4-H Fun

The Expo Center at MontanaFair is always buzzing with activity, but here are a few events not to miss:

Stick Horse Rodeo, 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 14
Children between ages 2 and 6 will build stick horses and participate in a variety of rodeo events. The activities vary, but can include weaving through poles, turning around barrels and jumping over obstacles. Any child can participate, and the program is led by teens in 4-H.

Rocket Launch, 11 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 17
4-H members who have been building rockets for their fair projects will be giving them a final send-off into the wild blue yonder. The group will meet at the Expo Center before traveling to the launch site.

Quiz Bowl, 1 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 17
4-H club members test their mental mettle in a TV game show-style contest. The questions are about 4-H fair projects and can range from swine to needlepoint. About 30 children and teens participate.

Costumed Animal Parade, 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 18
4-Hers and their critters dress up in costume for some surprising, funny and off-the-wall results. The youngsters are judged on their costumes, animal handling and the creative narratives about the costumes. 4-H members often put many hours of crafting into the costumes.

Goat Obstacle Course, 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 19
Goats are known for being intelligent and obstinate, so there’s no telling what might happen as they navigate an obstacle course with their handlers. They’ll be expected to cross a bridge, hop up on hay bales and, with any luck, perform other tricks.


About 4-H

4-H is a nationwide youth development program that emphasizes practical, hands-on learning in a broad variety of subjects relating to health, citizenship, science and technology. 4-H was started to create opportunities for rural youth, but it has since expanded to include young people from urban areas as well. 4-H is for young people ages 9-19 and a program called Cloverbuds serves younger children.

There are 4-H clubs in most every county in every state in the nation, and participation in fairs is a hallmark of the organization. About 400 4-H youth from 20 clubs in Yellowstone County participate in the MontanaFair.

For more information, contact Roni Baker at (406) 698-6838 or 256-2828