CREAMERY PA – Today (Saturday, Aug. 11) is the final day of the three-day Montgomery County 4-H Fair, but as usual it promises to be the biggest and busiest for visitors.

That small figurine being inspected by the cow is the 4-H Gnome, which is showing up in odd locations during this year’s fair

This week at the fair, which began Thursday (Aug. 9) at the 4-H Center grounds and Cooperative Extension offices on Route 113 in Creamery, between Trappe and Skippack, has so far been filled with the competitions and exhibits that recognize a year’s worth of work and efforts made by 4-H members, most of them youngsters through late teens.

The fair showcases livestock, poultry, horses, and companion animals they raised and groomed with pride. It also demonstrates knowledge and expertise they’ve gained in agriculture, sciences, the arts, crafts, and home-making skills. In addition, this year’s fair plays a special role by observing the 100th anniversary of 4-H in Pennsylvania.

All combine to make today’s events special, 4-H representative Rebecca Villegas said, because fair attendance by the public is most often highest on Saturdays. Visitors are welcomed to participate in a wide variety of activities, sample terrific food, browse among the dozens of animals whose mere presence creates a sort of make-shift zoo, and marvel at the prize-winning entries submitted by contest winners.

Many vendors also will be on had to show off and talk about their products and services.

Here’s a list of today’s scheduled shows, events and activities, although times are approximate and subject to change.

These occur throughout the day:

• 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Fabric Sale (gym);
• 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Ongoing Quilting Demonstration (Hickory Room);
• 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., 4-H Alumni/Extension information booth open (by back entrance to building);
• 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Food, Indoor Exhibits Open to the Public; Display Gardens Open;
• 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Pedal Train Rides;
• 9:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., 4-H Historical Timeline Celebrating 100 years (Building);
• 10:30 a.m. to afternoon,  Pony Rides (available throughout most of the day, weather permitting); and
• 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Mobile Ag Science Lab open, tours at various times throughout the day.

These occur at specific times stated:

• 10 a.m., CAN DO Canines Drill Team-obedience (Activity tent);
• 10 a.m., Model Rocket Launch (horse show ring);
• 10:30 a.m., Youth Make-It-and Take- It “Amazing 4-H Arts & Crafts” activity (in white craft tent);
• 10:30-11:15 a.m., “Mom’s Morning Out”; tips on making healthy meals (Maple Room- air conditioned!);
• 11 a.m., Alpaca Club obstacle course (horse ring);
• 11 a.m., Kiddie Pedal Tractor Fun Contest (parking lot by back building entrance);
• 11 a.m., Pygmy Goat Demonstration- goat tent;
• 11 a.m., Parade of Horse Breeds-(sand horse ring);
• 11 a.m., Seeing Eye Puppy Club Obstacle Course (training program);
• 11 a.m., Celebrity Goat Milking Contest/obstacle course;
• Noon, Buyer Hospitality Starts (Hospitality Tent);
• Noon, Friendly Paw Dog Club “Grooming/Showmanship Competition” (Activity tent);
• 12:30 p.m., Friendly Paw Dog Club -Meet the Breed Show (Activity tent);
• 1 p.m., Market Animal Sale (Animal show tent);
• 1:15 p.m., Pet Show Registration starts (corner of Activity tent);
• 1:30 p.m., Pet Show (Activity tent);
• 3:30 p.m., Fashion Revue and “Express Yourself” Scrap Revue (Activity tent); and
• 4 p.m., All projects released, and fair concludes.

Gates to the fair open this morning at 9:30 a.m. Parking costs $5 per vehicle (although additional donations are gladly accepted, Villegas said); the proceeds help cover the fair’s costs. The fair closes, and this year’s edition officially ends, at 4 p.m.

Photo from Montgomery County Cooperative Extension