Ortonville-Eleven-year-old Danielle Todd, of Groveland Township, says she likes being under pressure and in turn, enjoys cranking up the heat for her opponent.
Todd, an avid chess player, will participate in the chess competition in the annual Oakland County 4-H Fair. This, along with many other events, is new to the fair.
More than 800 people have been busy preparing their animals, exhibits and recipes throughout the year to celebrate ‘Fair Days and Fun Nights,? the theme of this fair, embracing the logo of 4-H; hands, health, heart and happiness.
The 56-year-old program is a 501 nonprofit organization, which means approximately 95 percent of the volunteers are children, leaders and businesses that help promote and establish the events. Every year the fair is visited by more than 70,000 people with participants anywhere from 5 to 19.
This year’s fair brings many new changes. Never before have they extended their arms to adults, allowing them to participate in competitions and exhibits. They now have the opportunity to showcase their talents and skills in the wide variety of categories available.
Terri Burnett, a volunteer member of the Board of Directors for Oakland County 4-H Fair Association has been involved with the program since she was eight years old.
‘It’s a very family orientated organization that teaches children to grow. We literally started planning the day after last year’s fair. All 18 members on the board have worked incredibly hard scheduling and reserving. None of these positions are paid, we really depend on the volunteer work,? said Burnett.
Many members choose to show animals at the fair, including 18-year-old Kylie Kayga from Ortonville. Kayga will show her steer and two pigs and auction them as well. She has been involved for 13 years and said it’s exciting winning and seeing friends from other counties.
‘Sometimes it’s hard to let the animals go that you have been with. As the fair has gotten closer, I visit my steer two or three times a week and my pig about once or twice. I do everything to get them ready to be shown.?
Kayga, among hundreds of others, hopes to receive ribbons and trophies in recognition of the hard work she’s put in.
Animals have always been a big part of 4-H, including rabbits.
Sue Stapleton, a member on the Board of Directors-Pontiac said at one point the Monkey Pox virus was a concern. The Michigan Department of Community Health did previously have a Emergency Order regarding Monkey Pox, but lifted the ban recently because the threat in this area is not large.
‘There will be a certified veterinarian on staff that checks the rabbits to make sure they’re not sick. The department feels it is safe because none of the occurrences have been in this state,? said Stapleton.
The fair is not only for animal enthusiasts, but for photographers, writers, bakers and others with special interests and talents. The rural image that 4-H once had has slowly diminished, and includes many aspects of modern technology, science and culture.
A memorial scholarship has also been set up for Jimmy Manor, a local teenager who was killed in October, 2001.
Check-in dates and times have changed for some areas since last year. Check your fairbook for times, directions or additional information or call the area superintendent office at (248) 634-8830.