The 4-H Discovery Day 2005, on May 7 at the Springfield Oaks Activity Center, is a perfect fit for all sorts of people ? whether they are an old hand at 4-H events or completely new to the unique brand of community-based fun.
‘This is an opportunity for people to see a lot of the 4-H program. There is a lot to do that people never thought of being at 4-H,? said Sue Stapleton, 4-H program director.
The day’s festivities will run from 10 a.m.-3 p.m and feature a veritable cornucopia of activities.
Visitors can learn how to make donuts, ice cream, candles, buttons and even slime; take a drama workshop; polish their green thumbs with master gardeners; participate in activities themed around: robotics, poultry, dogs and rabbits; and enjoy several other club demonstrations, clinics and hands-on learning.
In total, there will be 24 activities, some of which require a short orientation prior to participation and some of which have a small fee to cover the cost of supplies.
‘A lot of people think 4-H is just animals. There is a lot of science and technology available through 4-H. There is a lot to do that people never thought of before,? said Stapleton.
New this year to the lineup of Discovery Day will be geo caching, and back after a small hiatus will be ceramics, where kids can paint and glaze their own creations.
?(Discovery Day) serves as the kickoff to the 4-H fair season,? said Stapleton
The 2005 fairbooks will be available for anyone interested in participating in this years 4-H fair. Also, many of the projects for children, like ceramics, can be entered into the 2005 fair.
For people who need a break from hands-on and want something entertaining to watch, Discovery Day will feature a lawnmower rodeo and a mini-horse show,
Aside from the multitude of activities, there will also be 4-H veterinarian services on site, which will include horse coggins testing, dog and cat vaccines, distemper treatments, rabies shots and goat TB treatments. The vetrinary services are available at a small cost and are intended for 4-H fair animals only.
This year, the 4-H discovery day is being made possible by the Oakland County 4-H Fair Association in partnership with the MSU Extension program, 4-H Youth development and Oakland County. Discovery Day has been in existence for over 10 years.