Annual fair shows values of 4- H

By Lori O'Brien, Correspondent

WEST SPRINGFIELD For many area residents, 4-H is considered a family affair.

For a glimpse into the world of the members of the Hampden County 4-H Fair Association, don't miss this weekend's annual show at the Eastern States Exposition, 1305 Memorial Ave. Fair hours on July 28 are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Mallary Complex & Outdoor Horse Ring. Admission and parking are free.

The association is an all volunteer adult and youth organization that has worked year-round for 55 years to plan, fundraise and organize for this one-day fair each year.

"The show provides an opportunity for youth to showcase their projects and talents and to allow the public to see the accomplishments of youth, 5 to 19," said Todd M. Brown of Southwick, president of the Hampden County 4-H Fair Association, during an interview with Reminder Publications.

"The youth exhibitors take great pride in their work and that shows in their projects and in the beaming smiles on their faces throughout the day," he added.

Brown expects approximately 150 exhibitors to participate in the daylong show, and emphasized that in addition to the exhibits, displays and animals being shown, there will also be ample activities for the general public to participate in.

"By talking with exhibitors, the public will learn about the various projects and animals, what it takes to prepare and take care of them, and how 4-H has benefited them," said Brown.

Brown's son Weston, 17, is among the many youth exhibitors who will be participating in the fair. On a recent Saturday during a milking session of Onida, a 3-year-old Oberhasli goat, he encouraged others to consider joining the organization.

"4-H is an excellent opportunity for youth to be involved in their community and to learn about leadership and life skills," he said, adding, "4-H is unique in the fact that you can do any type of project that you want from agriculture to computer science."

With his mom Terri in the background tending to one of the more than 30 goats in their expansive barn, Weston Brown explained that he joined 4-H six years ago because his family has always been involved in the organization and he wanted to learn how to show goats.

"I have attended numerous leadership camps and conferences and they all have made me realize the importance and responsibility that leaders have," he said. "Also, by attending these 4-H programs, my public speaking skills have developed to the point where I no longer have any anxiety about speaking in public."

Leadership is a key word you hear time and again when talking to individuals involved in the organization.

For Kimberly Buddington, 12, of Springfield, she joined 4-H when she was 7 because she wanted to "learn new things, meet people and exhibit in fairs." She is the daughter of John and Nancy Buddington.

"The word 4-H for many people means cows, goats and rabbits," she said.

Buddington noted that there are many livestock clubs, however, there are also other opportunities for urban youth including computer science, sewing, crafts, woodworking, child-care and bottle rocketry.

"I encourage others to join 4-H because it is a good and worthwhile program," she said, adding, "4-H is a fun and rewarding organization."

During a recent visit to the family's home off Plum Tree Road, the backyard was teaming with her herd of Mini Lop rabbits.

"With 4-H, I have the opportunity to show my rabbits," she said. "I have also learned basic farm management, how to care for livestock, and how to improve my Mini Lop bloodline."

Buddington also noted her accomplishment of leasing and showing a dairy goat through the 4-H Livestock Leasing Program.

"4-H has shown me how to be a responsible leader, and I have been able to help younger youth get a start in our projects," she added.

Currently, Buddington serves as youth vice president of the Hampden County 4-H Fair Association, while Weston Brown serves on the board of directors.

Area residents also working behind the scenes to ensure that the fair goes off flawlessly include Nancy Buddington and Mary Ellen Sullivan, vice presidents; Jeanne Tippett and Paul Tippett, recording secretaries; Maureen Laprise, corresponding secretary; Calvin Chunglo, Mike Pietruska and Sue Wright, board of director members; Sue Bonini, treasurer, and volunteers, Mary Phelon, Jim Wright and Sue Brzoska.

"4-H offers opportunities for youth and adults to work cooperatively on any projects that are of interest to them," said Todd Brown. "While working on these projects, they build life skills that include decision making, public speaking, responsibility, record keeping, and community service."

Friendship is also a key element that can be found among the young people and adults in the organization.

For Nicholas Turnberg of East Longmeadow, friendship was one key component for joining 4-H. He is the son of Kim and Gary Turnberg.

"I joined 4-H because I had goats and I wanted to learn more about them and show them at fairs," he said, adding, "you also get to make many new friends."

Turnberg echoed the sentiments of Brown and Buddington when speaking about the local organization.

"Other kids should join 4-H because it is fun," he said. "You learn a lot about leadership, community service, citizenship and lots of other fun things that interest you."

Turnberg also stressed he has learned a great deal of life skills since joining 4-H two years ago.

"I have used these in my daily life as well in my role as secretary of our 4-H Club," he said. "I have taken on more responsibilities and try to share what I have learned in helping others. My experience in 4-H has made me a better person."

For a complete schedule of events planned at the 4-H Fair, visit www.mass4h.org. Highlights include a fun run, pedal tractor pull, pet show, veggie race, talent show, arts and crafts workshops, and a bottle rocket launch. In an effort to always build on offerings from past years, individual 4-H Clubs have also been asked to prepare working exhibits to educate and/or entertain the public, according to Todd Brown.

Young people who reside in Hampden County are also encouraged to enter the divisions that are open to the general public. For a list of categories to compete in, visit www.mass4h.org.