WEST SPRINGFIELD — Youths put their skills on display at the Hampden County 4-H & Youth Fair at Eastern States Exposition on Saturday.
The day-long event, held in the Mallary Complex, was held to recognize young people for their achievements on projects that they have made, grown or raised during the past year.
Categories of participation, open to all youth ages 5 to 18 years from Hampden, Berkshire, Franklin, Hampshire and Worcester counties, included animal projects, handmade crafts, gardening, art, photography, robotics and more.
The fair featured a host of events, including a fun run; Dairy, Goat, Rabbit and Dog Shows; Working Steer and Sheep Show; Bottle Rocket Launch; beef show; Model Horse Show; pedal tractor pull; veggie race; Visual, Public Speaking and Performing Arts/Talent Show Presentations; Fashion Revue; Lead Line and Wool Competition; and an Awards Presentation.
New this year was the Pedal Thru Youth Bike Rodeo, a fun way to teach children the rules of the road while practicing safe bicycling. Pedal Thru Youth is an organization that donates bikes and helmets to children and families who may not be able to afford their own.
The 4-H program is delivered by Cooperative Extension, a community of more than 100 public universities across the nation that provides experiences where young people learn by doing.
For more than 100 years, 4‑H has welcomed young people of all beliefs and backgrounds, giving kids a voice to express who they are and how they make their lives and communities better, according to the organization’s website.