The 4-H Ontario Ambassador program provides youth with advanced level training in leadership, citizenship, communications and public relations. Ambassadors put their energy and 4-H experiences to work recruiting new members and sharing the 4-H story. Throughout 2015, each of 4-H Ontario’s six Ambassadors will submit blog entries about their experiences in the program. The 4-H Ontario Ambassador program is proudly sponsored by GROWMARK, Inc. and UPI Energy LP. For more info on the Ambassador program click here. To book an Ambassador for you event please complete the request form. Submitted by Nic Willemsma, 4-H Ontario Youth Ambassador from Chatham-Kent 4-H Association What does September mean to you?

To most people September means that summer has come to an end and students have gone back to school,  But to a 4-H’er it means fall fairs are in full swing and it is a chance to show off what they have learned.

Fun Fact: In Ontario there are over 200 fairs with over 100 in September and 20 in October.

If you have ever been to a fair you have most likely seen 4-H in action, whether it is a livestock show, educational display board, an achievement day for a life skills club or maybe even a 4-H food booth.

This year I have been able to attend five fairs and will be attending the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in November. As a 4-H Ambassador I have been able to promote 4-H at the fairs I have attended. I also helped with a dairy show, rabbit show and even got to judge a pet show. I enjoyed the experience of attending fairs while helping to promote 4-H.

In my years as a 4-H member I have had the opportunity to show a dairy heifer, sheep, and goats at a local fair. I was also able to show a horse for the first time at a local horse and pony show. Some other clubs I have completed include rabbit, farm safety, baking and many others. These required me to put together a poster/display to show what I learned in that club. Fairs are a fun activity for the whole family and a great place to learn more about agriculture and 4-H  When you visit a fall fair keep your eyes open for 4-H at the fair!