Mercer County’s 4-H program continues to grow, with roughly 1,000 young people now participating in traditional 4-H and Cloverbud programs across the county.

Mercer County OSU Extension 4-H Educator Beth Guggenbiller joined WCSM live from the Mercer County Fair Monday to discuss the strength of the local program, the impact of the new Grand Event Center and changes designed to put more attention on the young people behind the projects.

Guggenbiller is now in her 11th year as a 4-H educator in Mercer County. She said 4-H offers far more than livestock projects, with opportunities available for children interested in areas including cooking, clothing, woodworking, natural resources and other special-interest projects.

Mercer County currently has approximately 850 traditional 4-H members, ranging from third grade through high school, along with about 150 younger Cloverbud participants. That brings total participation to roughly 1,000 young people.

Guggenbiller said one of the strongest indicators of the program’s health is the number of new participants entering livestock programs. She pointed to first-year showmanship classes featuring 15 to 20 new exhibitors as evidence that interest remains strong.

She added that 4-H has become a multi-generational tradition for many Mercer County families, with children of former members now entering the program themselves.

“Our barns are full. Our program is growing,” Guggenbiller said during the interview. She noted that parents and grandparents often return to the barns as a new generation begins its own 4-H experience.

The opening of the Grand Event Center at the Mercer County Fairgrounds has also created new opportunities for that continued growth.

Guggenbiller said this year’s heavy rainfall demonstrated the value of having a large indoor facility. Horse events that may otherwise have been disrupted by wet conditions were able to continue indoors, while growing livestock programs now have additional room for animals and shows.

She said the beef program alone continues to see demand for space grow, with dozens of additional animals seeking to participate. The Grand Event Center gives the fair and 4-H program the ability to accommodate that growth while also providing a year-round venue capable of attracting additional shows and giving young exhibitors more opportunities.

Another change this year involves the livestock auction and the way grand champions are recognized.

While much of the livestock auction has moved online, Guggenbiller said organizers are planning a special in-person showcase designed to focus less on the financial side of the auction and more on recognizing the young exhibitors and the work they put into their projects.

“We’re truly just going to highlight the kid who got grand champion and all their hard work,” Guggenbiller said.

The showcase is expected to include added presentation elements and surprises inside the Grand Event Center, with organizers hoping to create a memorable moment for champion exhibitors and other participants.

Businesses, organizations and individuals will still be able to financially support exhibitors through the online auction system. Guggenbiller said supporters can search for individual exhibitors and projects online, with a minimum contribution of $25. The money can help young people save for future expenses or reinvest in their 4-H projects for the following year.

Guggenbiller said that, whether a young person participates in livestock, special-interest projects or showmanship, the focus remains on the work, responsibility and skills developed throughout the year.

With strong participation, growing livestock numbers and the addition of the Grand Event Center, Guggenbiller says Mercer County 4-H is positioned to continue expanding opportunities for local youth for years to come.