Holmes Co. 4-H Open House a sneak peek into excitement

The annual Holmes County 4-H Open House took place in the expo center at Harvest Ridge, where the annual Holmes County Fair takes place. It is the perfect venue to introduce young kids to the values, joy and camaraderie of joining one of the local county 4-H clubs.

Ella Lorentz, educator with Holmes County Ohio State Extension Office, helped create this year’s event that took place March 7, and hundreds of kids and their parents flooded into the expo center, where dozens of tables and stations were prepared to highlight some of the projects and opportunities that await 4-Hers when they join a club.

“This night is all about introduction and education, and it’s open to anyone in the county,” Lorentz said. “Our hope is that this event serves as a way to introduce families to everything 4-H is all about.”

The evening showcased all of the various livestock committees available through 4-H, as well as the different committees, clubs and activities involving 4-H. It even included an impromptu line dancing class.

If it is an activity or adventure that involves 4-H, it was probably present at this event.

Lorentz said the Holmes County 4-H Committee planned the night, hoping to shed light on the many joys that accompany joining a 4-H club.

“They are the backbone of this evening, and they did a remarkable job of putting everything together,” Lorentz said. “It’s a huge commitment and a lot of moving parts, and it takes a lot of preparation and hard work, but it’s so worth it because we can introduce a lot of kids and families who haven’t experienced 4-H yet to what it’s all about.”

Lorentz said the biggest goal is promoting the importance of the relationships and friendships that evolve from joining 4-H.

She said many of the adults on the senior fair board, those who serve as 4-H advisers, and simply community members who grew up as a member of 4-H and developed friendships have remained good friends throughout their lives.

“So many people who grew up in this county want to come back here and raise families and serve their community, and giving back to the community is a big part of what we promote through 4-H,” Lorentz said.

At one stop a trio of Holmes County Junior Fair Board members were helping youngsters create calming jars while promoting the Ohio State 4-H Camp benefits.

“This is a very important part of growing up in Holmes County for kids because it gets them involved and helps us stay active,” HCJFB member Tristan Houin said. “We want kids to be out there doing things and being part of their communities. It helps us all grow and learn how to be part of something special through 4-H.”

Fellow board member Madison Pearce-Laferty said the benefits of 4-H are many, and there are a couple hundred reasons to join a club, which is just a portion of how many projects are available as life skills projects through 4-H.

She said the benefits go well beyond projects such as rock climbing, rockets, crafts, cake decorating and raising a fair animal.

“There will probably be someone there who will become your best friend,” she said. “Some kids come to 4-H worrying that they don’t have friends with them to hang around with. That shouldn’t be a worry because they will make plenty of friends immediately.”

Board member Phin Johnson was excited to share his vision and experiences in 4-H to the young newcomers. He said finding a place to start when defining all of the benefits of 4-H is the most difficult thing.

“Where do I even begin?” he said. “The biggest one is the people you’ll meet. You’ll become friends with the most hospitable, wonderful people through 4-H. You’ll develop lifelong friends. You will grow an incredible work ethic, how to coordinate with others and self-discipline through your animal projects. And best of all, you’ll find out that there are so many people here in Holmes County willing to reach out and help you.”

He said when kids come to 4-H having never raised an animal for fair such as a hog, lamb, rabbit or goat, they will be amazed at how much fun it is and how much a young person will grow to cherish the time they spend with their animal and enjoy the responsibilities that accompany raising an animal.

“You create a unique a bond,” Johnson said.

Lorentz said any family unable to attend the event still has time to make a connection and join a Holmes County 4-H club.

Enrollment is open until April 1, and anyone interested can call the extension office at 330-674-3015 and receive instructions on how to contact one of the 23 local clubs in their area.