Noah Genco, 10, of Dover Township shows off his alpaca prior to the show Thursday at the York County 4-H Fair in West Manchester Township. Noah leased his alpaca from Painted Springs Alpacas in Spring Grove. The fair will be open to the public Saturday and Sunday. (Bil Bowden photo)

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.

Sunday activities include a 4-H Robotics Club demonstration, Seeing Eye Puppy demonstration, a petting zoo, games, crafts, snow cones and watermelon walks.

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.

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."

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

Admission is free.

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

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