CELIA BROCKWAY/EXTENSION AGENT

COURTLAND—This summer, youth ages 5 to 18 in Isle of Wight and Southampton Counties will have the chance to participate in the Isle of Wight and Franklin-Southampton county fairs. Both of these fairs have a strong tradition of showcasing livestock and poultry, but there will also be contests in several non-livestock project areas, too.

The Franklin-Southampton County Fair, which will be from Aug. 13-16, will include market goats, poultry, rabbits, beef breeding heifers and — returning this year — feeder pigs. Participants are also encouraged to submit a livestock-related poster for evaluation.

About a month later, youth have the option of showcasing many of their livestock exhibits again at the Isle of Wight County Fair taking place Sept. 11-14. This fair’s 4-H livestock-related contests include cured ham, dairy goats, rabbits, poultry, turkeys, broilers, market goats, market lambs and — new this year — beef breeding heifers.

If showing livestock is not appealing, the Isle of Wight County Fair has some non-livestock 4-H contests that focus on the arts and public speaking. These contests include fabric arts, fine arts, photography, presentations, demonstrations, and Share-the-Fun (performing arts).

While registrations for the fairs are not due until June, youth must complete 4-H enrollment paperwork by Tuesday, April 1, in order to be eligible to register in 4-H Contests at both the Isle of Wight and Franklin-Southampton county fairs! Not only will this enrollment make you eligible to participate in the county fairs, but it will also provide an opportunity for club involvement, learning life skills, and making new friends.

Do not miss your chance to have some fun this summer by joining 4-H today. For further information about 4-H and to receive enrollment forms, please contact Celia Brockway, Extension Agent for 4-H Youth Development, at 365-6258 or cbrock7@vt.edu. For specific 4-H Contest guidelines please visit the “What’s New” section of http://offices.ext.vt.edu/isle-of-wight/ and http://offices.ext.vt.edu/southampton/.