It is not unusual for you to feel scared when you get your projects judged at the Fair. Here are some tips so you will know what to expect. Just remember that judging is a learning experience so you can understand what you did well, and what you might need to improve on for next year.

• During conference judging, the judge will encourage you to talk about your project.
• You will be asked questions about your project, so be prepared to discuss the methods used to produce the project and what you learned from doing it.
• Read and follow rules and requirements carefully in the 4-H Showbook.
• Practice good sportsmanship.
• Listen carefully to the judge so that you can accept constructive criticism and learn from it.
• Remember- judging comments are helpful, but they are only one person's opinion.
• Projects are evaluated, not people. Projects are evaluated individually, not compared.
• Remember that people sometimes make mistakes.

The Fairfield Rural Fire Department is lending a helping hand to the county 4-H program.

A new $20 program fee will be issued by the state to all 4-H members next year. To help offset that fee, the FRFD has offered to donate all proceeds from their food stand during the 4-H Livestock Auction to 4-H. They will take care of cooking the food, but have asked us to be in charge of selling their delicious pork burgers & chops.

Each club needs to provide at least 4 youth and 1 adult to work for 30 minutes from 4 p.m. - 7 p.m. Call the office and let us know which time slot works best for your club.

According to the Illinois Department of Agriculture, all poultry (except waterfowl) that are on the Fairgrounds for more than one day are required to be tested. Wayne County 4-H will test all poultry that 4-Hers plan to bring to the Fair free of charge. The testing will take place on Wednesday, July 8 at the 4-H Poultry Barn. The testing will only take a few minutes. When the animals are tested they should not be returned to the flock. If you would like to test birds in addition to those that will be exhibited for 4-H, there will be a $1.00 charge per bird.

Before you know it, Fair will be over and it'll be time for the annual 4-H Foundation Pork Chop Dinner! The event will be held on Saturday, August 15^th from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Geff Ruritan Building. Ticket packets are ready for pick up. We ask that each 4-H family sell at least one pack of five tickets. The Wayne County 4-H Foundation will be awarding prizes to the top three ticket sellers. First place will receive $25, second will receive $15 and third will receive $10. Each club is also asked to supply workers. Be sure to check with your leader to see when your club is scheduled to work. Please help promote and support the 4-H Foundation Pork Chop Dinner. The Wayne County 4-H Foundation supports numerous 4-H events through the funding of scholarships, camp fees, and Fairground improvements, to name a few.

We would like to extend a special thanks to the Geff Ruritan Club for their continued support of Wayne County 4-H.

Any 4-H member who enjoys BBQ-ing on the grill should enter the 8^th annual Chicken BBQ Cookoff. This contest will be held outside the 4-H building on Tuesday, July 21^st at 3:00 p.m. It is open to any 4-H'er. One trophy winner will be selected. Check your 2009 Wayne County 4-H Showbook for more details (page 46). You must call the Extension office to sign-up for this event by July 20^th.

There will be an area set aside for a display of Cloverbud activities for viewing at the 4-H General Projects Show on Monday, July 20^th. All Cloverbud projects should be checked in by 9:30 a.m. at the 4-H Arena.

4-H members who plan to sell an animal at the 4-H Livestock Auction should send a personal letter or note to potential buyers requesting their presence at the 4-H Auction. Buyers always appreciate personal contacts.

As always, youth volunteers are needed to assist judges at the Wayne County 4-H General Projects Show. As a helper, you will record grades, hand out ribbons, etc. Please call the office to volunteer. Your assistance would be greatly appreciated!

The Wayne County 4-H Federation will be holding an End of the Summer Bash swimming party at the Leo French Park Pool. It will be held on Saturday, August 1^st from 5 - 7 p.m. The pool party is open to all 4-H members, leaders and their families and friends. Make plans to attend!

If you'll be in the fifth, sixth or seventh grade this September, join us for the Discover Chicago trip October 10-12.

Discover Chicago is three jam-packed days of fun learning in one of our nation's largest cities. You'll learn about geography, history and science as you explore famous attractions in Chicago. You'll get to:

• Tour an actual Boeing 727 jet, explore the depths of a coal mine, and take a cross country train trip at the hands-on Museum of Science and Industry.
• Dine on a medieval feast while watching brave knights show off their skills at Medieval Times.
• View the city from the John Hancock Center.
• Experience nature, science and history at Chicago's elegant and exciting Field Museum.
• Eat at the popular Rain Forest Café.
• Come face to face with marine life at Shedd Aquarium.

