Hundreds of 4-H members across Lawrence County are counting down the days.

Wednesday, June 27, 2001

Hundreds of 4-H members across Lawrence County are counting down the days. The Lawrence County Fair – their chance to showcase months of project work ranging from rockets to cooking to raising animals – will start the weekend of July 7 and continue through to the last Junior Fair Sale on Saturday, July 14.

"Its the point where our kids get to show off their projects, skills and hard work," said Laura Jane Murphy, 4-H Extension agent.

Members of dozens of 4-H clubs have worked for months on projects. Many have raised rabbits, hogs, lambs, steers, tobacco and other market items. The livestock project members also have been trained in raising a quality animal for market, too, Ms. Murphy said.

"Everyone has spent a lot of time and work," she said. "The fair is the place where the community can recognize them."

One way to recognize the 4-H members is to attend the fair sales – the auction-style markets where livestock and tobacco projects are sold at the end of the fair.

There are two auctions this year.

The first one will be for chickens, rabbits and tobacco; it takes place Friday, July 13, beginning at 7 p.m. at the fairgrounds sale barn.

The second one will take place Saturday, July 14, starting at 10 a.m.; it will be for steers, lambs and hogs.

Having two sales will make the sales faster and easier for many more people to attend, Ms. Murphy said.

Buying a fair animal or hand of tobacco allows 4-H members to pay for purchase of their project animals, feed and supplies for the current or next year. Buying also provides money to youth for college and education costs, or provides a donation to the 4-H Committee and FFA chapters.

It’s really supporting local youth in an activity that develops leaders for the community or future employees, Ms. Murphy said.

They learned life skills like responsibility, caring, setting goals and plans, recordkeeping and sound business practices, as well as had a lot of fun exploring their project, she said.

Those wishing to support the 4-H may also make donations or give to activities like providing trophies for all fair projects, Ms. Murphy added. Trophies cost $7.50.

For more information, contact the OSU Extension Office in Ironton at 533-4322; or 4-H Committee treasurer Leslie Milleson, 532-2020.