Lake County hosts modified 4-H fair

CROWN POINT, Ind. — Although the Lake County Fair was canceled this year, a modified 4-H livestock show took place in August.

“We had a group of adults leaders work together and get a safety plan approved from Purdue,” said Amy Hein, 4-H livestock superintendent. “We then moved forward with a weekend full of show-and-go. We showed beef, sheep, swine, dairy goats and meat goats Aug 8-9.”

A separate horse and pony show was held Aug. 15.

Social distancing and mask wearing were required, and the area was sanitized more frequently than normal.

“Most of the children were able to participate live,” Hein said. “Some others chose to show virtually. The most important thing was that everyone was given the opportunity to complete their project in the way the felt was best for their family.”

Hein believes it was important for 4-H members to have a chance to show this year.

“So many kids look forward to fair week for various reasons,” she said. “They love seeing people that they may only see once a year. They like showing off their hard work over the past year. They like showing what they have done with their animals.

“And I also think it’s important for the younger kids to have an opportunity to watch the bigger ones, too. This year we had an exceptionally large senior class, and I also think it was important to try and give those seniors one last fair.”

Hein thanked the Lake County commissioners for allowing 4-H to use the fairgrounds and Extension educators for helping the show go on.