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-Hers, their families, staff and volunteers. There will be many individual project changes to ensure a safe experience for youth, but the 4-H Council knows the 4-H community can rise to the occasion with everyone’s help.
Hamilton County 4-H Council will follow Purdue University’s requirements for having an in-person event and is currently working through the logistics for implementation. 4-H officials are working closely with the Hamilton County Health Department to follow state and local guidelines, including complying with the Indiana’s Back on Track plan. The 4-H Council 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.
4-H officials and Purdue Extension staff will develop a virtual component alongside the in-person plan for 4-H members who are unable or choose not to participate in the live event.
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. 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.
The Hamilton County 4-H Fair is organized and sponsored by Purdue Extension Hamilton County and the Hamilton County 4-H Council. For more information about the Purdue Extension Service and their commitment to providing educational resources during the COVID-19 pandemic, contact Purdue Extension Hamilton County at (317) 776-0854 or visit extension.purdue.edu/hamilton.