Sewing, cooking, cows, and pigs: 4-H and FFA students take on the fair

MT. PLEASANT — Throughout the year local FFA and 4-H members serve their communities, create projects, learn about farm life, and raise animals in preparation for the county fair season.

From first-graders showing off their hard work with their bottle calves to high school seniors displaying their projects, the Henry County Fair is an opportunity for the community to appreciate just a small portion of what these students do throughout the year in local 4-H and FFA programs.

Even before the official start of fair week, hardworking students will begin their fair season setting up swine pens Saturday, July 8 followed by showing their horses Sunday, July 9.

Fair setup officially begins at 5 p.m. Tuesday, July 11.

From 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Wednesday, July 12, student projects will undergo judging in the exhibit hall.

While many think of swine, goat, and cattle shows as a representation of these student groups at the fair, their projects will include a large array of talent and skills.

Last year, student displayed LEGO creations, fairy gardens, sewing skills, cooking abilities, among other projects.

They will display more of these less stereotypical skills during events such as the 4-H clothing event at the Wright Family Pavilion at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, following a day of checking in various livestock.

Animal lovers, however, can catch the dog show, bucket and bottle animal show, and rabbit show throughout the day Thursday.

Friday at the fair, students will show their swine and poultry while beef shows will occur Saturday.

Wrapping up the week, the students will show the remaining livestock, sheep and goats, before the ribbon auction at 9 a.m. Monday, July 17.

Comments: AnnaMarie.Ward@southeastiowaunion.com