Advanced poultry showmanship participants at the CA Youth Fair. Photo provided Left to right - Carolyn Campbell, Alison Jefferson, Allison Kostecki, Madison Gibson and Jennifer Chan

This year's winner for small master showmanship (one of the highest 4-H honors at the California Youth Fair held July 13 to 18 at the Antioch fair grounds) was Allison Kostecki from Lamorinda.
Throughout the week participants practiced and trained their animals so that they were ready later in the week for showmanship - a basic competition where participants work animals to the best of their ability. An overall winner is chosen who had the best showing of all of the different species.
Animal competitions weren't the only thing at the fair. The Stills building featured still objects created by 4-H'ers. There was sewing, woodworking, cooking, photography, poetry, decorating, educational panels, and so much more. These items, too, got placed. Anyone under nine years old was not judged but received a participation ribbon.
For more information about the Contra Costa County 4-H youth program, visit http://groups.ucanr.org/ccc4h/.
Twelve-year-old Jennifer Chan attended the California Youth Fair with her 4-H Club in July.