By Krystle J Bailey
Over 70 years of family fun has been had on the Atlantic County 4-H Fairgrounds. The weekend of fun is back this year with a full lineup of can’t-miss events. From line dancing and pie-eating contests to car shows, baby parades, and the annual Chicken BBQ, the 4-H fair is an annual tradition that has been enjoyed by local families for generations.
On Friday, August 11, and Saturday, August 12, the David C. Wood 4-H Center and fairgrounds on Route 50 will be filled with hundreds of local families, rides, food, activities, and more.
The fair, which began in 1950, offers 4-H members the opportunity to celebrate and showcase what they have learned in their respective fields in the last year. The 4-H program takes a “learning by doing” approach in each of the offered programs. Members are welcome to join from kindergarten through high school and can choose programs that fit their interests.
Programs include nutrition, baton twirling, engineering, robotics, cooking, community service, physics, and more. With the help of adult volunteers, 4-H youth are given the resources to learn new trades and hobbies. 4-H members focus on building core values that include independence, belonging, mastery, and generosity.
The yearly 4-H fair is their time to shine. The schedule is packed from top to bottom with family-friendly entertainment. Friday night, fairgoers are invited to check out the annual car show that features unique cars of all makes and models. 17 trophies will be awarded to participating car owners. The show is followed by an interactive line dancing class at 8:30 pm. Saturday morning, the day kicks off with the highly-anticipated Baby Parade, followed by the Pie Eating Contest and Pet Parade. Throughout the weekend, guests are encouraged to enjoy local food, rides, children’s activities, horse and livestock shows, firemen’s demonstrations, and more. Animal attractions are available all weekend long.
The decades-old tradition is a chance for those curious about becoming 4-H members to explore the fairgrounds, speak with volunteers, and learn about available programs. Volunteers will be scattered throughout the fairgrounds to answer questions or provide additional information about 4-H. The event is free, with affordable parking onsite.
4-H is one of the most highly regarded festivals in South Jersey and for good reason. The 4 H’s represent “head, heart, hands, and health.” Members pledge their HEADS to clearer thinking, their HEARTS to greater loyalty, their HANDS to larger service, and their HEALTH to better living.
Learn more about 4-H at ac4hfair.org.
Photos by Steffen Klenk
