Published: June 06, 2009 11:58 pm      

4-H Fair more than just for animals

What began in Indiana 105 years ago has transformed

Back in the day, the 4-H Fair was all about just pigs, cows and sows.

Nowadays, it’s more about learning to complete projects, arts and crafts, gardening, tractor pulls and, of course, a beauty contest.

Nationally, the 4-H program got its start in 1902 built on the four pillars of head, heart, hands and health.

In Indiana, 4-H began with a corn club in Hamilton County in 1904.

In 1925, 4-H came to Howard County under the guidance of the Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service.

Howard County’s first exhibition was in 1931 in Kokomo. By then, 4-H clubs covered the categories of potatoes, pigs, calves, sheep, horses, foods and nutrition, and clothing.

The fair moved to Greentown in 1946, said Jay Freeman, a member of the Lions Club, which sponsors the fair.

“I joined the Lions Club in 1974,” Freeman said. “We’ve grown a lot since then and bought more land. We bought a lot of acreage north and east — well over 100 acres.”



For the rest of the story, pick up a copy of Howard County Living magazine today!

Where can I buy Howard County Living magazine?