MARION, Ill. – Youth, families, and community members gathered on June 28 at Mt. Dew Stadium in Marion for the first annual 4‑H Day with the Thrillville Thrillbillies, enjoying an afternoon filled with baseball, community, and fun.
Hosted by University of Illinois Extension 4‑H, the event saw 100 4‑H tickets sold across southern Illinois, with members, families, and supporters coming together to cheer on the Thrillville Thrillbillies and enjoy a fun, family-friendly day at the ballpark.
Throughout the game, 4‑H members had the opportunity to participate in between-inning activities, adding to the day's excitement and energy. A special highlight included youth joining together during the seventh-inning stretch to sing “Take Me Out to the Ballgame,” creating a memorable moment shared across the stands.
Adding to the excitement, 4‑H Youth Development Educator Kristi Stout threw out the ceremonial first pitch, representing Illinois Extension and the impact of 4‑H youth programs across the region.
Participants also received commemorative 4‑H Day with the Thrillville Thrillbillies T‑shirts, giving them a lasting reminder of the day.
From the first pitch to the final inning, the event showcased the strong sense of community that 4‑H brings to southern Illinois and created lasting memories for all who attended.
Illinois Extension would like to extend a sincere thank you to the Thrillville Thrillbillies organization, volunteers, partners, and all attendees who helped make this event a success. Events like 4‑H Day at the ballpark would not be possible without the continued support of the community.
4‑H continues to provide youth with opportunities to grow as leaders, build confidence, and create meaningful connections. Programs like this highlight the importance of bringing youth and families together through shared experiences.
If you were unable to attend this year, don’t worry; 4‑H Day with the Thrillville Thrillbillies will return next summer, continuing to bring 4‑H members from across southern Illinois together while supporting our local team.
Interested in getting involved in 4‑H or participating in future Extension programs? Community members are encouraged to contact their local Illinois Extension office for more information.
For those in Alexander, Johnson, Massac, Pulaski, and Union counties, please contact the University of Illinois Extension Pulaski & Alexander office at 618-745-5200 for more information on 4‑H Youth Development opportunities.
Writer: Jordi Oliver, Extension Staff, jordio2@illinois.edu
University of Illinois Extension develops educational programs, extends knowledge, and builds partnerships to support people, communities, and their environments as part of the state's land-grant institution. Extension serves as the leading public outreach effort for University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences in all 102 Illinois counties through a network of 27 multi-county units and over 500 staff statewide. Extension’s mission is responsive to eight strategic priorities — community, economy, environment, food and agriculture, health, partnerships, technology and discovery, and workforce excellence — that are served through five program areas — 4-H youth development, agriculture and agribusiness, community and economic development, health and community wellness, and natural resources, environment, and energy.