Cost for the trip is $299 and that includes admission to all attractions, lodging at the Embassy Suites Hotel, charter bus transportation, meals, and insurance. The registration deadline is September 1, but space is limited. Your friends who are not 4-Hers can attend, too.

For more details, contact the Extension office by phone at 842-3702, or e-mail: mattrush@illinois.edu.

Participants to the Illinois State Fair are selected during the county 4-H Shows. Complete instructions will be given to those who qualify.

You must have been 10 before Sept. 1, 2008 to qualify. If you wish to participate in the Illinois State Fair, you must complete the application form and return it to the Extension Office by Monday, July 27. Alternates will be notified of any openings on July 28. No entries will be allowed after July 29.

ˇALL Wayne County exhibits will be judged at the State Fair on Sunday, Aug. 23, including all public speaking and fashion review entries. EXCEPTIONS: The following projects will be judged Saturday, Aug. 22—Consumer Education, Robotics, Bicycle Rodeo, Electronics, Geospatial.

ˇMembers may exhibit in only 1 project. If you were selected in more than 1 project, you must choose which project you wish to exhibit at the state fair.

ˇParticipants must take their own projects to the State Fair. Projects judged in the morning must be picked up by noon. Projects judged in the afternoon must be picked up by 4 PM. No security will be provided.

ˇThe Wayne County Extension Office will order a limited number of parking passes and gate admission tickets. These will be available on a first come first served basis.

ˇBe sure to read the State Fair information very carefully. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to call the office at 842-3702.

First, try to put the 4-H Show in perspective. The county 4-H show is only one part of the total 4-H learning experience. Serving as an officer or on a committee, giving a talk or demonstration, going to a project meeting or workshop, completing activities from a project activity guide, and going to camp are some of the hundreds of experiences a 4-Her gains throughout the year.

The development of young people is our first consideration in 4-H work. We are more concerned about what the 4-H'er learns than with the exhibit.

If you have concerns during the 4-H show, DO NOT approach judges or superintendents directly. FIRST, go to your club leader. If your leader is not present, express your concern to Extension staff. Remember, we may not always agree with a judge's decision, but they are the expert for the day, and as so, deserve our respect. Most have donated their time for YOUR child. It is never appropriate to be verbally abusive to a judge or superintendent.

Part of learning to win is learning to lose. Praise your child accordingly and teach by example. It will be all right!

University of Illinois Extension and 4-H cares about your child.

Is your 4-H Club interested in manning the soda booth one of the days during the 4-H Fair? The schedule is outlined below. If your club is interested, please let us know as soon as possible.

• Monday, July 20^th - ??
• Tuesday, July 21^st – Happy Hustlers 4-H Club
• Wednesday, July 22^nd - ??
• Thursday, July 23^rd, 4 p.m. - after auction - 4-H Federation

Dog Obedience/Dog & Cat Care

The 4-H Dog Obedience Show and Dog & Cat Care Show will be held on Friday, July 10^th beginning at 6 p.m. at the Wayne County 4-H Show Arena. Please note that exhibitors must show current vaccination records on the animals they are exhibiting. Please bring your animal on a leash or in a cage.

Horses

The 4-H Horse Show will be held at the Wayne County Saddle Club on Saturday, July 11^th beginning at 5:00 p.m. Please check the Wayne County 4-H Showbook for classes and requirements.

Clothing & Textiles

The 4-H Clothing Show will be held on Tuesday, July 14^th in the basement of the First United Methodist Church. It will begin at 10:00 a.m. We will have two judges for this show. One will judge Clothing I, and Clothing Decisions I & II. The other will judge Clothing II & III. Please remember that all knitting projects will now be shown under Visual Arts. A Fashion Revue will be held following the judging.

Foods

The 4-H Foods Show will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 16^th at the Geff Ruritan Building. All foods projects must exhibited at this show. There were several changes in this project category this year, so read the Wayne County 4-H Showbook carefully to make sure your entry meets the project requirements. You must use the recipe from your project manual if stated in the Showbook. Also, most of the exhibits also call for you to bring a menu—some for one meal….some for one day.

