No Decisions Yet On Summer 4-H Programs, Fairs

The University of Illinois Cooperative Extension Service is seeking input on summer programming for 4-H.

State Extension Director Shelly Nichols-Richardson indicated no decisions have been made at this point.

“Extension has been tracking and monitoring the COVID-19 situation since January," she said. "We have asked local county leaders to seek input on summer 4-H programs and fairs.”

“We are trying to avoid cancellations if we can. We are looking at a variety of options including virtual participation,” she said.

Nichols-Richardson indicated 4-H fairs are a part of county fairs, but they are not the governing body for county fairs. That is done through the Illinois Department of Agriculture.

“Many factors are being considered,” Nichols-Richardson said. “Can we deliver an equitable and fair process? If some county fairs are canceled and others continue, how does that impact the competition at the Illinois State Fair? We also have to consider the health and safety of our extension workers and 4-H volunteers.”

“We’ve had leaders suggest we consider a sequential decision making, looking at the schedule a month at a time,” said Nichols-Richardson. The earliest county fair is the first week of June. The last county fair is in early September. The Extension Service must follow state and university orders. “People will need to know by middle May."