University of Wisconsin - Extension

Madison - Every summer, almost all of the 40,000 members of Wisconsin 4-H Clubs display at least one project at a county fair. And 3,000 to 4,000 take a project to the state fair in Milwaukee.

Completing a project and showing it at the fair has been a 4-H tradition since the organization was formed nearly 100 years ago, according to University of Wisconsin-Extension 4-H youth development specialist Melanie Miller.

"Participating in the fair offers a number of benefits," Miller explained. "First, there is the pride and satisfaction of a public display of their work and the recognition that they have successfully completed the project. Showing the project at the fair is educational, because each project is evaluated, and young people can learn what they did well, and what they might do better next time."

Young people who show projects learn something about showmanship and presenting themselves and their project in the best possible way. "This is a skill they will use in school, on job interviews and on the job." Miller explained.

Participating in project judging also helps young people develop their own evaluative and critical thinking skills, she added.

4-H leaders and agents help young people realize that completing the project is the most important achievement, and winning is not the only goal. More judges do face-to-face or interactive evaluations in which the youth can answer questions about their projects and learn how the judge is evaluating it.

"We encourage judges to give positive feedback and suggestions for improvements," Miller said.

Interactive judging also helps the 4-H members develop poise, self-confidence and the ability to think on their feet - all skills that will help them as they advance in school and move into careers.

"A county fair restores your faith in youth and the positive things they can do," Miller said. "Adults see that youth are creative and ingenious. They can see the skills they have learned and how they are applying those skills. For me that's one of the great parts of a fair."

The county fair season in Wisconsin starts in the second week of July and runs through the end of September.