BY DAVID ECK
Enquirer Contributor
CHEVIOT -- In the urban areas of Hamilton County, it's logical to think 4-H clubs long ago went the way of open farmland and country living. But 4-H is strong and active in the county and on display this weekend at the Harvest Home Fair.
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IF YOU GO |
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When: Harvest Home continues today and Sunday, noon-11 p.m.
Where: Harvest Home Park, North Bend Road & Homelawn, Cheviot
Admission: $3; free for children 12 and under
Sponsor: Cheviot-Westwood Kiwanis Club
Shuttles: Run 1-11 p.m. with a 10-minute wait between shuttles. Pickup locations along North Bend Road, Harrison Avenue and Bridgetown Road.
Other parking: Goodwill Store across from the park, Cheviot Fieldhouse on Robb Avenue and Cheviot Municipal Parking Lot.
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"We're here. We just had to change our focus," said Keebler Holley, an extension agent in charge of 4-H in Hamilton County. "It's just active in a different way."
About 7,100 children ages 5-18 participate in 4-H, he said. Instead of caring for cows, horses and sheep -- as in rural areas -- local 4-H projects may consist of domestic animals, crafts, photography or writing.
"The 4-H project is really a learning tool," said Bob Warnock, manager of the Hamilton County agricultural extension office. "The 4-H motto is "Learning by Doing'."
Miami Heights resident Debbie Buchert said her two children were in 4-H when they were younger. Many don't realize that 4-H is active here, she said.
"We were always trying to recruit and let people know of the opportunities," she said. "(Kids) learn all kinds of things." Local projects at the fair include woodworking, cats and dogs, and crafts. Unlike 4-Hers in Butler and Warren counties, only 5 to 10 percent of Cincinnati-area 4-Hers live on farms, Mr. Holley said.
The fair itself goes back to a time when Cincinnati's west side was mostly rolling farms and country roads. Now in its 139th year, the Harvest Home Fair offers pony rides, games, a horse show and baking contests. It runs through Sunday.
The Kiwanis Club of Cheviot-Westwood runs the fair and proceeds are returned to the community.
In the mobile home that serves as fair headquarters, Kiwanians spent Friday afternoon watching over the empty grounds and waiting for the crowds.
"By 8 o'clock everything will be in full swing," said Dick Feltman, fair secretary. "Sunday midnight is the relief."
