Despite Cancellation of Fair 4-H Projects Will Still Be Showcased

With the New York State Fair and County Fairs all cancelled due to the Coronavirus, many 4-H project were thought to be for naught this year. But Cornell Cooperative Extension's 4-H Youth Development leaders have a plan, thanks to an assist from an amusement park.

Lynette Kay with Cornell's 4-H program in Oneida County, tells us Peter Paul Recreation Park in Rome offered their facilities so team members could showcase their projects. Shortly before the pandemic broke out, The Youth Arts and Crafts Program began the "Art in the Bucket" project with a goal of “Using Art to Educate the Public about Environmental Issues.” The original plan was to create a special display at the Boonville - Oneida County fair for the work.

When the fair got cancelled it appeared the children and young adults hard work would be fruitless, but the amusement park offered the use of one of their buildings to set up the display. Here's some of what you will see on display:

• Fluorescent Fish - Cutouts the kids painted in bright colors.
• Monster Pillows - Recycled clothing used to make pillows
• Foam Heads - Mannequin heads decorated anyway they want.
• Cardboard Sculpture - Recycled cardboard used to create art.
• Environmental posters - meant to educate about environmental issues
• Harden Chair and Sign Challenge. Finishing chairs and signs donated by the company before they went out of business.

The Clover Buds, which is a group of 4-H kids aged 5 to 7, will also be have their projects on display, featuring:

• Scarecrow Self Portrait
• Bird on Wire - includes identifying different species of birds and art work on how to improve their habitat.
• Faux Stained Glass artwork.

You're invited to view the projects and vote on your favorites at Peterpaul Recreational Park at 5615 Rome-New London Road in Rome from August 14 through the 18. Items will be displayed August 14 - 17 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on August 18 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Lynette says the group is working on presenting a virtual animal show with the use of video and pictures for the members who had livestock for their 4-H project.

Hats off to both Cornell's program and Peterpaul Recreation Park for coming together to make sure the kids hard work wasn't wasted. For more information about 4-H or the the display, contact Lynette Kay at 315-736-3394 ext 105 or email: lsk@cornell.edu