4-H at the Valencia County Fair

As the temperatures begin to drop, and summer starts its close, 4-H agents are in fair mode across the state.

The 2024 Valencia County Fair was held from Aug. 19-25, and wow, what a successful year our 4-H kids had! With several 4-H indoor exhibitors ranging from ages 5-19, we were able to have a spectacular week at the Valencia County Fairgrounds.

The Valencia County Fair Management Board had so many improvements for the fair this year. They worked diligently to get the grounds ready. These updates were beneficial to the youth participants, parents, families and businesses who came to support the kids. From the new beef barn, new lamb/goat pens and newly re-vamped spaces, it was great to see the participants and community enjoying the county fair.

Our 4-H indoor exhibits were a hit. We hope you got a chance to look through our local vendors and meander into the indoor exhibit hall. This year, we highlighted our Cloverbud participants with our fall themed Cloverbud corner. The participants in the Cloverbud program are ages 5-8 years old and turned in an array of fun arts and crafts that they completed over the summer.

Another competition held during our county fair was the 4-H cake contest. This contest was the second annual, as it was revived at our county fair last year. We had 13 4-H members submit their beautiful and tasty cakes. These cakes are judged by talented bakers, and the first-place cake receives a banner and the first sale slot in the livestock auction. This money goes directly to the 4-H member to continue funding their indoor exhibits.

The competition was steep, but the winning cake was lovely. The winner was Haley McDaniel with her spice cake. Her cake was served as the dessert at the buyer’s dinner for our livestock sale.

It is certainly no wonder why the 2024 Valencia County Fair was such a successful one. As we continue to move through September and into October, you will find 4-H members throughout Valencia County competing at the New Mexico State Fair held in Albuquerque from Sept. 5-15; the Southern New Mexico State Fair, held in Las Cruces from Sept. 25-29; the Eastern New Mexico State Fair held in Roswell, from Sept. 30 to Oct. 5; and national shows across the country.

Look for our youth representing Valencia County in the indoor exhibitors hall, with more than 200 exhibits making their way to New Mexico State Fair.

Once fairs have concluded, we are excited to announce the Valencia County Cooperative Extension Service and the Los Lunas Agricultural Science Center are collaborating to bring back the Fall Farm Festival. In conjunction, the Los Lunas Agricultural Science Center will be hosting their field day.

Both events will be held on Saturday, Oct. 19, at the Agricultural Science Center, 1036 Miller Road, Los Lunas. The Fall Farm Festival will be from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Event entry is $5 per person and will include hayrides, one pumpkin (while supplies last), a corn maze and access to exhibitors, live demonstrations, games and more. The proceeds from the entry fees will benefit the Valencia County 4-H Program.

The field day will consist of research tours from 9 a.m. to noon, and is free of charge. If you are hoping to catch a tour, gates will open at 8 a.m. for registration for the first trolley rides.

Program announcements

To register for an upcoming program, call the Valencia County Cooperative Extension Service at 505-565-3002. For more information, visit valenciaextension.nmsu.edu.

• 2024 4-H Open Enrollment begins Oct. 1, and ends Jan. 31, 2025. Come join the 4-H fun. Visit the website for the 2024-25 4-H enrollment guidelines at valenciaextension.nmsu.edu/4h/join.html and call 505-565-3002 for more information.

• Adopt & Shop from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 5, at the Bosque Farms Tractor Supply, 890 Bosque Farms Blvd., Bosque Farms. Join the Valencia County FCS Ambassador Team as they take donations for the Valencia County Animal Shelter. You will be able to make chew toys on site while shopping or even find your furever friend to adopt. Call the Valencia County CES office for questions at 505-565-3002.

• Pasta and Youth from 5:30-7 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 9, at the Valencia County CES office to make and take delicious homemade pasta. Call the Valencia County CES Office to get registered at 505-565-3002. This is a free class for Valencia County youth (ages 10-18); limited space is available for this hands-on lab.

• Fall Farm Festival from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 19, at the Valencia County Agricultural Science Center, 1036 Miller Road, Los Lunas.

• Los Lunas Agricultural Science Center Field Day, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 19, at the Valencia County Agricultural Science Center, 1036 Miller Road, Los Lunas. Registration opens at 8 p.m.

• Agriculture School Enrichment Programs fall-themed programs related to the science of agriculture are being offered to elementary and middle school aged students. Contact Sierra Cain for program offerings and scheduling at sierragh@nmsu.edu or 505-565-3002.

• Youth Fall Fun Day from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 5, at the Valencia County CES office to fall crafts and treats. Call the Valencia County CES office to register at 505-565-3002 for a morning full of fun crafts and treats. This is a free class for Valencia County Youth (ages 8-18); limited space is available for this hands-on lab.

• Winter Extravaganza from 6-8 p.m., Friday, Dec. 6, at the Peralta Methodist Church, at 25 Wesley Road, Peralta, to enjoy an evening with friends creating crafts for you to enjoy or share with your loved ones. You will take home one large, one medium and two small craft ideas with instructions. Call the Valencia County CES office to register at 505-565-3002. The event fee is $20 to participate and is due by Dec. 2.

If you are an individual with a disability who requires auxiliary aid or service to participate in a program, please contact the Valencia County Cooperative Extension Service Office at 505-565-3002 two weeks in advance of the event.

(Crystal L. Garcia-Anaya is the FCS/4-H youth development agent with New Mexico State University, Valencia County Cooperative Extension Service.)