ROME TOWNSHIP — Many events at the Lawrence County Fair bring out the applause, smiles and cameras. Some just have a way of standing out on an annual basis.

One of those events has to the yearly 4-H Cloverbud parade. And 2009 was no different.

Held in front of friends and family in the livestock arena, 23 youngsters dressed in costumes — many of whom were fully clad as to what they want to be when they get older. Each then had their opportunity to walk the arena “runway” while the announcer read their name and what they were dressed as.

This year, costumes varied and many were works of art. Some of the professions that “visited” the livestock arena on Wednesday include a train engineer, a country cowboy, cheerleader, feeder calf handler, cowgirl, karate master, country singer and a pair of racoon hunters.

Also making their way in front of the crowd was Alice in Wonderland, Rainbow Bright and Teddy Ruxpin. Included were a 50’s poodle skirt girl and a traditional Japanese kimono.

Wyatt and Grace Stallo ended the parade of costumes riding out on their stick horses.

Michael Knipp, 8, of Ironton said he chose to dress up like a country singer because of the music he listens to.

“I like Johnny Cash and want to sing like him,” Knipp said while adding his favorite part of the fair is still “the rides.”

All costume participants received a participation ribbon from 4-H. Cloverbuds are a 4-H program for children in grades kindergarten through 3rd grade as most 4-H competition normally is not allowed between the ages of 5 and 7.

Those who participated in the Cloverbud costume parade were:

Elijah Clark,6; Logan Walsh,7: Jacob Stanley,7; Amanda Hill,8; Isabelle Carpenter,6; Jocelyn Carpenter,4; Spring Ross,6; Devon Forbush,8; Dawson Forbush,4; Sophie Kinard,6; Katelyn Spears,7; Tyler Leach,12; Rachael Hayes,7; Mollie Mannon,8; Haley Titton,6; Kara Saunders,8; Chad Morris,9; Jon Cade,7; Michael Knipp,8; Uriah Cade,9; KayLee Cade,7; Wyatt Stallo and Grace Stallo.