Wayne, PA — For 4-H members, the fair season begins as soon as the last one ends. From choosing new livestock projects to beginning non-livestock projects, and planning our club display, scrapbook and club project, we are always busy! The 163rd Wayne County Fair was held August 1-9 and was no exception. Our club started off the fair week with our club president, Olyvea Burke being named one of the counties 2025 Outstanding Senior Members. Congratulations to Olyvea and also to Nicole Non, who was also named an Outstanding Senior Member.

The Tri-Gal 4-H Club had a great run receiving 1st Blue with our club display with the county theme “Flying into 2025…4-H Has the Supplies to Thrive.” We took the theme one step further and added “in Agriculture and Beyond” because it is important to know that 4-H is a lot more than just animals.  Anyone who visited the “Red Metal Building” at the south end of the fairgrounds had a first-hand look at all of the non-livestock opportunities 4-H offers. From baking to woodworking, there is something for everybody. We also received a blue award with our 2025 club scrapbook. Our scrapbook and remodeled portable display will be on public display during National 4-H Week in October at The Dime Bank in Damascus.

Like many of the counties 4-H members, our club has members who commit to raising quality livestock projects that are then sold at the annual livestock auction on the last day of the fair. They must learn to care for the animals with minimal assistance and keep record books on their projects.  This year our club had at least one member who had a project in every offering including sheep, goats, beef, hogs, rabbits and many showed dairy goats and cattle, which do not get sold. Showmanship of the projects as well as a market show are part of the experience.

Our members showed exceptional showmanship skills and sportsmanship in the show ring all week, many taking home top honors. The show results will be published in local newspapers and online in the coming days to weeks. Congratulations to everyone!

During Opening Ceremonies for the auction held on August 9, club President Olyvea and club Treasurer and News Reporter Channing received a Nebzydoski-White Memorial Scholarship.

Thank you to the generous business owners and private buyers that know when you purchase a 4-H livestock animal, you purchase locally grown, quality meat products and are supporting the future of agriculture in our area. We would also like to thank everyone who purchased ice cream from the 4-H Ice Cream booth. This is the program’s biggest fundraiser each year and sold out once again this year!

For more information on how you can join 4-H or become a screened volunteer, please call the Penn State Extension Office in Honesdale at 570 616-0880.