Anna Hallett said the York County 4-H Fair

  gives youths a chance to share their work and knowledge with the public.

"It's important that people understand today's youth are involved in stuff and like to do community work," said Anna, 14, of West Manchester Township. "People can learn from youth in 4-H. And I hope people who come to the fair will also learn how to participate in 4-H."

Anna and her almost 2-year-old male alpaca, Baroque, won first place in showmanship in the alpaca show at the annual fair being held at the 4-H facility at 771 Stoverstown Road in West Manchester Township.

The fair began Thursday and runs through Monday. Exhibits and events will be open to the public on Saturday and Sunday, and admission is free.

Activities include a Rabbit & Cavy Show, a petting zoo and bean bag games, a wood carvers demonstration, cake and watermelon walks, sidewalk chalk art, Tall Cedar Clowns and balloon art and face painting, a presentation from Bob the Critter Guy, and a seeing-eye puppy demonstration.

Fair theme: The theme for the 2012 4-H Fair is "100 Years of 4-H & Still Growing Strong," to celebrate the 100th anniversary of 4-H in Pennsylvania. At least 1,000 people are expected to attend

the 32nd annual fair, said Mary Jo Kraft, the youth development and 4-H director with Penn State Cooperative Extension.

More than 700 projects created by 4-H members will be on display. Projects include insect collections, crafts, presentations on tools and engines, and jewelry, candle and soap-making samples.

There also are entries in a cake decorating contest in which students design a cake to fit the 100 years theme.

Animals are featured in the 4-H alpaca show, goat show, swine and livestock show and the new dairy beef show.

Lessons: As president of the 4-H Alpaca Club, Anna said she is learning a lot about being responsible and about respecting and properly caring for animals. She also is learning how to present her work to the public.

"It's very valuable because I learn how to work with animals and with people," Anna said. "I can share a lot about alpacas with people who haven't heard of them or seen them."

Also on display is a worm tower project by Jacob Geesey, a member of 4-H's growing club called the Berries, Bees and Blossoms club.

Jacob's project involves using worm castings as fertilizer for his mini-watermelon plant. Jacob, 12, of Dover Township, said he enjoys the fair because it gives him a chance to see the work of fellow 4-H members who are in other clubs.

"There's quite a bit of stuff to see," he said. "I hope people come out and learn a lot."

-- Reach Eyana Adah McMillan at emcmillan@yorkdispatch.com.

Come on out

The 32nd annual York County 4-H Fair began Thursday and ends Monday. The event is at the 4-H Center at 771 Stoverstown Road in West Manchester Township.

The fair is open to the public from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday. Admission is free.

For information, call Mary Jo Kraft, 4-H/youth development program educator with Penn State Cooperative Extension, at 840-7408.