Chester County 4-H Fair showcases projects, livestock

“BY FRANCINE FULTON

Livestock

exhibitions and a display of projects highlighted the Chester County 4-H Fair , held from Aug. 7 to 12 at the Romano 4-H Center in Honey Brook.

During the animal shows, 4-H members were given an opportunity to demonstrate their skills and knowledge in the handling of beef cattle, dairy cattle, goats, horses, pigs and sheep.

A Dairy Cattle Show, held on Aug. 11, was judged by Christine Williams. “She is looking at characteristics such as structure and how well the (cow) stands and walks,” explained Extension education Toni Stuetz. “These cows are junior animals,so they have never given birth. Senior animals are bovines that have given birth.”

“There are six different breeds of cows represented here,” Stuetz added. “They show by their breed.” While many people think of dairy cows with black and white or red and white coloring, some dairy cows can be one solid color.

“We have 509 4-H club members in Chester County, and we reach another 2,000 (children and youths) through various outreach programs.”

“Most people think of them with specks, but (some) are very dark animals,” Stuetz noted. “For the kids, it is easier for them to keep (the solid-colored cows) clean than those with a lot of white.”

Williams also provided feedback to the competitors. “The kids are told to watch the judge and listen to what the judge says,” Stuetz pointed out. “The judge told one of the girls that her cow’s hoofs should have been trimmed sooner. It helps it walk better and look better and be healthier.”

In the project display area, visitors could view items completed by 4-H members from throughout Chester County such as quilts, woodworking, arts and crafts, clothing and more.

“There are 286 projects, which is (an increase of) about 40 or 50 from last year,” said Stuetz, noting that some of the woodworking projects were displayed in the center’s hallway because of their size. “It’s a good turnout for the kids. We have some new clubs, and we encouraged them to come (to the fair).”

She noted that 4-H clubs have been added through the years in areas such as robotics and STEM, computer coding and veterinary

Noah was already familiar with The POINT because he and his family used to live in the area. In addition to completing his project there, he volunteered at the youth center for eight hours in order to earn his Citizenship in the Community merit badge, which is one of the required merit badges that Eagle Scout candidates must earn. While there, he met Bud Herman, The POINT’s director of operations, who suggested the Eagle project, which had to be approved by the troop committee and the Chester

County Boy Scout Council. “An Eagle Project must benefit the community in some way and give the Scout an opportunity to demonstrate his leadership skills,” Noah explained.

One of Noah’s responsibilities included acquiring donations for See Eagle Scout pg 2

BY FRANCINE FULTON

“Dog Days of Summer” will be the theme of Final Friday, to be held in downtown Parkesburg on Aug. 25 from 5 to 9 p.m. During the monthly street fair, presented by the Parkesburg Action Committee (PAC), local pet rescues will be on hand accepting donations and showcasing adoptable pets. The event will also include vendors, live music and displays by community groups.

Final Friday events take place in the 200 block of Main Street, where all the stores will be open for shoppers. On Aug. 25, live music will be provided by Blues Mojo, and food will be available from two food trucks - Smokin’ Butler Brisket and BBQ and Mobile Mess Hall.

One organization that will be represented at the event is Chester County-based LaMancha Animal Rescue, a nonprofit no-kill animal shelter. Dogs at the shelter, which are waiting for their forever homes, are given daily exercise by volunteers, so the pets can enjoy fresh air and companionship.

Those who visit the LaMancha

See Final Friday pg 6

Home Grown Peaches