Liam Sloan, 8, of Arlington, gently picks up a Barred Rock peep to help visitors get a closer look of the baby chick display Aug. 6 at Frying Pan Park. His mom participated in the club as a kid and claims her 4-H buddies have become doctors, lawyers, veterinarians. She says 4-H teaches kids “they can change the world.” Photo by Marti Moore/The Connection
Children of all ages were delighted by the sights and sounds of farm animals, amusement rides, live music, big trucks and tractor pulls last weekend at the 69th annual Fairfax County 4-H Fair & Carnival. The event was held Aug. 3-6 in the historic Frying Pan Farm Park at 2709 West Ox Road and showcased the hard work of county youth, who studied various subjects in detail — from agriculture to photography — and competed for ribbons and cash prizes in at least 18 categories.
Retired elementary school teacher JoEllen Frasch has served as a judge at this fair for 11 years and says 4-H stands for “head, heart, hands and health.” She explains this youth development organization helps children use these four tools to help better their communities.
Frasch takes pride in the fact a former student of hers at the Oak Hill Elementary School is a paid farmer at Frying Pan, attends college at Virginia Tech and plans to pursue a graduate degree in veterinary medicine.
The farm works with 4-H clubs to preserve this living history park and show how a Fairfax County farm looked almost 100 years ago.
Concession stands in the food court featured the standard festival fare of hot dogs, hamburgers, funnel cakes plus Southern fried fish — Carolina style — by the James family of Aldie. Snow cones and a lemonade stand with fresh fruit helped visitors cope with summer heat.
Check out the local 4-H scene at www.fairfaxcounty.gov.