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 The purpose of the event was two-fold. The group
gathered to enjoy a crisp fall evening together and also to promote
4-H to area families who might be interested in having their
children participate in 4-H in the future.
The general belief that 4-H is an agricultural club, and in truth
that is the concept behind the organization. However, as times
change, 4-H has changed with it. Today it is more than farming and
preserving food. The clubs explore Science, Technology, Engineering,
Art, and Mathematics (STEAM), offering activities that well
complement the general education children receive in school.
Inside the barn on Saturday evening there were displays set up by
various clubs throughout the county demonstrating some of the fun
and interesting things that the club members do on a regular basis.
As an example, the Cloverdale 4-H club had an interactive table
where that children could build a geometric design utilizing
uncooked spaghetti with tiny marshmallows as the connectors.
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Club leader Leslie Starasta and her daughter Sarah
who is a member of the club said that the children enjoyed the
challenge of making the pyramid-like structure.
Also, just for fun, the club had set up a pumpkin bowling lane using
small pumpkins as balls and toilet paper ‘ghost’ pins. The bowling
was just one of several fall related games scattered around the
barn.
Across the way, Rose Catterson, a member of the Atlanta Ag 4-H club
had with her one of her rabbits that she shows at the Logan County
Fair. The rabbit was very well mannered and gentle enough that
visiting children could pet the bunny and even hold it if they so
desired. Catterson also had a story board set up, to illustrate the
various parts of the rabbit body.
Another display was that of the Atlanta Ag Cloverbuds. The
Cloverbuds is kind of like a pre-school program for 4-H. The
children participating in Coverbuds are not yet old enough to join
an official 4-H program. The Cloverbud program focuses on simpler
lessons and activities and helps promote an interest in the full on
program when children reach the appropriate age.
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The Hartem Clovers Club was also on hand and shared a
story board with the names of their members and officers. Listed in
the position of club president was Logan County Junior Miss Alayna
Briggs.
Junior Miss Alayna and Little Miss Sofia Farmer were in attendance
at the event and were enjoying being in the spotlight with many of
the children, especially the girls, seeking them out to talk about
their elevate status in the county.
The 4-H Foundation also had a table, manned in part by Logan County
Extension staff involved in the local 4-H programs including Carissa
Davis and Amy Hyde. Also working that table was Logan County Tourism
Director and former 4-H member Alice Roate.
Outside the barn a nice fire pit offered a little extra warmth to
those gathered around visiting and enjoying very cold ice cream
offered by Top Hat Creamery in the traveling Top Hat.
Before enjoying ice cream, everyone was encouraged to enjoy
something a little more substantial. Lincoln Police Officer and
D.A.R.E. officer who also has kids participating in 4-H, was on hand
cooking up an endless supply of hot dogs.
Throughout the evening, people came and went checking out 4-H and
enjoying visiting with others on hand.
The Logan County 4-H program has clubs throughout the county. The
membership is open to children ages 7 through 18. Visit this link to
find a club in your neighborhood and contact information for the
adult leaders of each club.
spark_club_flyer_logan_2021.10.5.pdf (illinois.edu)
[Nila Smith]
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