HAVANA, Ill. - Mason County 4-Hers did not let the cancelation of the regular 4-H Show stop them from exhibiting their 4-H projects with the same pride and skill development as they have shown in the past. Thanks to the hard work, creative thinking, and ingenuity of the University of Illinois Extension staff, youth were recently able to participate in the 2020 Mason County 4-H Virtual Show.

 “I appreciate the patience and diligence our 4-H families and leaders have displayed during this 4-H Virtual Show process. It was a new effort for everyone involved, including State and local 4-H staff, as well as project judges,” stated Joli Pierson, Mason County 4-H Program Coordinator. “I want to thank the youth and the families who were resilient, chose to complete their 4-H projects, and work through this new exhibition method.”

This year, 44 Mason County youth chose to submit photos or videos of their projects to the online Fair Entry system for judging. A total of 132 projects were entered, 85 of which were livestock entries, 40 general projects, and 7 Cloverbud projects. Those members exhibiting livestock submitted a one minute video of the youth exhibiting their animal as they would for a live show. The other projects were exhibited by the submission of three to five photos that showed the whole project, plus details of the project. All of the youth also uploaded a written report that answered questions that are typically discussed during conference judging, such as what they learned, what challenges they faced, and how they will apply what they learned.

Judges were given access to the online Fair Entry system and the project areas they were selected to judge. They were able to view the submitted entry photos, videos, and project reports. Once viewed, judges could leave comments and suggestions, as they would have given in a face-to-face 4-H conference judging setting. Judges assigned ribbons and special awards to projects which Extension staff will distribute to the youth.

Links to Mason County Virtual 4-H Show results can be found on the University of Illinois Extension, Fulton-Mason-Peoria-Tazewell Unit website at: https://extension.illinois.edu/fmpt/4-h-youth-development or on the Mason County IL 4-H Facebook group page.

The online results will show the ribbons and special awards given, and pictures/videos of the projects. The judge’s comments are only available to the individual 4-H exhibitor.

Mason County 4-H general projects selected for advancement to the Illinois State Fair will also be judged virtually during the week of August 10-16, 2020.

For more information about joining 4-H or becoming a 4-H volunteer in Mason County, contact Joli Pierson, Mason County 4-H Program Coordinator via email: jkpierso@illinois.edu, phone: (309) 543-3308, University of Illinois Extension Fulton-Mason-Peoria-Tazewell Unit, 127 S. High St. Havana, IL  62644.

Source - Joli Pierson, Mason 4-H Program Coordinator, jkpierso@illinois.edu