There’s something undeniably nostalgic about the county fair—the scent of freshly popped kettle corn, the buzz of families exploring the exhibits, and the wide-eyed excitement of 4-H participants as they show off their hard work. For many, the fair is a summer tradition, a time to celebrate community and the achievements of local youth. The 4-H program, in particular, is a cornerstone of this experience, offering an opportunity to shape the next generation of leaders.
In Warrick and Vanderburgh Counties, the 4-H programs are especially significant. These programs provide a wide range of activities that go beyond traditional education, teaching essential life skills, leadership qualities, and community involvement. Watching the kids immerse themselves in these activities—whether they’re presenting their meticulously cared-for livestock, demonstrating a science project, or participating in a cooking contest—it’s clear that 4-H is more than just an extracurricular activity; it’s a lifelong journey of learning and growth.
As a proud 4-H sponsor, Prime Foods supports these valuable programs that provide such incredible opportunities for our local youth. We encourage you to continue reading to learn more about the powerful impact of 4-H in these counties and ways you can participate. Whether you’re a parent, a local business owner, or a community member, your participation and support can make a significant difference in the lives of these young participants.
What is 4-H?
4-H stands for “Head, Heart, Hands, and Health” and it’s one of the largest and most well-established youth development organizations in the United States. It’s been going strong for over 120 years! The goal of the 4-H program is to help kids and teens build lifelong skills. By getting involved in a variety of hands-on projects and real-world learning experiences, 4-H members pick up important skills and knowledge that go beyond the traditional school setting.
At its core, 4-H focuses on four values:
- Head: Encouraging critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making.
- Heart: Fostering emotional intelligence, empathy, and strong interpersonal relationships.
- Hands: Promoting practical skills, community service, and a sense of responsibility.
- Health: Teaching the importance of physical well-being, mental wellness, and healthy living.
4-H is a remarkably inclusive program, welcoming children from kindergarten through 12th grade, and offering diverse activities ranging from agriculture and animal science to robotics and public speaking. This wide array of options ensures that every participant, regardless of age or interest, finds meaningful and engaging projects that challenge and inspire them. By emphasizing community involvement and strong mentorship, 4-H not only cultivates essential life skills, but also fosters a sense of belonging and leadership.
Fun Fact: Did you know that 4-H’ers are 4x more likely to give back to their communities?
4-H isn’t just an extracurricular program; it’s a youth development initiative that equips young people with the skills and values they need to succeed. By focusing on the four pillars of head, heart, hands, and health, 4-H provides a holistic approach to learning and personal growth.
Join Prime Foods at the Vanderburgh County Fair
So, how can you support our local 4-H’ers? Mark your calendars for July 22nd to July 27th, 2024 and come join us at the Vanderburgh 4-H Center for the annual Vanderburgh County Fair! This much-loved summer event brings our community together for a week of excitement, fun, and learning. From tractor pulls and demolition derbies to rodeos and a live concert by Parmalee, there’s a little something for everyone.
The fair is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the achievements of our local youth. 4-H participants have been working throughout the year, and this event offers a chance for them to showcase their efforts—whether it’s in livestock shows, agricultural exhibits, or arts and crafts. See the full schedule here.
Vanderburgh County Fair – Kids Corner
Prime Foods is proud to sponsor the Kids Corner at the Vanderburgh County Fair! This dedicated area offers a new craft project each day, sensory stations, water activities, and even magic shows. These activities are designed to be both fun and educational, fostering creativity and hands-on learning in a safe and supportive environment. By engaging the youngest fair-goers, the Kids Corner ensures that children are not just spectators of the event, but also active participants in the fair experience.
Vanderburgh County Fair Admission:
Adults 10 & Older:
- $10.00 single admission at gate
- $40.00 Season Passes
Kids 9 & Under: FREE
Parking:
- Parking is FREE in Fairgrounds lots.
- Includes FREE parking lot shuttles available in the evenings.
