For hundreds of teens countywide late July means the Oakland County 4-H Fair.
Hundreds of onlookers and contributors gathered at the Springfield Oaks Fairgrounds to see more than 800 exhibitors, enjoy the rides, and see the sights the fair brings.
The 2003-2004 4-H King and Queen have been named. Holly Jalkaen, 16 of Lake Orion and Charles McGhee, 15 of Brandon Township were happy to accept their crowns.
Betty the cow gave birth to a bull calf in the Miracle of Birth tent on July 21, and the crowd was shocked to see an emu had escaped and was loose in the poultry barn. A fair attendee eventually captured the emu by putting a hat over its head in an attempt to safely return it to its cage.
Many awards have been given this year.
Pearl St.Clair was named Homemaker of the Year. St.Clair is from Auburn Hills. This is her first 4-H award.
Luke Stanko, 14 of Holly, was given the award for Best of Show in the Archery Project. Stanko made a natural Indian style bow from Osage bark. He came in second during the archery tournament.
The Livestock Lady award was given to Catherine McGhee, 14 of Brandon Township.
The Best of Show award for ornamental trees was given to Michael Genobse, 14 from Oxford. Genobse grew a conifer tree from seed, which emits the scent of a tangerine.
The Best of Show in sewing award was given to Cheri Derksen, 16 of Auburn Hills for her beautiful creation of an old style Renaissance dress. She was also the runner-up for the 4-H Queen.
Overall Best Crafts Nancy Barden Memorial Award was given to Lindsey Harting, 13 of Livonia.
The best of Show in Outdoor Experience was given to Clark McGhee, 13 of Brandon Township. This category involves camping experience, compassing and other outdoor activities. McGhee won the award for Flint Knapping, which is the art of making knives and points from rocks.
The poultry barn has won many awards so far as well.
For other winners call (248) 634-8830.