The Chester County 4-H Fair, which provides an opportunity for 4-H members to showcase their projects as well as their expertise with farm animals, was held from Aug. 8 to 13 at the Romano 4-H Center in Honey Brook.

A highlight of the event was the display of projects that were completed by 4-H members from throughout Chester County. Visitors were able to view the exhibits, which included quilts, woodworking, arts and crafts, clothing and textiles, photography, baked goods, small engines, plants, fruits and vegetables. Also on display were leadership logs and club officers' books.

The event also featured animal shows, where the 4-H members were given an opportunity to demonstrate their skills and knowledge in the handling and husbandry of farm animals, including beef cattle, dairy cattle, goats, horses, pigs and sheep.

A Dairy Cattle Show, held on Aug. 13, was judged by Raechel Sattazahn, who also provided feedback to the competitors. The youths all wore traditional white clothing for the event.

The competition had two categories - Showmanship and Fitting. Showmanship focuses on how well the 4-H members show the best qualities of their animals, while also displaying their skill in handing their animals. Fitting is how well the animals are prepared for the show and how well they hold up under pressure during judging.

On hand to give out ribbons to the winners was Ryeleigh Kirk, a student at Owen J. Roberts High School who was crowned the junior queen at the recent Kimberton Fair.

Every effort was made during the week to keep both competitors and animals cool as temperatures topped the 90s on several days. "We endured (the heat), but we kept going," said Toni Stuetz, Penn State Extension educator. "We had a good week and good set of shows."

4-H is the youth development program of Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences. 4-H membership is open to all boys and girls ages 5 to 18.

There are more than 30 4-H clubs in Chester County, which meet in local homes, schools, churches or community centers. For more information about the clubs, visit http://www.extension.psu.edu/programs/4-h/counties/chester/clubs or call Penn State Extension at 610-696-3500.

More information about 4-H and photos from the recent 4-H Fair are available at http://www.facebook.com/chestercounty4H and http://www.facebook.com/TheRomano4HCenterofChesterCounty.