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Aug. 15, 2024
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Amid the tantalizing aroma of corn dogs, the refreshing swirl of lemon shake-ups, and the dizzying whirl of fairground rides, there exists a lesser-known but vital aspect of the Ohio State Fair: It’s a place where youth develop career skills. Each day of the fair, Ohio 4-H members share their projects, embodying the spirit of exploration, learning, and growth.
Ohio 4-H, the youth development arm of The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES), plays a pivotal role in empowering youth statewide. Annually, more than 9,000 4-H youth from all of Ohio’s 88 counties compete at the Ohio State Fair, carefully selected by their county program. In 2023, 9,301 4-H youth participated in Ohio State Fair events.
Over 12 days, youth ages 8 to 19 participate in one-on-one interviews with judges. They showcase their diverse projects, ranging from electricity demonstrations to hamster handling techniques and historical garment modeling, while developing work habits essential for future success in the workforce.
“From goal setting to public speaking, 4-H helps grow tomorrow’s thinkers, innovators, and entrepreneurs,” said Kirk Bloir, state 4-H leader. “At Ohio 4-H, they inspire curiosity, fuel adventure, and build lifelong skills to grow tomorrow’s leaders today.”
The Ohio State Fair serves as a vibrant stage where the CFAES community converges to educate, inspire, and create a lasting impact, whether it’s youth development, agricultural education, or cutting-edge technology.
More than 200 Ohio State employees devote over 2,000 hours of time to orchestrate youth events at the Ohio State Fair. Those employees work to engage more than 1,200 adult volunteers, who give more than 12,700 hours to support youth events at the Ohio State Fair.
“I’m excited to get the opportunity to come to the state fair to share all that I’ve learned about my project,” said Miles Ott, age 12, a 4-H member from Franklin County. “Ohio 4-H gives me the opportunity to learn new skills and develop leadership and public speaking.”
Skillathons provide a unique platform for youth to showcase their knowledge in animal agriculture and encourage critical thinking.
“Having 4-H members at the fair is important because 4-H provides youth with so many tools, and the state fair gives them an opportunity to show and know that their hard work and skills are valued and seen,” said Natalie Pham, age 19, a 4-H member from Summit County and a Teen Leadership Council member.
Ohio State University Extension professionals and volunteers collaborate closely with 4-H members at the fair. They facilitate project judging, engaging demonstrations, lively livestock shows, and skill events. Ohio 4-H’s role extends to coordinating various activities, including special interest projects judging, dog shows, junior horse shows, livestock contests, and species Skillathons.
OSU Extension employees and volunteers are excited to actively support youth who participate in Ohio 4-H livestock and special interest projects both before and during the Ohio State Fair, said David Civittolo, interim associate dean and director of OSU Extension.
“We also help to provide agriculture industry-related and consumer education for all fair visitors via a wide range of activities and events,” Civittolo said. “As the outreach arm of CFAES, OSU Extension is proud to help support the collegewide commitment to connecting with Ohioans of all ages and backgrounds at the fair.”
The college’s dedication to the Ohio State Fair starts from the top. As an Ohio Exposition Commissioner and Ohio State vice president for agricultural administration, CFAES Dean Cathann A. Kress is deeply committed to the college’s engagement and involvement with the fair.
“Our college’s involvement with the Ohio State Fair is significant because it provides hands-on learning experiences for 4-H youth, and agricultural education and outreach to the community,” Kress said.
“Our college reaches Ohioans statewide daily through OSU Extension, so having such a large presence at the Ohio State Fair is a wonderful opportunity to showcase the impact of our college and demonstrate how, as a college, we sustain life.”
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