4H has over 6.5 million participants each year and Alpena has a big presence. “All the kids have different opportunities through different programs and situations like the fair. They get to test their life skills, things they learn. 4H encourages kids to think outside the box and still adapt. It’s about learning responsibility. At the end of each show, we watch the kids see what they’ve accomplished after their year’s project is complete,” said Michelle Eagleling, Alpena 4H youth coordinator. Each club spends time together and pools ideas, resources and support for one another. “So we have a few 4H clubs in Alpena County and our club is called 24 Carat. We’re actually the largest club in the county, but we all do a little bit different things. So we usually have several club meetings a year and all of those club decorations you see are things our club puts together throughout the year. And then when we come to the fair, we bring it all to life. The time and effort they put in is just incredible,” said Rachel Wetherhult, 4H mom.
What is most impressive is the children’s understanding that most of these animals are not pets and will end up on someone’s table. “This is my girls’ first year. They have taught a lot of dedication, knowing when to care for their animals, how to care for their animals and knowing that their animals are going to another family that will feed them,” said 4H mom Ashley Simpson. Catching a glimpse of a horse in the arena showing off its best form for tomorrow’s competition was a real treat. “When I was in the arena, I warmed up our horse so it wouldn’t get stiff, I warmed it up and did a little bit of training for the show tomorrow and then the speed race on Thursday,” said 4H participant Adeline Matuzak. Parents beam as their children excel in this very competitive extracurricular activity. “You get to see the kids grow every year. “Their confidence and patience, how to handle when things go well, being a good winner and when things don’t go well, staying calm and patient with the animals,” said Amy Matuzak, a 4H parent.
