By Emily Wangen

NORTHWOOD — Throughout the year, 4-H members prepare projects of all kinds to be judged at the county fair. Tuesday was judging day at the Worth County Fair.

Numerous 4-H members gathered at the fairgrounds with their projects for interviews with judges.

This was Damon Reyerson’s first 4-H judging day. He entered photographs as well as a visual art piece. His mother, Susie, noted that 4-H has allowed her shy son to interact with others more. Ella Fritz of Northwood has been in 4-H for four years. She joined because her parents wanted her to get involved with something. Her parents are both in the education field and value the 4-H program.

Fritz entered paintings and photographs in the fair. She said she wasn’t going to get her hopes up, but having projects that go to the state fair would be really cool.

“I do what I like,” she said. “If the judges like it that’s great, if they don’t that’s fine, too.”

Paul Olson entered photos that will be considered for the state fair as well as a table shaped like a home plate that he made in school. He wanted something to put in his room and decided to make it a 4-H project. Olson started 4-H eight years ago when he showed sheep.

He enjoys helping younger 4-H members learn new skills through 4-H as well as making projects.

“It’s my quiet, happy place,” Olson said.

Traveling to the National 4-H Congress as well as the national conference is also something that Olson enjoys. Both events give him the opportunity to meet others involved in 4-H and learn how they run things at home. Both the National 4-H Congress and conference includes different workshops and sessions, as well as fun activities for participants.

Projects can be viewed at the Worth County Fair in the 4-H Exhibit Building. The Worth County Fair runs through Sunday in Northwood.