewarding to her, Coward said.
"Watching a young kid go from being shy and withdrawn to wanting to compete at the state level is really special," she said. "It is really exciting to see their confidence develop. I don't want to lose sight of what 4-H does for kids.
"Every day they get to experience something new and that energizes me and I love it. I have a very understanding husband as well."
