4-H News
By Anna Burgess County Extension Agent

Mini-booths are finally over! We had 97 entered in the Kiwanis Ogeechee Fair in Statesboro last week. That was probably a record number.

I thought we had a lot last year when we entered 80 exhibits. But this year, I was proven wrong. In order to make minibooth season a success, students and parents must be dedicated. The students have to come to the office about three or four afternoons to work on their booths. Then parents are encouraged to take the booths to the fair, set them up, and install the floor display. Then, Sunday after the fair, parents should return and take down the exhibit. As you can imagine, it takes a lot of work. However, if you ever do it, you get hooked. The experience of going to the fair and setting up a booth should be a family affair. We had a larger number of students and parents participate this year. So, thank you to all those who put out the effort to do a booth I hope you found it to be worth your time.

Congratulations to Kristin McLamb for winning second place overall in the Cloverleaf Division. Callie Dailey received a certificate for "Most Original Idea" and Tony Lane for "Most Educational" in the Junior Division. In the Senior Division, Justin Lanier won "Most Creative."

Our pumpkins for the Pumpkin Decorating Contest are due Oct. 30. Drop them off at the 4- H Office on Monday or Tuesday. They will be judged Wednesday. The categories are: Ugliest, Most Creative, Best of Show, Scariest, Funniest, 4-H Club Theme, Most Original and School Spirit. Start now planning your design.

On Nov. 2, we will have our Cloverleaf Halloween Dance/ Costume Contest. This is for fifth- and sixth-grade 4-H'ers only. The Junior 4-H'ers and Sigma will be putting on the dance.

If you have been collecting pop tabs, thank you! We have had several bags turned in already. We will be collecting them throughout the month. Fifth grade: Remember that the club who collects the most will win "Club of the Month."

During November, we will be collecting canned food items for the local food pantry. Be planning for that!! Juniors and seniors who want to participate in DPA can start coming in and working on their portfolios. They must be submitted in about six weeks. That sounds like a long time but it will be here before you know it!!