University of Florida

4-H at the Florida State Fair

February 5-16, 2009
Photo Gallery

By Laura Knipper

Rides, food, concerts, animals, and 4-H!  Where can all these things be found?  The Florida State Fair of course!  February 5 – 16, was a busy time in Tampa at the State Fair grounds, especially for 4-H members.  This being 4-H’s centennial year, you could easily find 4-H displays and events scattered all about the fair grounds. 

In the Agriculture Hall of Fame 4-H had the spotlight.  With a mini golf course set-up, and District banners representing each 4-H district in Florida lining the ceiling, plus some informative displays, the building looked great.  State fair goers hustled and bustled in and out of the building all eleven days of the fair. 

On 4-H Day, February 7th, over in the Entertainment Hall dozens of 4-H members and leaders did their part to promote 4-H with the many tables and displays they manned.  A few of the displays included a Honey Bee, Operation Military Kids community service, Fishing line recycling community service, make a healthy snack, 4-H curriculum, 4-H Centennial, 4-H History, and a State 4-H Council table.  In the same building the 4-H Fashion Show competition was also going on.  4-Hers modeled outfits they either purchased or sewed themselves. 

There were many other 4-H competitive events at the fair this year also.  The 4-H Dog Show had so many participants this year it was divided into two days.  Many 4-H members also showed rabbits and poultry in the Rabbit Barn, and competed in several judging events.  Others showed goats, cows, pigs, llamas, or sheep.  In the Florida Center you could also find 4-H entries in the arts and crafts competition. 

Looks like 4-H played a big part in the State Fair’s success this year and will continue to do so in the years to come! 

Laura Knipper is a Florida 4-H'er in Sarasota County. She writes a blog called 4-H For You under the community tab at: www.heraldtribune.com/section/blog