JACKSON – An all-day event at the Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum on Lakeland Drive on Oct. 29 will celebrate more than 100 years of youth development programming for the state’s 4-H members.

The Mississippi State University Extension Service’s 4-H Youth Development Program is partnering with private businesses and educational organizations for the day’s family-focused activities. The event will feature a Health Fair conducted by United Health Care. 4-H will have hands-on activities promoting sustainable agriculture through family and community gardens, science experiments and robotics demonstrations. The volunteer leaders will sing at various times throughout the day.

The opening ceremony at 10 a.m. will recognize outstanding 4-H alumni and 4-H supporters and focus on the importance of family educational experiences. Awards will be presented to representatives from organizations that partner with 4-H to produce youth development programming throughout the year. 

During the day, participants will see live demonstrations of 4-H shooting sports and the ATV program. Tours will be held in the newly reopened Mississippi 4-H Learning Center and Pete Frierson 4-H Museum. Other events will include train rides, hay rides, the Modeling Squad Showdown, Showcase of Talent and 4-H Public Speaking.

A film festival and live entertainment will take place throughout the day. On-site vendors will sell food and drinks; however, the event itself is free to the public. 4-H Leadership Team members and volunteer leaders will be on hand to assist visitors and tell about their 4-H experiences.

Event partners include United Health Care, Alcorn State University, the Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum, Toyota, Best Buy, Land Water and Timber Board, Mississippi 4-H Foundation, TransCanadian Pipeline and other friends of 4-H.

For more information contact Betty Rawlings in the state 4-H office at (662) 325-3350 or [email protected].