The first annual 4-H Farm & Family Fair transformed the Cornell Cooperative Extension Education Center and 4-H Park in Otisville into a lively celebration of agriculture, youth achievement, and community spirit from July 24–26. Families enjoyed livestock exhibits, educational demonstrations, local vendors, live entertainment, and hands-on activities while learning more about farming and where their food comes from.

4-H Farm & Family Fair: Growing future leaders

For Jill Van Ake, Development Officer for Cornell Cooperative Extension of Orange County and Fair Manager, the fair is much more than a weekend event.

“This is our education center and 4-H Park that we’ve been developing for more than 10 years,” Van Ake said. “Our goal is to create a safe environment for our 4-H youth.”

She said the 4-H youth development program serves children ages 5 to 19, teaching leadership, teamwork, public speaking, and life skills.

“Our 4-H Farm & Family Fair showcases what our youth have accomplished throughout the year,” she said. “But it’s also very community-oriented.”

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The fair featured youth livestock shows, educational exhibits, wellness programs, local vendors, live music, family games, and demonstrations highlighting Orange County’s agricultural heritage.

From farm animals to handmade projects, the inaugural 4-H Farm & Family Fair helped children learn through hands-on experiences and real-world discoveries. (Image: courtesy of Cornell Cooperative Extension Orange County)
A young participant leads her horse during the inaugural 4-H Farm & Family Fair in Otisville, N.Y., where youth showcased livestock skills while families explored hands-on agricultural exhibits celebrating farming, education, and community. (Image: courtesy of Cornell Cooperative Extension Orange County)

Supporting local farms

Many vendors reflected the fair’s mission of supporting local agriculture and small businesses.

Chante Vasquez and her daughter, Nevaeh Jackson, spent several days preparing homemade desserts and fresh island-style lemonade.

“We’ve been baking for the last three or four days,” Vasquez said. “It’s always better to support where you’re from and where you live.”

Dave Gibaldi of Gibaldi Family Farm offered mule-drawn wagon rides while his seven-year-old son competed in 4-H horse classes.

“My son participates in 4-H, so we wanted to support the organization,” Gibaldi said. “We also want to raise awareness that draft animals are still a viable source of working power.”

At another exhibit, beekeeper Robert Reynolds of Maybrook Honey taught visitors about the importance of honeybees.

“We can’t really make it without honeybees,” Reynolds said. “If an apple blossom doesn’t get pollinated, you don’t get an apple.”

Wendy Calyer of Hoeffner Farms, a former 4-H member whose grandchildren now participate in the program, said helping children reconnect with agriculture is more important than ever.

“They need to understand where milk comes from and how food is produced,” she said. “People know French fries, but they don’t always know potatoes.”

Dave Gibaldi of Gibaldi Family Farm offered mule-drawn wagon rides, giving visitors a fun and memorable way to experience farm life. (Image: courtesy of Cornell Cooperative Extension Orange County)

Learning through experience

For many families, the fair is about much more than competition.

Megan of Indigo View Farm said caring for livestock teaches responsibility, leadership, and teamwork.

“The kids are actually doing the work,” she said. “They’re learning real-life skills while helping one another.”

She added that many children rarely have opportunities to experience agriculture firsthand.

“This may be the only chance some children ever have to pet a calf or learn directly from a farmer,” she said.

Her son, Silas, enjoys working with animals more than playing video games.

“You need to use your hands and your mind,” he said. “I’ve learned how to work with animals, and I’ve made friends while doing it.”

Robert Reynolds of Maybrook Honey helped children learn about the importance of honeybees and their role in nature. (Image: courtesy of Cornell Cooperative Extension Orange County)

Bringing the community together

The fair also welcomed families from Newburgh, Middletown, and Port Jervis through a New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets grant, giving many children their first farm experience.

“They learned so much,” Van Ake said. “They went home with educational materials and local produce through our Market Sprouts program.”

Visitors praised both the welcoming atmosphere and educational value.

“It’s nice to see that this farming community is still alive and well,” said Lori, who attended for the animals and wagon rides.

Kristin, another visitor, appreciated that the event was free and open to everyone.

“It’s really about bringing the community together,” she said.

Looking ahead, Van Ake hopes to see the fair continue to grow.

“Our hope is to involve even more community organizations and encourage more youth to become our next generation of leaders,” she said.

From farm animals to handmade projects, the inaugural 4-H Farm & Family Fair helped children learn through hands-on experiences and real-world discoveries. (Image: courtesy of Cornell Cooperative Extension Orange County)
From farm animals to handmade projects, the inaugural 4-H Farm & Family Fair helped children learn through hands-on experiences and real-world discoveries. (Image: courtesy of Cornell Cooperative Extension Orange County)
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