A wide variety of projects are on display here at the State Fair from many 4-H and FFA exhibitors. What many people think of is livestock, but there is a whole building full of static exhibits. It is year number three for the newly renovated Rastetter 4-H Building on the southeast corner of the fairgrounds, where Iowa 4-H Foundation Executive Director Emily Saveraid sets up shop.
“We’re excited to be back in this beautiful new facility,” Saveraid said. “It really is an outstanding place to showcase 4-H’s exhibits, and to really give the public an opportunity to come in and see the really amazing work that young people do throughout the year.”
Saveraid said it’s incredible when you stop and think about the number of hours that have been spent by 4-H’ers to create all of the projects on display in the building.
“We at the foundation exist to help support the 4-H program, and that looks a lot of different ways,” Saveraid said. “Support for volunteers and recognizing volunteers is a big piece of what we do. And so, we have the Hall of Fame binders here. People love to look through the binders and see all of the Hall of Fame folks from counties. Every year, a county has an opportunity to put a person into the Hall of Fame and recognize their efforts over the years. So come and see who in your county is going into the Hall of Fame this year, and vote for your favorite 4-H project.”
The highlight of the year, as far as the 4-H Foundation is concerned, is the Legacy Awards in late February that are held in central Iowa as a great investment in the next generation of Iowa for eight years.
