Youth showcase skills at Ray County Fair
A glitter-streaked stress ball, a protein-packed breakfast bite and a hand-crocheted hot pad had more in common than it might seem – each was crafted, explained and proudly presented by young 4-H participants during the Ray County Fair’s annual demonstration showcase.
Dozens of fairgoers filtered in and out of the small demonstration area, where youth rotated through five- to 10-minute presentations designed to teach a skill or explain a process. Unlike livestock judging or static entries, these hands-on demonstrations required children to speak directly to judges and audience members while actively working through their projects in real-time.
“I’m going to be teaching you how to make a glitter stress ball,” said Kinsler Hulsey of Orrick 4-H. Her voice was steady as she listed ingredients – water, a balloon and glitter – while pouring and shaking the mixture herself.
“Take your balloon and put it on the top of your water bottle,” explained Hulsey. “You want to tip it over and swish…