Like in years past, the morning of the opening day of the Muskingum County Blue Ribbon Fair began with a worship service led by the Muskingum County 4-H Junior Leadership Club. This group of young outstanding leaders in the local 4-H community plan and execute the opening worship service which was attended by over 350 fairgoers this year.
“It is a wonderful way to kick off the fair and see multiple generations of families coming back to start off the week together. It is a tradition that has been held over many decades,” said 4-H Advisor, Susan McDonald.
Attendees contributed $1,500 to the offering collected at the service which was added to the Muskingum County 4-H endowment fund.
Many young people were actively involved in the service including Caiden Hogue, of Adamsville, who is the devotional leader of the club, and chaired this year’s event. Eliza Jane Morrow, of New Concord, planned the music. Additionally, youth members helped with the service by being ushers, greeters, and reading scripture. The message was presented by Pastor Christopher Riggs of Washington Township Baptist Church and music was provided by Mike Maguire and Ryan Kimpel of Rushing Winds Biker Church.
Dorothy Montgomery was recognized in the program for the service for her years of leadership and commitment. She has been a 4-H advisor for over 68 years. Other current advisors include James and Susan McDonald, Lisa Marshall, and Crystal Fuller.
Mrs. Montgomery’s daughter Susan McDonald and grandsons Jack and Eli make three generations of leaders in the local 4-H community. She first discovered 4-H after finding a wooden hog crate in the barn of her parent’s farm that had the words “Meig’s Lop Eared Pig Club” on the side. From that moment she wanted to know what 4-H was all about and the rest is history.
The Muskingum County 4-H Junior Leadership Club, formed in 1947 has been instilling their motto “Head, Heart, Hands, Health – to make the best better” in area youth for well over half a century. The group stresses leadership skills and career exploration is encouraged.
CAPTION: Eliza Jane Morrow, Caiden Hogue and Susan McDonald, 4-H Advisor
