Armada Fair Updates

• 2015 Theme "Oh the Thinks You Can Think When You Think of 4-H"
• Looking for superintendents for all horses except Mini-Horse.
• The next Fair clean up date is July 26, 2015, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Armada Fairgrounds in Armada. Please bring anything you think will help, such as rakes, shovels, gardening tools, brooms, garden gloves, etc.
• Top 4-H'er Award applications are due by July 31, 2015. Top 4-H'er will have only two levels this year, Senior and Intermediate. Applicants, don't miss these dates:
  • July 31st -  Last day to have application submitted to the Macomb County 4-H office 
  • August 16th - Top 4-H'er interviews
  • August 18th - Top 4-H'ers announced
• Please note new weigh in times on Sunday, August 16th. Swine will be weighed in between 8 a.m and 10 a.m. Beef, Sheep, Goats and Prospect Beef will be weighed in between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.
• 4-H books were done in April; leaders can come get their packets.
• $25 parent armbands are available for parents of livestock youth
• Accepting camping forms. Electric and water hook-ups are $140 all week. Reminder: Camping is a privilege that the Armada Fair Board provides to its exhibitors. Any family or site that fails to adhere to the rules and regulations will be asked to leave immediately. Security personnel will be on site.
• Teen Clerk Sign-Up: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0d4caea82ea3f85-teen2
• Youth Organization Exhibit Barn Sign-Up: www.SignUpGenius.com/go/10C0D4CAEA82EA3F85-youth/7764562

Don't Forget to Volunteer During the Fair!

The 2015 Armada Fair is right around the corner! The fair provides our 4-H members the opportunity to showcase and exhibit their 4-H projects. But, your help is needed in order to provide these opportunities to our 4-H youth. Volunteer help is needed for cleaning, set up, assistance at youth livestock and dog shows, check out, and tear down. We realize that fair week is a busy time for our 4-H families, but please review the schedule and make time in which you and your family can help. Remember 4-H'ers - while you are showing your animal or sitting with the judge to have your project judged, others are volunteering their time to make that event run smoothly! Return the favor and help when you can.

Please contact the superintendents regarding the specifics for each show or to sign up to volunteer. Superintendents need committed volunteers to make each show a success! Contact information for superintendents can be found in the Armada Fair Book.

The Armada Agricultural Society recognizes the 4-H community for their hard work during the fair with a donation. This donation helps provide scholarships, programs, and services to the 4-H community each year. Thank you in advance for volunteering at the Armada Fair!

Click here to view the schedule and requirements in a pdf. 

Youth Livestock Auction Participants Asked to Bring Snacks and Water

The Armada Fair Youth Livestock Sale Committee is asking every family that participates in the auction sale to bring one case of water and one box of snacks for our buyers. Snacks need to be prepackaged in single serving size. Suggested snacks include cookies, crackers, candy, and chips. Please drop off your donations at the Sale Committee Office in Barn #15 on Friday morning of the auction (August 21, 2015).

Poultry Shows and Events Cancelled Due to Avian Influenza

On June 1, 2015, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD)

issued a statement cancelling all poultry shows and exhibitions held in Michigan as a precaution

against the spread of avian influenza. This decision affects all 4-H poultry shows at county and

regional fairs, as well as other local 4-H events, until further notice. Co-mingling animals from

various flocks and facilities at these types of events provides an opportunity for diseases to

spread quickly.

MDARD's decision was a precautionary measure made in the interest of animal and public

health, as well to protect Michigan's poultry population. However, on June 8, 2015, the

Michigan Department of Natural Resources announced the first cases of highly pathogenic avian

influenza (HPAI) H5N2 had been confirmed in the state. The disease was found in free-ranging

Canada geese in Macomb County.  

Though the disease is currently only in wild bird populations, no avian species will be allowed to

be displayed as part of any 4-H project, whether at a show, a club or group meeting, a petting

zoo, or at any other event or venue. The affected birds include but are not limited to those that

are part of Michigan 4-H's poultry (such as chickens, pheasants, turkeys, quail, water fowl,

guinea fowl and pea fowl) and exotic bird projects (such as emus and ostriches).  As an extra

precautionary measure, MSU Extension will also not allow the display of any live birds that are

part of the 4-H small animals program known as Pocket Pets, including canaries, parrots,

parakeets and macaws. This is for the health and safety of all birds in the state.  

Avian Flu: What it Means for Fair's Youth Exhibitors

MSU Extension staff, poultry superintendent Lori Clough, and members of the Armada Fair Board understand that the cancellation of 4-H poultry shows is disappointing to the many 4-H youth and volunteers who have invested their time and talents into poultry projects. While unfortunate, the decision is in the best interest of the state's poultry farmers, backyard hobbyists and 4-H families who participate in the poultry project. Please use this real-life opportunity as a teaching moment for our youth.