General Projects

Any 4-H'er with a general project will exhibit on Monday, July 20^th in the 4-H Arena at the Fairgrounds. Please follow the club schedule listed below.

8:00 a.m. 4-H'ers who need to be judged early

8:30 a.m. Country Kids, Geff Chatters

9:00 a.m. Enterprisers, 4-H Country Club

9:30 a.m. Wayne City 4-H, Mt. Erie Hilltoppers, All Cloverbud Members

10:00 a.m. Happy Hustlers, Northside Quackers

Your leader will have exhibit tags for your projects at the Fairgrounds that day. Make sure you get them and have them attached to your project before entering the show arena.

Following the judging, make sure to give your project to the volunteers in the 4-H building so that it will be considered for State Fair and other awards.

As usual, be sure that your 4-H records are up-to-date and accompany your project to judging. Check the 4-H Showbook for project requirements. Remember, parents are not allowed in the 4-H arena during judging. Note also that projects should stay in the General Projects building until after the auction on Thursday, July 23^rd.

Bicycle

4-H'ers enrolled in a Bicycle project should report to the 4-H Building for the Bicycle Show at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, July 20^th. Exhibitors must bring their own bicycle, and safety helmets are mandatory.

Tractor Driving

4-H members planning to participate in the Tractor Driving Contest should report to the south end of the Fairgrounds at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, July 20^th.

Bucket Calves

The 4-H Bucket Calf Show will be held on Tuesday, July 21^st at 8:30 a.m. Remember, you must bring your Bucket Calf records with you to the show. Bucket calves may arrive at the Fairgrounds before the show and leave when the bucket calf show is complete.

Beef

The 4-H Beef Show will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 21^st. Beef projects should be on the Fairgrounds by 4:00 p.m. on Monday, July 20^th and remain on the grounds until the auction is completed on Thursday, July 23^rd.

Sheep

The 4-H Sheep Show will be held on Tuesday, July 21^st at 5:30 p.m. Sheep must be on the Fairgrounds by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, July 20^4h. They should remain on the grounds until after the auction on Thursday, July 23^rd.

Goats

The 4-H Goat Show will be on Tuesday, July 21^st at 6:30 p.m. Goats should be checked in at the Fairgrounds on Monday, July 20^th by 5:00 p.m. They will be released after the auction on Thursday, July 23^rd.

Swine

The 4-H Swine Show is scheduled to start at 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 22^nd. All swine should be on the Fairgrounds by 6:00 p.m. on Monday, July 20^th. Weigh-in for barrows will be at that time. All swine must remain on the Fairgrounds until after the 4-H Auction.

Poultry

The 4-H Poultry Show will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 22^nd. Pens will be furnished if needed. All poultry must remain on the grounds until after the auction on Thursday, July 23^rd. Remember, meat pens may be cockerels or pullets.

Rabbits

The 4-H Rabbit Show will be held on Wednesday, July 22^nd at 7 p.m. Rabbits will be judged in two groups - commercial and fancy breeds. All rabbits must remain on the Fairgrounds until after the 4-H Auction on Thursday evening. Cages will be furnished if needed. Remember, meat pens should be made up of three rabbits of any age, commercial breed, or sex, but not weighing over 5 pounds each and not over 69 days old.

Swine Carcass

Those livestock members entering a barrow in the carcass show must designate it at the time of weigh-in. It will be taken to Enfield Slaughter Plant for slaughter on Monday evening, July 20^th. The carcass show will be held on Thursday, July 23^rd at 10:00 a.m. 4-H members are responsible for making arrangements for the cost of slaughtering and processing. Please call the Extension Office if you plan to make an entry in this show.

Round Robin Showmanship

The 4-H Round Robin Showmanship Contest will be held on Thursday, July 23^rd at 1:00 p.m. Winners of the Junior and Senior Showmanship contests in beef, swine, sheep, goats and horses will compete for a trophy. Two trophies will be awarded for the Round Robin. One will go to the overall winner of the junior division and the other will be awarded to the overall winner of the senior division. In addition, the winner of the senior division will be eligible to compete at the Master Showmanship Contest held during the Illinois State Fair.

