#forever4h

Of all the things I’ll miss about not having a 2020 fair is spending time with friends. The kids love to spend time together and this is a great time for them. I love seeing my friends as well. This year, especially this week, talking to my 4-H friends made me really miss spending time with them. This will make next year so much more special. And I can’t wait to come back #4h #scnj4h #forever4h https://www.instagram.com/p/CD6HmlypJx2/?igshid=110ci28j9d8cq

One of the best things about the fair is watching the kids show. After spending all year with them working so hard on all of their projects it all comes down to these three days of shows. They’ve studied, practiced and learned all they can leading up to their moment in the ring. Some will quiz me for information before going in. Honestly, win or lose I’m never disappointed in them because no matter what they’ve put in an exceptional amount of work and competed to the best of their abilities. Some days are off days. Some days are exceptional days. All of them help them grow. #scnj4h #4h #forever4h https://www.instagram.com/p/CD3iCmTJ0ms/?igshid=1ic0a80fliov

One thing I’m going to miss is the beef agility class. It’s a great friendly competition between my friends and family and also a great way for the kids to just have fun while keeping the crowds entertained. Watching kids who’ve never handled anything bigger than a dog run through the course with a Hereford steed is never not entertaining. It’s a bit of levity on a big show day for many people and I love getting the chance to do it. #scnj4h #4h #forever4h #somersetcountynj #newjersey https://www.instagram.com/p/CD1KAFqJ8hO/?igshid=1rbykpz6ftb84

I think it would be a true disservice if I didn’t say one of my favorite things is the animals at the fair. Tuesday night they’re brought to the fair grounds into new pens, stalls or cages with neighbors they’ve never met and spend 3 days showing, being in crowds, meeting the press, and generally being loved on by the kids and public. They handle all of this so well and they are a true testament to the work the kids put into them. 4-H is not about animals, but they are a huge part of 4-H. We’re lucky to be friends with people in other divisions who let us try to show their animals and we let them show ours. It takes a special animal to be a 4-H project and I know I wouldn’t be the person I am today without the project animals I worked with. #scnj4h #4h #forever4h #scnj #somersetcountynj #newjersey https://www.instagram.com/p/CDybHPVJaCy/?igshid=ozz7ibhsovlt

One thing I absolutely love seeing at the fair is the kids talking about their animals. I’ve seen the most shy and unassuming ones answering questions for hours. I myself benefitted from it as a member. So many kids who don’t like to speak out ask to go in the pens and talk to people. They love telling people everything they know. It’s awesome to see and I’ve seen a few parents in my club shocked at the way their own kids talk to the public. #scnj4h #4h #forever4h #scnj #somersetcountynj #newjersey https://www.instagram.com/p/CDv7pp6p-q_/?igshid=5bw91hil3ix

Another fair memory I’m having a hard time not having this year is herdsmen. This is the first time since I was 14 I will not be sleeping at north branch park. Every herdsman knows there are two fairs, once during the daylight and one after your nightly herdsman meeting ends. It’s a way to spend time with friends in other divisions and make new ones too. It’s one of my favorite things because of the stories we create. The years of games and creative approaches to picking up garbage and figuring out the easiest way to roll tent flaps in the morning are all cherished. #scnj4h #4h #forever4h #scnj #somersetcountynj #newjersey https://www.instagram.com/p/CDtRsdbpR4v/?igshid=bqllm2465p3o

Since this week would be our annual fair I’m posting my favorite memories of fair week. No better way to start than with set up. As much work as it is I love how excited everyone is and how all the work we’ve been doing finally comes together. Seeing all the kids work together to figure out the tent display is fun as a leader. I even love going early and setting up the open division as much work as that is alone. I’m grateful for all the people that come together to help other divisions and seeing the parents come in excited to set up as well. #scnj4h #4h #forever4h #scnj #somersetcountynj #newjersey https://www.instagram.com/p/CDq5OkZJrhy/?igshid=1qfdrtua8ay2n