St. Clair County Ag Society received MSU Extension Key Partner Award
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EmailThe St. Clair County Agricultural Society, commonly referred to as the fair board, was honored with the MSU Extension Key Partner Award for their unyielding support of 4-H youth through the annual county 4-H and Youth Fair.
The St. Clair County Agricultural Society, commonly referred to as the fair board, was honored with the MSU Extension Key Partner Award for their unyielding support of 4-H youth through the annual county 4-H and Youth Fair. The group took home the award on October 16 during the MSU Extension Fall Conference in Grand Rapids.
Lori Warchuck, the MSU Extension 4-H program coordinator who nominated the group, says their dedication to area young people has spurred their innovation and makes them easy to work with.
“The board has even given presentations during the Michigan Fairs and Exhibitions annual meeting to discuss our partnership and encourage others to work closely with MSU Extension,” Warchuck said. “They have a great reputation among their volunteer peers in other counties.”
The board was formed in 1937 to deliver agricultural-based education to the public through the facilitation of the fair. Since then they have expanded their efforts to include initiatives that help draw more people to the week-long fair, including creating a lactation space for breastfeeding mothers, a petting farm that allows people to interact with farm animals, and a dedicated “Kids’ Zone” giving youth a taste of what it’s like to work in agriculture.
Rob Usakowski, of Kimball Township, is president of the 18-member volunteer board. He says that over the past 87 years, the fair has grown to be the largest annual event in the county, attracting roughly 150,000 exhibitors and attendees.
“Most of our visitors come from the immediate area,” Usakowski said. “The population of St. Clair County is about 160,000. I feel sorry for the 10,000 that don’t attend.”
The Key Partner award recognizes individuals, organizations, media, special MSU programs and government officials who have made significant contributions to creating, improving or promoting MSU Extension programs.
“Organizations like the St. Clair County Agricultural Society demonstrate the value of coming together as a community for the common good,” said Quentin Tyler, director of MSU Extension. “We are proud to give them this award in appreciation for their partnership.”