Little Pig Drive

There will be a Little Pig Drive for 5-7 year olds on Thursday, July 23^rd at 4:30 p.m. (weather permitting). Youngsters will drive a little pig around the ring in front of a judge. Prizes will be awarded for all participants. There will be a sign-in sheet for the Little Pig Drive at the 4-H Arena.

Awards Presentation

All 4-H Awards will be presented to project and contest winners at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 23^rd at the 4-H arena. 4-H members and award presenters will be photographed. Please plan to be there by 4:45 p.m.

Livestock Auction

The 4-H Livestock Auction will begin at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 23^rd in the 4-H Arena. Each eligible 4-H member with a livestock project may sell a market animal. Youth must be 8 years old by September 1, 2008 and have attended four 4-H meetings to sell at the auction. Remember you are responsible for your own animal after the auction. Note - Animals cannot be loaded until the auction is over. Pens must be cleaned out and approved by a member of the 4-H Livestock Committee before auction checks are released.

July 8

Fairgrounds Clean-up, 9 a.m. – noon

July 10

Dog Obedience Show/Dog & Cat Care Show, 6 p.m.

July 11

Horse Show, 5 p.m.

July 14

Clothing Show, 10 a.m.

July 16

Foods Show, 1 p.m.

July 20

General Projects Show, 8 a.m.

Bicycle Show/Tractor Rodeo, 2 p.m.

Beef Weigh-In, 4 p.m.

Sheep/Goat Check-In/Weigh-In, 5 p.m.

Swine Weigh-In, 6 p.m.

July 21

Bucket Calf Show, 8:30 a.m.

Beef Show, 9 a.m.

Chicken BBQ Contest, 3 p.m.

Sheep Show, 5:30 p.m.

Goat Show, 6:30 p.m.

July 22

Swine Show, 8 a.m.

Poultry Show, 5:30 p.m.

Rabbit Show, 7 p.m.

July 23

Swine Carcass Show, 10 a.m.

Round Robin Showmanship, 1 p.m.

Little Pig Drive, 4:30 p.m.

Awards Presentation, 5 p.m.

Livestock Auction, 5:30 p.m.

August 1

4-H Swim Bash, Park Pool, 5 – 7 p.m.

August 15

Wayne County 4-H Foundation Pork Chop Dinner, Geff Ruritan Building, 5 - 7 p.m.

August 21-22

Hunter Safety Course

August 23

Wayne County Day at the IL State Fair

Why not make plans to attend the Illinois State Fair this year. It will run from August 14^th - 23^rd in Springfield. Wayne County's 4-H exhibit day is Sunday, August 23^rd. Check out the State Fair website for information on coming attractions at http://www.agr.state.il.us/isf/.

Blueberries are great any time of the year, whether frozen, dried, or as juice or puree.

But from May through October, fresh blueberries can be picked at a patch or bought at your local grocery store.

Fresh blueberries are higher in vitamins A, C, E, and beta-carotene than frozen or canned. They are rich in minerals, potassium, manganese, and magnesium. Blueberries are high in fiber and low in saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium.

Finding a patch where you can pick your own can be a fun activity for family and friends. You can have a contest to see who can pick the most or who can pick the biggest or the smallest. The best part is you can eat a few along the way.

July was proclaimed National Blueberry Month by the United States Department of Agriculture on May 8, 1999. Blueberries are grown in 35 states in the U.S., and our country produces more than 90 percent of all of the blueberries in the world.

Blueberries have been used in soups, stews, and more for centuries.

Blueberry Parfait (Makes 4 servings)

Ingredients

1-1/2 cups fresh or thawed frozen blueberries

1/2 cup granola cereal

1-1/2 cups canned fruit, drained, cut small pieces

1 container (8 ounces) vanilla low-fat yogurt

Directions

1. In 4 dessert dishes, place blueberries in the bottom of each dish.

2. Sprinkle half of the granola over top of blueberries.

3. Combine canned fruit pieces and half of the yogurt.

4. Spoon yogurt-fruit mixture over top of blueberries and granola.

5. Top each dish with a spoonful of yogurt and a sprinkle of granola.

NUTRITION FACTS (per serving)

Calories 160 ~ fat 3 g ~ calories from fat 25 ~ sodium 70 mg ~ total carbohydrate 31 g ~ fiber 4 g