COLUSA, CA (MPG) —Scores of kids, parents and grandparents made holiday crafts at the Colusa County Fairgrounds on Saturday, Nov. 8.
The annual countywide 4-H “Make-It-and-Take-It” Expo offered projects for all ages and abilities, organizers said, thanks to the efforts of 4-H leaders, nonprofit organizations and volunteers.
“We had a great turnout,” said Brenda McPeek, community volunteer. “We had lots of 4-H’ers and several we hope will be members in the future.”
The cost to complete each project, such as a table decoration or picture frame, were essentially the cost of supplies, as the craft expo is a special event, not a fundraiser.
Although many of the kids participating in the expo are in 4-H, the event was open to the public.
“It was our first year attending, and it was such a fun and great event,” said Hayley Boes.
Organizers said the day had two goals: give families a place to create together and help newcomers see what 4-H offers. Leaders answered questions about clubs, projects and how to get involved. The approach matches the program’s core idea: learn by doing, then share the skill.
“Everyone was so helpful and patient,” Boes said. “Especially with our two-year-old.”
Cookie decorating and Grinch and snowman ornaments stayed busy. Nearby, rock painting, felt ornaments, paint-brush Santas, candy-cane reindeer, picture frames, scarves and marshmallow shooters gave families plenty of choices.
“This is the perfect event to make cute homemade gifts to give to friends and family for the holiday season,” Boes said.
Colusa County 4-H currently serves about 380 youth annually and has long-reaching effects. Youth participating in 4-H are twice as likely as other youth to be civically active and make healthier lifestyle choices, and four times more likely to contribute to their communities, according to its website.
Adult volunteers are vital to the success of the program. To find out more about Colusa County 4-H, visit cecolusa.ucanr.edu/4-H_Program.