Walla Walla County 4-H to hold virtual showcase

WALLA WALLA—Walla Walla County 4-H is not going to let a pandemic steal success from the youth in the area. A virtual showcase will be held in response to the cancellation of the Walla Walla Fair and Frontier Days.

The virtual showcase is open to all Walla Walla County youth with a current 4-H project. Inspired by exhibits and classes from a traditional fair, the exhibition will feature both livestock, small animals, and still life exhibits.

“We want to make this as fair-like as possible,” Melanie Owens, 4-H Extension Coordinator, said. Even though “we won’t be meeting in person and won’t have the extra fair activities.”

Livestock and small animal exhibitors will have the chance to submit videos demonstrating their skills showing animals. Equestrians will have fitting and showing classes, as well as a possible riding pattern. Still life exhibits, like clothes, baked goods, and art, will also be judged via photographs.

4-H’ers will be able to participate in virtual judging competitions. Livestock and still-life judging competitions are being put together as 4-H officials are working out details.

“Those kids that want to participate are absolutely welcome, and those kids who aren’t interested or life has just been far too crazy, that’s completely okay,” Owens said. “4-H has never had a fair-requirement to complete the year, we probably never will. Fair is a showcase.”

The goal is to have all the judging completed around the time the Walla Walla Fair would be ending. Owens is hoping to avoid any added stress to students as they step into their new school year.

Owens went on to say that participating in the virtual showcase may qualify kids for the Washington State Fair. Typically held in Puyallup, the State Fair will be virtual this year. State fair qualifications are decided by each county’s 4-H organization. Exhibitors will likely qualify by earning a blue ribbon, though qualifications are still being determined. Oral demonstrations will also have a chance to compete at the State level if their county-level presentations meet state qualifications.

Currently, 4-H is not planning on taking the showcase public due to privacy concerns. Owens says details on 4-H entries include participants’ personal information, and the organization wants to keep the exhibitors safe. Organizers are hopeful that they will be able to put a slideshow together at a later time for public viewing.

Walla Walla 4-H Extension officials are currently working out the final details, which they will send out via the leader and family mailing list. They are also looking for help from knowledgeable community members and former 4-H members for judging. If you are interested in helping, or if you are a 4-H parent or leader, contact Melanie Owens at mowens@wsu.edu. The 4-H Extension Office is still working remotely, but phone lines are being monitored.