FARMINGTON – This year marks the 100th year of the 4-H program here in Maine. The public is invited to share in celebration activities at the upcoming Franklin County 4-H Fair being held on Saturday, June 1 at the Farmington fairgrounds. Activities will begin at 9:30 am and continue throughout the day. The fair will provide excellent opportunities for the public to learn about 4-H and give 4-H members the opportunity to explore other project areas.
In the barn area, the beef and dairy club will demonstrate showmanship techniques as well as how to fit and prepare these animals for show. The horse clubs are planning demonstrations on natural horsemanship starting at 9:30 a.m.
The schedule also includes the following workshops and contests taking place in the Starbird Building. These activities will be open to public participation.
Gardening workshops called “Newspaper Pots” will be held during the day. The first at 10 am and the second at 2:30 pm. This workshop teaches participants how to make planting pots for seedlings.
Fly Tying demonstrations will take place beginning at 10am.
Karen Hatch-Gagne, Extension Educator from the Kennebec County Extension Office will present two science workshops which will certainly be of interest to youth who are in attendance. The first at 10:30 am called “Bubbles, Bubbles, Bubbles”. The second at 2 pm will be a “Slime Making Workshop”. Just the names of these workshops will stir the imagination!
Dave Fuller, Ag and Non-Timber Forest Products Professional at the Franklin County Extension Office, will once again present an educational program for youth and
interested adults called “Money Can Grow on Trees”. In addition to making weather sticks and birch bark items, he will demonstrate how to use fir tips as a basis for balsam fir pillows. This will be held at 11 am.
Also at 11am, for those who enjoy making jam, a jam making workshop called “Jammin It” will take place.
At 1 pm, Mary Ryan from “Everyone’s Resource Depot” will be on hand to present a craft workshop.
4-H members will be demonstrating ice cream making at 2pm.
In honor of the 100 year celebration, Doris Gay will host a workshop at 3pm, making 4-H Happy Birthday plaques.
For those interested in volunteering for a community service project, a “Garden Angels” workshop will take place throughout the morning. Participants will be making window boxes for a senior gardening project. The United Way will provide opportunities from 9am-1pm for 4-H members and volunteers to assist with their button bracelet project.
All children ages 5-8 must be accompanied by an adult to participate in the workshops and community service projects.
There will be three contests taking place which will be open to public participation- Photo Contest, Decorated Hat Contest, and Baking Contest. Divisions for all contests are: Division 1- ages 5-8; Division 2- ages 9-11; Division 3- ages 12-14; Division 4- ages15-18; Division 5- Adult
The theme for the Photo Contest is: “Antiques.” Guidelines are as follows: Only one entry per person will be accepted. Photos must be at least 5×7, framed and have a strong hanger. Photos may be black and white or color. Please include your name and address and if you are a 4-H member, please include your club(s) name(s).
The theme for the Decorated Hat Contest is “Celebrating 100 Years.” Only one entry per person and entries will be judged on appropriateness of theme,
creativity, and ability to be worn.
“Poor Mans Chocolate Cake” is the focus of the Bake- Off Contest. The required recipe is as follows: Preheat oven to 350 1.5 cups flour, 1 cup sugar, 3 tbls cocoa, 1 teas. Baking Soda, 6 tbls oil, 2 tbls vinegar, 1 teas. vanilla, and 1 cup water. Sift flour, sugar, cocoa and baking soda together into ungreased 8×8 cake pan. Add oil, vinegar, and vanilla to ingredients in the pan. Pour water over this mixture and work in thoroughly with a fork. Bake 30-35 minutes. Dust with confectionery sugar when it comes out of the oven. Submit 2 pieces. Submissions will not be returned.
1) Open to all residents of the state of Maine
2) Only one entry per contestant
3) Entries judged on appearance, texture, and flavor
Entries for all contests must be submitted at the Starbird Building between 8 and 10am on Saturday, June 1. Judging will take place at 11am. Contest winners will be announced at 4pm in the Starbird Building.
The public is welcome “free of charge” to come and spend the day learning about the 4-H program and take part in some fun activities. Light lunches and snacks will be available on the grounds all day until 3pm.
And don’t forget the 4-H Auction fundraiser which will take place on Saturday evening, June 1 at 7pm in the Starbird Building at the fair grounds. Preview of items up for bid will be at 6pm. Brochures with daily schedule and contest information are available at the Extension Office as well as at several local area businesses.
4-H is a program of the University of Maine Cooperative Extension. If anyone has questions about the program here in Franklin County or would like more information, please contact Judy Smith at the Franklin County Extension Office. Call 778-4650 or 1-800-287-1478 (in Maine).
Come enjoy an informative and fun filled day at with your family.
This is a great event for families whose kids like animals or crafts or who might be thinking about joining 4-H. And check out the displays in the downtown store windows.