County Fair Time

Hot Springs, Ark. – County fair time is almost here!  The Garland County Fair begins September 14^th and continues through September 19th at the fairgrounds located at 4831 Malvern Road.

The youth of Garland County will be showcasing their projects during the week of the fair.  The 4-H’s primary purpose is to educate and develop youth.  One of the ways we develop youth is through 4-H projects. There are several life skills 4-H’ers learn while doing projects:  decision-making, planning, implementing and evaluating, communicating, teamwork, and record-keeping. Youth also develop skills as they “learn by doing.” They gain knowledge and learn to accept responsibility by caring for their projects.  They gain self-esteem and a sense of accomplishment.

The Fair marks a high point in a year of hard work and dedication in producing a livestock exhibit.  These students spend many hours and dollars preparing for the livestock shows at the county, districts, and state fairs. Each year the Fair serves as a showcase for the top Junior Livestock Projects in the county for each exhibitor.

One of the ways the youth get rewarded for their hard work on their livestock projects is through the Junior Livestock Auction.  Cash contributions that are given help defray his or her costs in raising the animals.  Many of these young people not only use the money to pay their debts but use it for continuing their education.  Premium sale contributors are listed on a sponsor board displayed at the fairgrounds and are recognized in the fair catalog.  All contributions are tax deductible.

This year the auction will be held at the Show Barn at the Garland County Fairgrounds on Friday, September 18th at 1:00 p.m.  Come early – all bidders will be treated to a lunch at 11:30 at the EHC Building.

There are many activities going on at the fair which you would enjoy, so pick up a fair book and plan your week at the fair.  Books are available at the Cooperative Extension Office and at many local businesses.  Be sure to check the fair book for day and times for your entries.

The horticulture entries (produce and house plants) will be accepted on Monday, September 14th from 8:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. in the Horticulture Building.  Garland County Master Gardeners have a number of new exhibits and programs planned for this year that you will enjoy attending.

If you have an interest in gardening of any type or would like to learn more in the horticulture field and have the time and the desire to volunteer for your community in an area you enjoy, then you may want to become a Master Gardener.  Master Gardeners hold their meetings on the third Thursday of each month at 1:00 p.m. at the Elks Lodge.  The meetings are open to the public and guests are always welcome.  The Master Gardeners will be working in the Horticulture Building during the fair and you can stop by and ask them about the Master Gardener Program and pick up an application or come by the Cooperative Extension Office at 236 Woodbine.

For more information, please call Allen Bates, County Extension Agent – Agriculture, at 501-623-6841, or email him at abates@uada.edu. 

Master Gardeners

If you’re interested in becoming a Master Gardener and would like more information, you’re welcome to attend their monthly meeting on the 3^rd Thursday of each month at 1pm at the Elks Lodge.  You may also call the Extension office on 623-6841 or 922-4703 or email abates@uada.edu.

EHC Information

Are you interested in joining an existing Extension Homemakers Club? EHC is the largest volunteer organization in the state. For information on EHC call 623-6841 or 922-4703 or email jvincent@uada.edu.

4-H Information

We have several 4-H clubs for our Garland county youth who are 5 to 19 years old.  For more information on all the fun 4-H activities there are, call the Extension Office at 623-6841 or 922-4703 or email Linda Bates at lbates@uada.edu. 

The Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative action institution.

By Allen Bates
County Extension Agent - Agriculture
The Cooperative Extension Service
U of A System Division of Agriculture

Media Contact: Allen Bates
County Extension Agent - Agriculture
U of A Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
236 Woodbine Hot Springs AR 71901
(501) 623-6841
abates@uada.edu

The Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative action institution. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate or need materials in another format, please contact your County Extension office (or other appropriate office) as soon as possible. Dial 711 for Arkansas Relay.

The Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.