FUN AT THE FAIR: Treasuring the Trash 4-H Club members are shown with their exhibit at last year’s fair. This year’s 4-H fair is on Saturday, July 25, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday July 26, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Howell Living History Farm in Hopewell Township. (Photo courtesy of Mercer County 4-H)

By Wendy Greenberg

While the 4-H organization has included more technology and science in the last few years, the annual 4-H Fair is where the clubs’ traditional work with animals, crafts, and baking, shines. And so do the club-members, who gain confidence as they show some impressive skills, and educate fairgoers as well.

That’s the case at the upcoming Mercer County 4-H Fair at Howell Living History Farm in Hopewell Township on Saturday, July 25, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday, July 26, 10 a.m. to
4 p.m.

“For 4-Hers, the fair is the favorite event of the year, “ said Chad Ripberger, who heads the Mercer County chapter and is a longtime 4-H extension agent with a background in teaching.

“They feel ownership, and a responsibility for its success, and it builds confidence and leadership. After putting in long hours preparing, they are speaking to the public, answering questions throughout the weekend.”

The 4-H programs are part of Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Mercer County, a partnership between Rutgers University, Mercer County, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The mission of 4-H, which began around 1892 in Wisconsin according to its website, was — and is — a youth leadership development program.

Mercer County’s 107th summer fair is the longest running in New Jersey, running from 1919 first on the grounds of Princeton High School. After locations at the Trenton State Fairgrounds, Washington Crossing State Park, and other sites, the fair found a home at the 130-acre Howell Farm, where it is celebrating its 18th year. The farm will offer a wheat threshing demonstration.

“To me, what’s different in Mercer County is this venue,” said Ripberger. “Being at Howell Farm is wonderful. It’s such a beautiful farm. There is a good partnership between Mercer County 4-H and Mercer County Parks Commission (which runs Howell Farm).”

The fair, he said, promises “old-fashioned wholesome entertainment for the family.” Numbers are up among 4-Hers, he noted, and more are working with chickens, rabbits, goats and sheep than in the last two years. “There is renewed interest in food production and farming in general,” he said. “We had to get additional pens.” There are goat and rabbit shows on Saturday, and poultry and sheep are featured on Sunday.

A crowd favorite is the animal costume contest, he said, where the 4-Hers introduce their animals in costumes. “It’s a lot of fun. They get creative with costumes. It fills the show tent.“ That event is Saturday at 12:30 p.m.

There is also a 4-H animal meet and greet on Saturday at 1:30 p.m., when the public can walk through. The club members take a microphone and introduce their animals. The public can learn from the 4-Hers, and ask questions.

A showmanship contest at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday is when club members are judged on how well they show their animals, and feature their animal’s strengths. In this contest they go against one another for ribbons.

But the regular judging is based on standards criteria, not against others. Except for the Best in Show, entries are not ranked. “If they all meet or exceed the standard, they get ribbons,” said Ripberger. “The judges are very experienced, and they give excellent feedback.”

According to the handbook, members guided by leaders are to plan their own club displays, and youths must set up their own booth displays at the fair.

Fairgoers do vote for their favorites. “That started a few years ago, so people didn’t just walk through the exhibits, but there is more engagement,” Ripberger said.

Other highlights of the fair include 4-H archery clubs, which will teach the public about the sport; a magic show; and a reptile show.

The Big Red Barn will be the site of projects in sewing, crafts, fine arts, and baking such as muffins, cakes, bread, and jam. Entry categories are as varied as decoupage, millinery, pickles, and dried grasses, among many others.

“We make it fun and friendly,” said Ripberger. The Magnolia String Band will play on Saturday, and the Jugtown Mountain Band will play Sunday, as well at the Country Dance on Saturday at 6 p.m., where there will be a caller to instruct participants.

The public is also invited to turn in exhibits in the Open Category. Entries are due on Thursday, July 23, from 3-7 p.m. at the farm, 70 Woodens Lane. While 4-H membership is open to those in grades K to one year past grade 12, both youths and adults may submit projects completed within the past year in categories including photography, arts and crafts, gardening, clothing, baking, woodworking, and many other creative endeavors.

In addition to animals, foods, and crafts, photography is popular at the fair, said Ripberger. And, the Robbinsville Innovation 4-H Club will be in the STEM Tent, demonstrating and answering questions with the 4-H STEM ambassadors.

At the fair, there are no commercial vendors, unlike some fairs, he noted. Community organizations — such as Rutgers Master Gardeners, Mercer County Mosquito Control Commission, and Mid-State Beekeepers Association — set up educational programs.

“At some fairs you have to look to find the 4-H exhibits among the carnival rides,” Ripberger said. “For us, it’s about the 4-H kids.”

More details about exhibiting at the fair can be found at mercer.njaes.rutgers.edu/4h/fair along with a complete schedule of competitions and events, and guidelines for entries. 

For more information about 4-H or entering projects in the fair, contact the Mercer County 4-H Office at (609) 989-6830 or email bejgrowicz@njaes.rutgers.edu.

There is free parking and free admission, with a cost for items like food, a steam tractor ride, and pony rides. A donation of a canned good in support of Rutgers Against Hunger is suggested.