News

Coronavirus: COVID-19 impacts 4H events, prompting concerns about the future of local fairs

Greene County — Right now all county fairs across Ohio are still scheduled, but many people tell News Center 7 they are concerned that could change depending on state orders put in place by Governor Mike DeWine to combat the coronavirus.

“The main question we’re getting is are we going to have meetings. Are we going to have a fair? It’s month-to-month right now,” said Sandra Hutchison, a long time 4H advisor in Greene County.

>> The Crowne Plaza participates in Hotels for Hope, offers employee rate to health care workers

The last in-person 4H meeting that Hutchinson and her husband Gary held was in late February, and this week, the Ohio State Extension office announced annual 4H camps are canceled and in-person 4H meetings have been delayed until July.

Many kids across the Miami Valley have already purchased livestock, or are planning to do so, as part of a show project for their county fair. Sandra Hutchinson recommends kids stay the course, but keep in touch with their 4H advisers.

"You don’t have to spend a lot of money but be prepared to have your animals head to the finish point like we normally do. Have a back-up plan if we end up not going to fair, " said Hutchison.

>> Coronavirus: Greene County deputy released from hospital after COVID-19 diagnosis

Gary Hutchison said even in these uncertain times, there is value in completing a project, even if no one gets to see it.

“You can basically social distance yourself with the livestock and the kids look forward to seeing the animals, feeding them every day, caring for them every day and they’re not socially interacting with anyone except for the actual animals,” Hutchison said.

Curly the cow wanted to get some camera time during the interview:

0
Comments on this article