Join Prime Foods at the Warrick County 4-H Fair
Another opportunity to join in on the 4-H fun is the Warrick County 4-H Fair, which runs from July 15th to 20th, 2024 in Boonville, Indiana!
The fair is about much more than funnel cakes and Ferris wheels (although, there’s plenty of time for that too!) The Warrick County 4-H Fair showcases the positive impact of the 4-H program, which involves over 500 youth in the county. It’s a place where memories are made and lessons are learned, all under the banner of “Learning by Doing.”
4-H participants will be on-site to showcase their talents through exhibits that range from livestock and agricultural projects to arts, crafts, and technology displays. These projects often require months of dedication and hard work.
In addition to the exhibits, the fair includes rides, games, entertainment, numerous contests, workshops, and interactive sessions aimed at enhancing specific skills and fostering a competitive spirit.
Platinum Sponsorship
Prime Foods proudly serves as a Platinum Sponsor for the 2024 Warrick County 4-H Sponsorship Program, underscoring our deep commitment to community and youth development. Our sponsorship directly supports the Warrick County 4-H program, funding essential activities such as camps, workshops, and various educational projects.
These initiatives provide young people with enriching “learning by doing” experiences that foster leadership, responsibility, and community engagement. By investing in the 4-H program, Prime Foods aims to equip the next generation with the skills, knowledge, and confidence they need to succeed in their future endeavors.
Join us at the Warrick County 4H Fair from July 15th to 20th, 2024 for a week filled with fun and festivities while celebrating our local youth and their achievements!
Admission:
- Adults (7 & Older:) $3
- Week-Long Pass: $15
- Kids 6 & Under: FREE
- 4-H Members, Volunteers & Homemakers: FREE (must have membership card)
Arena Admission:
- Adults: $7
- Ages 7-12: $3
- 6 & Under: FREE
- Arena Week Pass: $35
- Arena Week Pass (4-Her’s & Homemakers with Membership Card): $3
How to Participate and Support
Would you like to join us in supporting the 4-H program? Everyone in the community is welcome to join and help out with our local fairs and activities. Your involvement can make a big difference for the success of these programs and positively impact local youth. Here are some key ways you can participate and support:
- Attending the Fairs: One of the simplest ways to support the 4-H programs is by attending the fairs. Both the Vanderburgh and Warrick County Fairs offer a wealth of activities, exhibitions, and entertainment that are enjoyable for the whole family. Mark your calendar for the Vanderburgh County Fair (July 22nd-27th) and the Warrick County 4-H Fair (July 15th-20th.)
- Volunteering: Volunteering your time and skills is another impactful way to support 4-H programs. There are numerous opportunities to assist with fair activities, from setting up exhibits and coordinating events to helping out with parking. Your involvement can help ensure that the fairs run smoothly and create a positive, enriching experience for all attendees.
- Sponsorship: Businesses and organizations can follow in Prime Foods’ footsteps by becoming sponsors of the 4-H programs. Sponsorship provides vital funds and resources that allow the programs to expand and thrive. It also offers businesses a way to demonstrate their commitment to community development and youth empowerment.
- Spreading the Word: Awareness is key to the success of 4-H programs and local fairs. By sharing information within your networks—whether through social media, community bulletin boards, or word of mouth—you can help raise awareness and attract more participants and supporters.
The 4-H programs in Warrick and Vanderburgh Counties are more than just after-school activities; they are transformative experiences that equip young people with essential skills for the future. At Prime Foods, we’re proud to play a small role in helping to sustain these programs, ensuring they continue to benefit our community.
By participating and supporting in various ways—whether through attending fairs, volunteering, sponsoring, or spreading the word—we can all contribute to the success of 4-H and the positive impact it has on our local youth. Join us in supporting these invaluable programs and help foster the next generation of leaders. Together, we can make a lasting difference. Visit www.vanderburghcountyfair.com or www.warrickcounty4hcenter.com/fair to learn more and get involved today.