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4H members will show work in July

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO — Taylor Thomas is shown constructing face shields as part of the Iowa 4-H Face Mask Service Project.

No matter what will happen with the Central Iowa Fair, Marshall County 4H members will have a chance to showcase all of their hard work on the fairgrounds July 8-11.

Megan Carlson, the 4H county youth coordinator for Marshall County Iowa State University Extension, said people have been working since April to ensure that is possible.

“We are thinking of safety for 1,000 people – competitors and attendees,” she said. “We have had multiple meetings with the fair board and club leaders and other counties across the state. It has been a long process but it is well thought-through. We are still looking at all of the data and guidelines when it comes to everything we do.”

Carlson said the goal is to make the experience as normal and fun as possible for the 253 Marshall County 4H children, who range in grades from kindergarten through 12th.

She said they are trying to figure out how to allow people to safely view the exhibits which span a multitude of subjects – science, clothing, photography, gardening and more. Carlson said they also need to consider how livestock showing will take place.

“We are trying to come up with alternate solutions,” she said.

4H clubs have not been able to meet since the middle of March. Carlson said members are doing activities virtually and she has been sending out ideas to clubs regarding projects and learning experiences.

“We will continue to work on this as we transition to face-to-face meetings next month,” she said.

Members have continued to work hard on their projects and get ready for the summer show cases, even as uncertainty looms.

“Not knowing when they are able to return to normal has been a challenge,” Carlson said. “They have not been able to meet in person with their friends. All of the 4Hers and the volunteers have been very adaptive and understanding during this time.”

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Contact Lana Bradstream at lbradstream@timesrepublican.com

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