Fair remains the connection between agriculture and the community

Published: 2022
By Jack Stivers

For more than 90 years, 4-H has been a presence in Lake County, educating young people and developing new generations of leaders and professionals in all fields. First geared toward agriculture, today’s 4-H program gives kids from all backgrounds countless opportunities and experiences. 4-H in Lake County continues to change, and the organization’s dedication to youth development remains strong. Nowhere in Lake County is the influence of 4-H more evident than at the county fair. “The skills and knowledge youth gain from participating in 4-H stay with them throughout their lives,” said Sjaan Vincent, Lake County Fair Board member and 4-H alumni. The dominant and ever-present staple of the Lake County Fair is the participation of 4-H youth from all backgrounds and age groups who work year-round to prepare projects for competitions that await them as the last days of summer begin to slip away. MSU Extension Lake County enjoys a great relationship with the Lake County Fair Board. While the Fair Board leads fair activities, MSU Extension in Lake County is an integral partner due to the organization’s leadership of 4-H. Extension’s role is to manage the fair's educational component, with staff making sure that each year’s 4-H showing is better than the last.