4-H Super Saturday in Skagit County coming up April 21 

An experience that lasts a lifetime. For years, local kids have gained experience and discovered skills through the Whatcom County Youth Fair, a beloved 2-day learning fair open to all ages 6-18. Now in its 30th year, the Fair will be held Friday and Saturday, April 6-7 at the Northwest Washington Fairgrounds in Lynden. Any interested community members are welcome to watch the activities.

Woolcrafts is one of the many divisions available at the fair. Attendees can watch the techniques of carding, drop spindle, hand spinning, felting, weaving, and more. Photo courtesy of Whatcom County Youth Fair

Kids attend the youth fair from Whatcom, Skagit, Snohomish, Island, and other counties. Started 30 years ago, the first fair was a Washington State Centennial Event, held at the Everson Auction Barn. Today, the kids still receive awards and ribbons (no money is awarded), and many volunteers help each year with divisions and the youths who have entered. Many superintendents are local teenagers and adults with years of fair experience.

The fair creates community in a variety of ways for the participants, not only within Whatcom County but amongst the fair circuit, according to Fair Manager Chris Paul who has been at the helm for years.

The dairy division sees many entries; a testament to Whatcom County’s dairy industry and farm history. Poultry, rabbits, goats, and more animals are on display at the show, all cared for by local youth. If your child or family has questions about raising animals, this is the event to attend; together, you can observe, ask questions, and leave with tips and ideas. In addition, there are plenty of craft and hobby divisions to visit, such as knitting, horticulture, woolcrafts, photography and much more.

The event includes a silent auction for project animals, suitable for any child or family looking for their new 4-H or FFA project for fair, to start a new project, or improve their stock.

A number of awards will be presented, including community inspirational honors, the Washington State Fairs Association award for best division, scholarships for higher education, and top youth awards. The fair volunteers are also recognized for their work.

A map of the Whatcom County Youth Fair activities and parking. COURTESY MAP

The fair runs  9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Registration to participate has ended, however spectators are welcome to support the activities. For more information visit the Whatcom County Youth Fair Facebook page.

Another enjoyable event this month is 4-H Super Saturday, held April 21 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Sedro-Woolley. This event is free and open to all; 4-H members, leaders, parents and any interested members of the local community are invited to a fun day of classes. Topics include low stress livestock handling, anime, rabbit showmanship, homemade ice cream, the art of thank you cards, and so much more.

Skagit County 4-H is part of Washington State Extension 4-H Youth Development Program, and includes approximately 500 youth between grades K through 12 educated by 100 leaders throughout the county.

For the full list of classes and information, see http://extension.wsu.edu/skagit/event/4h-super-saturday/. If you have questions, contact Organizer Dorothy Elsner  Phone at dorothy.elsner@wsu.edu.

Lastly, a reminder to all families interested in the Puget Sound Junior Livestock Show on June 1-3, 2017 Skagit Fairgrounds, the deadline to enter is coming up. Entry forms and information is available at http://pugetsoundjuniorlivestock.org. The entry fee is $5 per animal, and forms must be postmarked by May 1. For more information, contact 360-220-9375 or todd@mtbaker.wednet.edu.