Representatives of OSU Extension and members of the Junior Fair Board spoke to the Delaware County Board of Commissioners on Sept. 15 about 4‑H projects, youth development and upcoming junior fair livestock sales.

Why it matters: The junior fair and 4‑H programs serve thousands of local children each year and generate community support and local economic activity through school-based projects and livestock auctions.

Larissa Hook, 4‑H educator with OSU Extension, introduced junior fair board members and said the county’s Extension and fair staff are managing multiple daily shows at the fair. Two junior fair members described how 4‑H affected them: Taylor Androlinas, a member of the Eagles Flight 4‑H Club, said, “One of the biggest things 4 H has taught me is how to improve my public speaking skills.” Austin Fite, part of the Rabbits and S’Mores 4‑H Club, said, “4 H has really motivated me to do many things. It makes me feel like I'm part of something.”

Extension staff and board members reminded the public that junior fair auction events run Tuesday and Wednesday evenings and that bidder dinners begin at 5 p.m. with sales at 6 p.m. “The sales start at 6. The bidder dinner starts at 5,” a staff member said. Members and commissioners encouraged residents to attend the livestock auctions to support youth projects and noted that junior fair activities run across multiple days with shows for different species.

No formal county action was taken on these presentations; the board thanked the youth representatives and Extension staff for their work at the fair.

Ending: Commissioners and Extension staff urged community support for junior fair exhibitors at the upcoming auctions and daily shows.