Housed in the Youth Expo Building, the Education Station features many great, and new, activities for kids, families and adults of all ages. Introduced in 2022 the Education Station offers hands-on educational activities and demonstrations throughout fair week (July 15-July 19). Once again, the “Sew at the Fair” service project will also be housed in the station-youth can sew a canvas bag for themselves and will be able to choose a book to take with.
According to Chris Waldron, 4-H AmeriCorps Member, “The goal of the education station is to give the opportunity for individuals, organizations, and businesses to share their knowledge, experiences and passions with others.” This opportunity helps spread knowledge of other programs in the community, while creating a collaborative environment in which all involved may build capacity for future programming. Waldron also states, “It’s great to see youth and adults get excited about the presentations/activities. There is nothing better to see the moment when a SPARK is lit.”
Activities are for youth/families and individuals of all ages, but may be targeted to a specific demographic/audience/topic. Each activity will be interactive, engaging, and provide a variety of topics. Previous demonstrations have included: Christmas in July, Soil Health, MyPlate Kabobs and bracelets, Cattle Handling, the arts and so much more!
The sessions will be led by adults, youth groups, business groups, and more. In the down time between “active” sessions, individual take-and-make opportunities will be provided.
Hands-on Activities/Demonstrations
The goal is to provide and educational activity space to get youth/families interested in learning something new (or giving back to the community) – We will have sewing machines going in this space with an ongoing sewing project with a goal to make 500 placemats during the fair! Sewers can sew for as long as they want.
Volunteers still needed
We are still looking for volunteers, community businesses or organizations to lead cooking or educational demonstrations. Please consider signing up here: https://go.wisc.edu/zrw76z. We are also looking for funding or supply donations for make and take activities that will be going on throughout the fair. If you have questions or need help registering, please contact Chris Waldron at 715-788-6204 or christopher.waldron@wisc.edu.
Participants will have the opportunity to learn with volunteers, community organizations, and families that love sharing their knowledge! We hope you’ll learn something new with us! A schedule of what’s happening in the education station will be posted with the daily schedule, on the Barron County Fair Website and can also be found in the Expo building.
Volunteers are also needed to run the Sewing Station, to help, you can contact Melanie Donath 715-418-3432 or Sara Waldron, 4-H Educator 715-788-6219 or sara.waldron@wisc.edu.