If you have ever been to the Kiwanis Ogeechee Fair in Statesboro, you have likely seen 4-H kids bustling around the animal barn. Held every October, the fair serves as an outlet for community youth participation, especially in the form of mini booths and livestock showing.
Livestock partnership
Livestock applications are sent to regional 4-H and FFA leaders in Bulloch, Bryan, Evans, Tattnall, Chandler, Jenkins, and Screven counties. Once applications have been received, Kiwanis members, like Lisa Turner and Jason Barnes, are tasked with choosing the winners.
The applications are assessed for the child's ability to provide proper care for their animals (either cattle, goats, lambs, or hogs), including feed costs, veterinarian costs, and transportation.
To receive an animal from Kiwanis, students must also promise to keep a detailed record book of their animal and must show in a minimum of 2 shows, with one being the Kiwanis Ogeechee Fair. Each child is allowed to keep their animal after the show season.
21 animals awarded
This year, the livestock was sourced from Bulloch and Screven counties, and Kiwanis awarded 21 animals in May to children aged 5-15. Kiwanis member, Alex Grovenstein, was in charge of awarding chickens to 4-H members. This year, 39 kids received 6 chickens each, for a total of 234.
Lisa Turner states that Kiwanis is continuing to invest in local children involved with 4-H and FFA. The livestock building received a new roof in the summer of 2022, and there are upcoming projects regarding stalls, stall doors, and wooden components of the barn.
Mini booths
Regionally active 4-H club members are also allowed to compete in the mini booth project. Students pick a topic and construct an educational display, which is then set up in the 4-H Building throughout the week of the fair. Once these displays are judged, first place winners receive $10, second place receives $7, and third place receives $5. For the 2023 Kiwanis Fair, there are already 220 mini booth entries.
Fundraiser for 4-H
The 4-H club also utilizes a building in front of the livestock barn for cooking and selling food to fair patrons. This avenue is the #1 money maker for the club and helps fund other programs and activities.
Kiwanis Club of Statesboro member and Fair committee chair, Trish Tootle, states, "4-H and FFA seem to create the most well-rounded children you'll find anywhere. The Kiwanis Ogeechee Fair has always been an agricultural fair, and these children work hard to do their part."
Interested in 4-H
If you have any questions about joining 4-H, or how you might be able to help the club, contact local 4-H agent Lauren Boykin at 912-871-6130 or lauren4h@uga.edu.