Thinking beyond the farm: Learn more during 4-H Day at Wisconsin State Fair

WEST ALLIS (WITI) -- For many people 4-H means animals, crops and farming -- but in honor of the organization's 100th year, Wisconsin 4-H is asking people to think outside the box and beyond the farm.

"What we do in our program is really prepare young people for the future. They learn skills for life and it might be about animals, it might about food science and nutrition, it might be about technology; but the really big picture is about communication skills, decision-making, about leadership, about being able to collaborate and work with others. Those are the things that really play out in the long run that have value to all of us in our state," said Dale Leidheiser, 4-H Youth Development State Program Director.

The Wisconsin State Fair is honoring the organization with 4-H Day on August 5th.

A "bicycle blender" in the healthy living section is just one of the cool things kids and adults alike can check out up close. Evonne Hack is hoping her son, Hayden, will be interested enough to get back into 4-H.

"His eyes just totally lit up and he says 'I can do this in 4-H?' and I said yeah and he's like 'oh!," said Hack. "They just learn and they grow and they learn about other things and they get to teach other people, too."

4-H members are hoping the fair will help educate people about everything the organization has to offer.

"I think people seeing all different aspects of 4-H will definitely open up their eyes to see it's not just about ag," said Nichole Wilson, a 12 year 4-H member.

The 4-H Day continues until 7 p.m. Tuesday. Afterwards, Governor Scott Walker will hold his Blue Ribbon meat products auction. Tickets are $30 and it is open to the public.