Editor’s note: The following information was provided by the Hamilton County 4-H Council, County Extension Director Susan Peterson, and 4-H Youth Development Extension Education Kathleen Bohde.
Hamilton County 4-H Families,
After careful thought and consideration, the Hamilton County 4-H Council has made the decision to move forward with plans to host an in-person 4-H Fair Exhibit for 2020. This event will be open only to 4-H’ers, their families, staff and volunteers. There will be many individual project changes to ensure a safe experience for our youth, but we know by the outpouring from our 4-H community that we can rise to the occasion with everyone’s help.
We WILL be following the Purdue University requirements for having an in-person event and we are currently working through the logistics for implementation. We also have the support of the Hamilton County Health Department and are working closely with them to follow state and local guidelines, including complying with the Indiana’s Back on Track plan. Please know that we will be ready to move to a virtual event should a COVID-19 local hotspot develop or should Hamilton County not be at Stage 5 status. The 2020 in-person Hamilton County 4-H Fair Exhibit will go forward if the county continues to progress through the stages outlined by Governor Holcomb. Stage 5 must be reached by July 4.
We will be developing a virtual component alongside the in-person plan for 4-H members who are unable or choose not to participate in the live event. Please contact the Purdue Extension Hamilton County as soon as possible in order to make arrangements for virtual or other options.
Please be patient with us as we determine exactly how exhibits will look. Some examples of changes include:
- July 16-20 will continue to be the dates for the Hamilton County 4-H Fair. However, some judging events that typically occur during this window may be moved to accommodate social distancing and to spread out 4-H events.
- Non-animal project judging will be “closed judging.” 4-H members will not be present during judging.
- Livestock shows will be a “show and go” format. Many will show off trailers as pen space will be limited as we observe social distancing. There will be no animals staying overnight.
- Audiences will be limited to 4-H members and their families. Streaming of live events will be available.
- All 4-H’ers, 4-H volunteers and staff may be required to wear face coverings when engaged in 4-H activities where social distancing is not possible. Contact tracing will also be required to follow the recommendation of the Hamilton County Health Department. There will be face covering expectations and those are continuing to be clarified.
- No special events will be held in conjunction with the 4-H exhibits.
Hosting an in-person event is going to require extra effort by everyone involved. If you are willing to volunteer during the event, please contact the Extension Office.
Reminder: Completion of your 4-H year is accomplished when your 4-H leader signs off on your record sheets and project manuals. You do not have to participate in an exhibit option.
Thank you for being flexible as we navigate this ever-changing and evolving process. We will be sharing more information as soon as we can.