Nevada 4-H Expo to showcase skills gained through Youth Development Program

Youth from across the state will gather in Fallon this Thursday through Saturday at the Nevada 4-H Expo to showcase the diverse skills and knowledge they have developed through the University of Nevada, Reno Extension’s 4-H Youth Development Program.

The Expo, an annual celebration of the talents and achievements of Nevada’s 4-H youth, will take place from Thursday, Sept. 19 to Saturday, Sept. 21 at the 3C Events Complex in Fallon, located in Churchill County.

Free and open to the public, the Expo is packed with activities, exhibitions and competitions for all ages. It includes more than 160 4-H members, ages 5 to 18, statewide, with more than 570 individual exhibition entries in various categories, including projects in animal care, STEM and creative arts.

During the event, youth will display their expertise in areas such as caring for small and large animals, from amphibians and reptiles to cows, horses and dogs, as well as in shooting sports, art, photography, cooking, sewing and STEM activities. Participating 4-H members will also demonstrate their livestock knowledge through a series of livestock skill-a-thons and a quiz bowl, where senior youth, ages 14 to 19, will compete for a chance to attend the Western National Roundup. The 4-H Expo competition emphasizes personal and civic development, STEM skills, public speaking, leadership and livestock and horse knowledge. Additionally, the event will serve as the statewide culmination of the 4-H Shooting Sports Program.

“4-H is about more than just agriculture — it is about equipping young people with the skills they need to succeed in life,” Lindsay Chichester, Extension’s Nevada 4-H Youth Development Program leader, said. “The Expo is a celebration of their hard work and dedication throughout the year, and a testament to the impact 4-H has on our communities.”

Events on Friday, Sept. 20, will include livestock health inspections, static exhibits and various livestock showmanship activities. The day will end with a 2-mile fun glow run from 6 to 8 p.m., open to the public. The run, which serves as a fundraiser for the Expo, has a $20 registration fee that includes a T-shirt and promotional giveaways. Those interested in participating can register onsite at the event.

On Saturday, Sept. 21, attendees can expect to see dog showmanship and obedience competitions, shooting sports, a livestock quiz bowl and a poultry show. The Expo will also honor 4-H volunteers who have excelled in strengthening youth-adult partnerships and recognize their contributions throughout the year.

Attendees can also participate in a silent auction that will support the state’s Shooting Sports Program.

Nurturing future leaders
"We often say that 4-H is a youth’s first college course because it prepares them for secondary education and helps them develop essential life skills," Sarah Chvilicek, Extension 4-H Youth Development Program coordinator for Northern Nevada and Washoe County program manager said.

In fact, a 10-year study by Tufts University shows that 4-H youth are four times more likely to give back to their communities, two times more likely to make healthier choices, two times more likely to participate in STEM activities and two times more likely to be civically active.

4-H is the nation’s largest youth development organization empowering nearly 6 million young people with a voice and skills to make positive impacts in their lives and within their communities. Nevada 4-H Youth Development Program caters to youth, ages 5 to 19, providing hands-on learning experiences, mentorship opportunities, and the chance to explore various STEM disciplines in fun and interactive ways. The program offers a diverse range of clubs, STEM programs, in-school and afterschool activities, and summer camps, all aimed at empowering youth with the skills and confidence needed to thrive as engaged citizens.

Parents and guardians of youth interested in joining the Nevada 4-H Youth Development Program can contact their local county Extension offices for information about the different clubs and programs available. Adults interested in volunteering can find more details or register online, and a program representative will contact them. For more information about the Nevada 4-H Expo, call 775-784-4779 or email Lindsay Chichester.

Persons in need of special accommodations or assistance should contact Paul Lessick, civil rights and compliance coordinator, at plessick@unr.edu or 702-257-5577 at least five days prior to the scheduled event with their needs or for more information.