Ponies and llamas and goats – oh, my! The Washtenaw 4-H Youth Show has plenty of cattle, poultry and more for families to see during a weeklong showcase that runs July 22-28, 2017.
If your kid’s a fan of the types of animals you find at petting farms in Michigan, this Ann Arbor event is one to check out. It’s the annual culmination of kids’ yearlong participation in their local 4-H youth clubs organizations. They’ve worked hard training and caring for animals. And you get to enjoy the results, which feature everything from a llama-leaping contest and a rabbit skill-a-thon.
The Youth Show also lets kids show off the results of their projects and creative endeavors. Gardens, woodwork, yard ornaments, salsa and hand-sewn items are just a few of the many projects on display this year.
Animal “talent shows” are definitely a highlight here, though – including critters like cats, dogs and rabbits. These domesticated creatures show off the tricks their owners have trained them to perfect over the past year.
In 2017, Danmar Products – an Ann Arbor company that makes innovative special needs products – donated their leftover foam and posed a challenge for the children to make a masterpiece using the recycled material. Danmar will judge foam creations on July 25 and winners will be awarded certificates.
On July 27, a livestock auction will be held in which guests can bid on beef, lambs, goats and chickens (this is only if you’re interested taking home some fresh local meat). That same day, an activity tent is open 9 a.m. to noon where kids can partake in make-and-take activities.
When your little ones are tired out from the nonstop fun, take them to eat at one of the many food stands. Meals will be available for purchase at the show including hot dogs, sloppy Joes and mac ‘n’ cheese.
Free parking is available on site and there is no admission charge to check out the show. That’s right – that’s free, too!
Times are as follows:
- Saturday, July 22: Dog show starts 2 p.m.
- Sunday, July 23: 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
- Monday, July 24: 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
- Tuesday, July 25: 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
- Wednesday, July 26: 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
- Thursday, July 27: 8 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
- Friday, July 28: 8 a.m.-7 p.m.
For more information on the Washtenaw 4-H Youth Show, including directions and at-a-glance details, check out the Metro Parent calendar.
