My Memories of the Somerset County 4-H Fair [PHOTOS]

From the time that I was 10, til I went off to college, I was in 4-H. My whole family was! And, as they used to say, especially in Somerset County: "4-H, It Ain't Just Cows And Cooking!"

The Somerset County 4-H Fair is the highlight of the year, the culmination of each year's projects. A chance to show your best to the general public (and to each other).

All of us kids won ribbons for our guinea pigs and rabbits. My sister lived at the horse tent, taking home ribbons and plates for her horsemanship. I grew "Jersey Tomatoes."  For awhile, there was a 4-H radio club! Yes, I was a part of it...and I have to admit that its scary to pull out the surviving old tapes, and hear myself "on the radio" before my voice...um...changed!

But, the highlight of the fair for me, each year, was walking around with my camera documenting everything!

The exhibits, the activities, the prize competitions, the fun and games, the public enjoying the fair.

For all three days, the photography club lived at the fair. All day, all night. We shot our black and white photos, processed the negatives, and printed the glossy 8x10 results. Yes, this was before the instant gratification of digital photos...and long before cell-phone cameras!

And, our best photos were printed in the following year's 4-H Fair catalog.

Aah....the memories!

Make your own memories by checking out the Somerset County 4-H Fair this Wednesday, Thursday and Friday! Enjoy all the 4-H club exhibits, the animals, the arts & crafts, and so much more: like go-carts, motorcycles, model rocketry...the list of 4-H'ers interests is large and varied! Remember: it ain't just cows & cooking!

And, meet your friends at the fair, too!

Yes, the Jersey Prize Team will be there! Join the Prize Team at the Somerset County 4-H Fair this Friday (August 10th), starting at 1pm! North Branch Park, Milltown Road in Bridgewater.

Its 3 days of "Free Family Fun!" 10-am til 10-pm. (Sorry, no rides or midway).

Hope to see you at the Somerset County 4-H Fair!