We still want to provide opportunities for 4-H'ers with poultry-related projects to showcase their work and to offer them valuable learning experiences in the project area. We are strongly encouraging all poultry project youth to compete in poultry showmanship, poultry club displays, egg production and to enter a poultry poster in the "Vet Science" category as an alternative to the meat or breed project.  

Report Possible Cases of Avian Influenza

For Michigan residents that are concerned about avian influenza in wild birds, if they notice a death loss of three or more free-ranging wild birds, primarily ducks, geese, swans, and/or shore birds, they should report it to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources at 517-336-5030. See the MDARD avian influenza flyer for more information. 

Are You the Next Top 4-H'er?

Applications are now being accepted for the 2015 Macomb County Top 4-H'er Award! A Top 4-H'er is a self-motivated, enthusiastic leader who promotes 4-H using the skills, knowledge and leadership abilities acquired in 4-H with fellow members, area residents, community leaders, elected officials and non 4-H youth. A Top 4-H'er serves to strengthen the 4-H program through public relations. They are knowledgeable of 4-H, passionate and active in 4-H! Top 4-H'ers become role models for other club and community members as they promote Macomb County 4-H. Registered Macomb County 4-H members are encouraged to apply.

Top 4-H'er applicants must be registered Macomb County 4-H members, ages 13-19, who are willing to increase their knowledge of 4-H programming; learn 4-H history; follow through on commitments; be committed to developing their communication skills; and be enthusiastic and energetic.

Top 4-H'ers will be announced during the Armada Fair. Applications are online at http://msue.macombgov.org/?q=MSUE-4H-Resources-Forms, under "Top 4-H'er". Completed applications are due by 5 p.m. on Friday, July 31, 2015, to Macomb County MSU Extension, Attn: 4-H, 21885 Dunham Road, Suite 12, Clinton Township, MI 48036. Top 4-H'er applicants should have added Top 4-H'er to their Armada Fair entries by June 30th. Questions? Contact Elizabeth Duran, 4-H Program Coordinator, at duraneli@anr.msu.edu or 586-469-6090. 

Good Luck to the State Horse Show Participants

Congratulations to the following 4-H members who qualified to participate in the 2015 State 4-H Horse Show on August 7-9 in East Lansing: Elizabeth Barone (Ray's Riding Rascals), Audrey Beaudin (A Little Tacky), Victoria Breiling (Alarro), Jared Decker (Ray Community), Amber Gillis (Ray Community), Miranda Hoskin (Alarro), Payton Kehoe (Alarro), Sarah Kowalewski (Ray Community), Melanie LeDuc (A Little Tacky), Gailynn Mayer (Alarro), Alexandra Oddo (Alarro), Gabrielle Oddo (Alarro), Megan Opheim (A Little Tacky), Caitlyn Pichette (Ray's Riding Rascals), Courtney Pichette (Ray's Riding Rascals), Steven Prokuda (Ray's Riding Rascals), Brianna Seymour (Ray Community), and Jenna Swinkowski (Alarro). Good luck!

Michigan State Fair Scholarship Program

The Fifth Third Bank Michigan State Fair is committed to promoting and recognizing excellence in agriculture and is pleased to announce their Scholarship Program. Scholarships are available in the following areas: Home Arts, Agriculture, Livestock, Equine, and Urban Youth Agriculture. For more information and the applications, visit http://www.michiganstatefairllc.com/#!scholarship-programs/c21g8. Scholarship applications are due August 15, 2015.

You Posted What on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter!

Join the MSU Extension Children and Youth Institute Capacity Building workgroup at 7 p.m. on July 27 to help you think about what you post on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. This webinar will help you consider some of the benefits and consequences of social networking and help you make an informed decision about what you post and share with others.

Please register online at http://events.anr.msu.edu/event.cfm?folder=SocialMediaWebinar by July 26th  for this FREE learning opportunity at that you can participate in online!

4-H Program Grants

Did you know the Michigan 4-H Foundation offers grants up to $1,000 to Michigan 4-H clubs and programs? Apply today! Applications are due Aug. 1 and are online at http://www.mi4hfdtn.org/county/countygrants.html.

Nominate a 4-H Volunteer for the MFB 4-H Excellence in Agriculture Award

Do you know an exemplary Michigan 4-H agricultural volunteer/leader? Nominate them for the MFB 4-H Excellence in Agriculture Award today! Eligible project areas include 4-H beef cattle; dairy cattle; goats; horses; horticulture, crops and soils; poultry; rabbits; sheep; swine; and veterinary science. Award winners receive a $1,000 grant to a county or state 4-H agricultural project area of their choice! Please share this opportunity! Nominations are due Aug. 1 to the Michigan 4-H Foundation. For more information, visit http://www.mi4hfdtn.org/grants.html.

Nominate an Outstanding 4-H Alumnus for the 4-H Emerald Clover Society