HARTFORD CITY, Ind. – Depending on which state you reside, participation in 4-H is normally limited to those ages 8 to 18. In Indiana, 4-H is open to all youth in grades 3-12.

But at the Blackford County Fair in Indiana, 4-H organizers are “bending the rules” a little bit again this year, offering a Mini 4-H Show for those in grades K-2, as well as an Alumni 4-H Show for those who have far exceeded the age limit of 4-H.

“The Alumni 4-H Show is for those who have aged out, but want to bring back those memories by showing in the ring once again,” said Kyli Penrod, 4-H youth development educator at the fair. “For these veterans of the ring it’s still a showmanship show, and they get to show whatever species they sign up for.”

This year’s Blackford County Fair will be July 13-20. The special Alumni 4-H Show will be the night of the 18th. Enrollment for the Alumni 4-H Show will open by the end of this month.

Last year, the Blackford County Fair tore down an old cattle barn and paid $260,000 for a new barn.

“And the timing of all this was perfect,” Penrod said. “Our goal was for the first people to show in that barn to be veteran 4-Hers who had shown at this fair in the past,” Penrod said.

Last year, 25 veteran 4-Hers participated in the first Alumni 4-H Show.

“We divided them into 10-year divisions or age categories,” Penrod said. “We had them grouped by those in their 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s and 60-and-above. The feedback was great. We had a lot of adults tell us that they enjoyed it and it brought back fond memories. We’re going to continue to make this a piece of our fair each year from now on. We’re going to move this event toward the end of our fair to help celebrate the close of our fair each year.”

“The Alumni Show was fun,” Amanda Slentz said. “I always wanted cattle growing up, but I was only able to do building projects during my 10 years of 4-H and help my friends with theirs. As a parent, I’ve watched my children show for years, but now I finally got the chance to be one in the ring. It was a little nerve-wracking, but fun.”

Brandon Apple said, “The Alumni Show is a great opportunity to start fair week off with a bang. Even though this show is for alumni, it’s still based around the kids. I found this show is a way to have the youth watch and learn different styles of techniques that others use in showing, that way the youth might use these methods during their shows and help them become better showmen.”

Word of the successful 4-H Alumni Show has traveled fast.

“Some of my friends at other extension offices in other counties reached out and said they thought the alumni show was a neat idea and they’re thinking of doing something similar,” Penrod said.

Penrod is always on the lookout for innovative ideas. Three years ago, when she first arrived on the scene at the Blackford County Fair, she created the Mini 4-H Show.

“Our regular 4-Hers are allowing these younger kids to show their animals,” Penrod said. “That’s nice. It helps give these younger kids early experience in the show ring. The younger kids will walk around the arena a few times and get a ribbon just for participating. But just as important, it’s a good way for younger kids to try out a new animal and find one that’s right for them.”

The Mini 4-H Show attracts 15 to 20 participants each year. More are expected to participate this year.

“It’s all about having fun,” Penrod said.