FARMINGTON — Dozens of young people gathered Saturday for the annual Franklin County 4-H Fair to share skills, interests and fun.

Held at the Farmington Fairgrounds, this event started in Androscoggin County more than 40 years ago, according to event coordinator Judy Smith.  

“It was at the Washburn-Norlands Living History Center in Livermore for years, and then we moved it here,” Smith said.

Members from at least 10 clubs in Oxford, Franklin, Sagadahoc and Kennebec counties brought their steers, horses, goats, photography exhibits, baking contest entries and artwork. 

Janine Winn, leader of the Giddy-Up & Go 4-H Horse Club, brought a unique learning exhibit that included dozens of bones from a horse skeleton. Kathy Thomas makes this collection available to other 4-H clubs so that young people can learn about their horses’ anatomy.

Winn provided Rachel Roy, Hailee Rowe and Gryphin Bragg with a detailed diagram that helped match hips, sockets and ribs like a giant jigsaw puzzle. Another girl brought a small goat and gathered a group of youngsters around her to explain how to raise, care and feed the animal. 

The annual fair is an opportunity for these clubs to share what they are doing throughout the rest of the year. Many members also participate in the state fairs each summer and fall, gaining confidence and maturity as they become more comfortable showing their animals in the ring before judges and an audience.

Competitions in other areas are meant to be low-key and fun but they also emphasize community service, attention to detail and skill development. The cookoff required teams to prepare, cook on the grill and serve a meal to a panel of judges. Each team used their choice of beef, lamb or goat as the “Maine” meat, Smith said. Each meal had to incorporate another challenging food: ricotta cheese. 

Chelsea Bean, a member of the Oxford County Working Steer 4-H Club, brought Jim, her Milking Devon steer to the event. Abby Wheelis of Bowdoin and her father Scott brought Babe and Buddy, her 10-month-old steer team, for their first 4-H fair presentation. 

Abby stood in front of the crowd to speak about the care of the animals, but she confessed afterward that she was a little nervous about standing in front of a crowd. 

“I want to do it, but I get a little stage fright,” she said. “Then people ask questions, so I can answer them.”

Her father reassured her that she would become more comfortable with more experience.

“It will get easier, Abby, the more you do it,” he said. 

Alicia Bubier and her son Tanner traveled from the town of Wales and agreed that the youngsters learn by doing.   

“The more they practice, the better their steers are,” Bubier said. “I grew up doing 4-H, and we have about 15 kids in our group who have their own steers.”

Participants stayed for a 5 p.m. potluck supper and a fundraiser auction, which raised money for future leadership and club activities. Smith said the clubs welcome volunteers who enjoy working with young people and their club projects.

Phoebe Wills, Jonathan Cliche and Bradley Smith helped United Way volunteer Trish Wurpel, better known as the Button Goddess, sort buttons that will be made into bracelets.  Wurpel has helped organize other volunteers who learn to make the bracelets as a fundraiser to help families in crisis. She conducts “button bees” at businesses, schools and organizations to meet the growing demand for these colorful one-of-a-kind fashion accessories in return for a modest donation.  

Part of the 4-H commitment is community service, so the children at the Saturday event weren’t just having fun, Smith said, as she looked around at the lively groups asking questions and making new friends.