Animal and exhibits at 4-H Expo

By PAT SHAVER

Courier staff writer

OTTUMWA — Wapello County 4-H members and various animals will take over the Bridge View Center in Ottumwa July 13-19 for the Wapello County 4-H Expo.

Last year’s Expo brought an estimated 2,000 visitors throughout the week. Organizers hope to bring in similar numbers this year.

“I want this to be an educational learning experience for our 4-H members. They spend a lot of time working on the exhibits. We want to make sure that they are learning communication and leadership skills,” said Lisa Whitmore, Wapello County Youth Coordinator with Iowa State University Extension.

Events start July 13 with the royalty pageant at 7 p.m. in the Bridge View Center Theater. The Expo king, queen, prince and princess will be announced. Other awards and recognition will be given Monday night as well, said Whitmore.

“There’s more than just royalty that happens Monday night,” she said.

The horse show will be all day Tuesday at Ottumwa Park.

“That is a huge show,” said Whitmore. It will be from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

On Wednesday, project judging begins. Also, livestock weigh-in and check-in is from 2-8 p.m. at Bridge View Center.

“The biggest draw for 4-H kids is for every project they bring to the Expo, they get a ribbon, and then those ribbons trade out for money,” Whitmore said. “That’s a great way for them to learn by doing a project and then they get a little reward at the end.”

Thursday is kid’s day at the Expo, featuring a storytime at 10 a.m., face painting from 1-3 p.m. and a fashion show at 6 p.m.

Friday will feature the dog show from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the large arena. Also on Friday are: The Taste of Iowa, 5-6:30 p.m. in the Bridge View parking lot; the 4-H Talent Show, 5:30 p.m. in the lobby; and the Celebration Iowa Singers and Jazz Band Concert, 7 p.m. in the theater (tickets are $5).

Saturday, July 18, will be an auto show featuring Vintage Cruisers of SE Iowa, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Sweet Corn Feed will offer all-you-can eat barbecue sandwiches, sweet corn grown by 4-H families, beans, chips and coleslaw for $7, said Whitmore. The feast is 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the plaza.

The last day of the Expo July 19 features a Goat Show at 9:30 a.m., Pet and Cat Show at 10 a.m. and a Sheep Show at noon.

“4-H is way more than just the Expo, though,” Whitmore said. “This is just one of the big, fun events.”

Whitmore said 4-H has changed a lot over the years. About 20 to 30 years ago, 4-H was mainly for livestock families. It’s not like that anymore.

“I want people to see all that 4-H has to offer a family,” Whitmore said. “There are so many project areas.”

“I really have 4-H to thank for my communication skills and really bringing me out of my shell,” said Whitmore, who was involved with 4-H growing up. “You really get out of 4-H what you put into it.”

Admission into the Expo is free, and most of the activities are also free.

Pat Shaver can be reached at (641) 683-5360 or via e-mail at p.shaver@ottumwacourier.com.

For Your Information:

For more information about the 2009 Wapello County 4-H Expo call Lisa Whitmore at (641) 682-5491 or e-mail at whitmore@iastate.edu.