Sarasota County 4-H Kids to showcase skills at Sarasota County Fair

Sarasota County 4-H Kids to showcase skills at Sarasota County Fair

Sarasota County 4-H youth have a little something up their sleeves as they prepare to showcase their skills at the upcoming county fair.

That is: come for the livestock and crafts, and stay for the photography, writing, science and much more.

“It is so encouraging to see the excitement and passion as 4-H youth take pride in their projects and the confidence and skills they build over time as a 4-H member, we are so thankful for the opportunities 4-H youth have to show at the Sarasota County Agricultural Fair,” said Sarah Davis, 4-H youth development agent with UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County.

Today’s 4-H offers youth age 5-18 an amazing array of activities and interests, many of which will be on display at the Sarasota County Agricultural Fair, set for March 18-27 at the fairgrounds, 3000 Ringling Boulevard, Sarasota.

4-H was founded on the belief that when kids are free to pursue their passions and chart their own course, their unique skills grow and take shape, helping them to become true leaders in their lives, careers and communities.

When it launched in 1902, Florida 4-H focused youth projects on growing tomatoes and corn. Activities branched out from there to include myriad agricultural topics, based on research from University of Florida experts.

Youth of the time showed pride in their projects by showcasing their efforts at the county fair. It was a natural fit for 4-H, with its roots in agriculture. And 4-H activities today still include some of the more traditional livestock programs, such as raising, showing and judging steer, swine and small animals.

But, 4-H has spread its wings. Newer initiatives focus on science, engineering and technology, food and nutrition, outdoor adventures, marine science, public speaking, art, wildlife, and more.

And, just as the county fair long has provided a key “beyond-the-club” experience for the traditional livestock and crafts activities, it now offers youth a venue to showcase knowledge and skills through photography, art, sewing, project posters and other media.

So much so that Sarasota County 4-H has its own “mini-building” full of exhibits smack dab in the middle of the fairgrounds.

So, go to see the livestock and crafts, of course. But don’t forget to check out the photographs, essays, and myriad other projects on display.

Learn more about UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County 4-H Youth Development Agent at http://sarasota.ifas.ufl.edu/4-h, or get information via 4H@scgov.net or 941-861-5000.

UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County partners county, state and federal resources to deliver research-based information and programs across six core areas: sustainable agriculture; gardening and landscaping; natural resources; nutrition and healthy living; sustainability; and youth development.

Learn more at http://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/sarasota, or call 941-861-5000 or email sarasota@ifas.ufl.edu.