PAW PAW, Mich. — Clinton, Eaton and Van Buren county 4-H programs are working together to offer a virtual learning showcase for youth in these counties. As Michiganders continue to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic, Michigan State University Extension has created a plethora of opportunities for 4-H youth to stick together while physically being apart. This virtual learning showcase is an online experience that allows 4-H members and other youth the opportunity to show off and exhibit their project work. You make ask yourself, “Why are these counties combining efforts, they are not even close to one another?” That is correct, however since this is virtual these counties teamed up based on original fair dates.
Youth have worked so hard on their 4-H projects this year and even though we cannot see them in person, we are excited to see their work! Though not the same as the county fair, exhibiting projects online is a great opportunity to share what you have learned and receive feedback from a judge to help you think about your goals and plans for next year. We want to make sure all youth have the opportunity to showcase mastery of skills learned through their projects, receive constructive feedback, and be recognized for accomplishments in both still exhibits and animal projects.
The Clinton, Eaton and Van Buren Virtual Showcase is open to ALL youth in these counties, including youth that had planned to exhibit in the original county fair. The virtual showcase will offer animal showmanship classes as well some static/still exhibits, including photography, fine arts, and arts and crafts. Youth that plan to participate in animal showmanship must have met the county deadline related to each species.
Registration will be done through FairEntry, https://fairentry.com/Fair/SignIn/14801. Entries are due on or before July 22. Results will be announced the week of July 27. Youth entering in showmanship for dairy, beef, feeder calves, sheep, goats, swine, dogs, cats, pocket pets, horses, and draft horses will need to upload one image with the youth and their animal and one video (90 seconds or less). Narration is not allowed. Youth entering in showmanship for rabbits and/or poultry will need to upload one image with the youth and their animal and one video (2-3 minutes). Narration not allowed. Youth wishing to enter static/still exhibits can submit up to 6 images per project.
If you run into trouble with uploading your exhibit documentation or you have questions, please contact Corissa Harris (harri446@msu.edu), Kristy Oosterhouse (oosterh6@msu.edu) or Janice Zerbe (rajzerj@msu.edu). We are here to help you! For more information about MSU Virtual Learning Showcases visit, https://www.canr.msu.edu/virtual-showcase/.
— MSU Extension- Van Buren County
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