4-H groups begin their annual year sometime around April 15, and spend the next few months busily completing project books, baking cakes, sewing clothing, feeding steers, taking photos, practicing shooting skills, teaching sheep to lead, and dozens of other things as their members scurry about in preparation for book judging in July and Ohio State Fair judging in August. However, the biggest challenge is still ahead, as they begin to plan for the Tuscarawas County Fair, held the third week in September.

At the fair, agricultural displays are featured, with many displays of produce, vegetables, pumpkins, and other products, along with booths from the Norma Johnson Center, grange groups, and youth organizations. One of the features of the fair are the individual 4-H booths, where members’ projects are highlighted, award ribbons are hung, and clubs’ service activities are highlighted.

Each 4-H group chooses a theme unique to that group, with members voting on their favorite ideas. Then the truly hard work begins, as members meet to plan, cut paper, glue, paste, construct and bring their idea to a visual reality in the club fair booths, displayed at the Tuscarawas Avenue side of the fairgrounds, just next to the commercial building, or in the building adjacent to the household arts displays.

For 2011, 10 4-H club booths and themes were chosen to receive Outstanding Booth Award designations.

- 4-H Heartlanders, with head advisor Sherry McAfee, “Kick up your heels, join 4-H.”

- Sweetwater Shamrocks, head advisor Gerry Domer, “Brighten your life with 4-H.”

- Mix ‘n Match, head advisor Jeanette Jones, “Target your potential and aim for the gold with Mix ‘n Match 4-H club.”

- 4-H Junior Achievers, head advisor Shannon Domer, “4-H: a treasure chest of opportunity.”

- Tusky Valley Farmers, head advisor Rebecca Ziegler, “Hog wild about 4-H.”

- Town and Country, head advisor Melissa Horn, “4-H is the best game in town and country.”

- Atwood Lakers, head advisor Holly Metzcar, “Add the Atwood Lakers as your neighbor in Farmville.”

- Brisky Buckeyes, head advisor Teresa Wisvari, “Play 4-H-opoly.”

- Atwood Lakers Saddle Club, head advisor Hazel Overton, “4-H can make you a star.”

- Buckhorn Buckeyes, head advisor Nikki Miller, “4-H fits like your favorite pair of jeans.”

All outstanding booths receive a cash reward for their club and special recognition at the annual 4-H banquet.