By Henry Rohlf

 

Each summer there are many groups, companies and organizations that set up at the Freeborn County Fair, a number of which are various area 4H clubs.

The organization, primarily in the Midwest, caters for and aids in the development of youth in agriculture. This is done through monthly meetings at 4H clubs on a local level, and once it is fair season all clubs come together to help spread the organization’s message.

One member of 4H, 17-year-old Lydia Saxton, said that the reason she has continued her love of 4H for eight years is because of the animals.

“I love showing off my cows and other animals,” she said.

Cows are just one of the many animals available for showing at this year’s fair. Other animals — according to Saxton — include sheep, goats, horses, rabbits, chicken, llamas, alpacas and swine.

The diversity of animals is one reason so many people love the 4H fair events, according to 11-year-old Randi’Lynn Strouf.

Strouf said she enjoys showing off her pigs in the competitions.

“I show pigs, walk them, and even control them,” she said.

Strouf said this gives her a chance to win some prizes, as well, where she can earn ribbons based on judging of the animals.

She said she does enjoy other aspects of 4H, as well, including the diversity of competition.

“I love all the different experiences, and I love to see how well I did on my projects,” Strouf said.

However, it is not just the animals that keep members of 4H coming back.

Randi Akemann, a 4H veteran of 16 years, describes her time with 4H as some of the best she has had.

Akemann is on the other side of 4H, though, where she works with children and helps them enjoy and love 4H the way she said she does.

“I love the sense of a smaller community, where everyone is helping, encouraging and there for each other,” Akemann said.

It has created a second home for her, Akemann said, where she can continue the tradition she was taught as a youth member.

“It’s fun to help teach the kids what I have learned,” she said.

Multiple 4H clubs are scattered through the area, and anyone who has interest in getting involved is highly encouraged to do so, Akemann said. Those interested can contact the extension office of Freeborn County at 507-377-5660.