By KAILEE E. GALLAHAN
The Exponent Telegram
JACKSON’S MILL, W.Va. — WVU Extension Service officials in Lewis County are finalizing arrangements for the 2017 Jamboree at the Mill. This year’s event is expected to be even larger than last year’s.
From July 23-27, the Jamboree will offer free admission and activities for the whole family, said Annie Brown, an administrative assistant for the WVU Extension Service in Lewis County.
“This is something we do each year to showcase the talents and abilities of our students in 4-H and FFA,” she said. “Many people come to support the youth community participating in the exhibition and livestock shows.”
In addition to the livestock shows, there will be non-livestock book and craft projects submitted by 4-H and FFA students ages 9-21.
Brown said there will be around 235 students participating in the Jamboree exhibitions through the course of the week.
“We will also be having several contests throughout the week, including flower and vegetable shows, a photography contest, a corn hole tournament, a dog show and cake walk,” she said. “We will have a minimal cost for entry fees.”
While completing the entry forms for the livestock shows, Brown said Extension Service officials are in the midst of grading book projects, ordering awards and prizes and continuing to receive entries for the photo contest.
“We just want to be able to get the word out and let everyone know what is available this year,” she said. “4-H and FFA give students the opportunity to be involved in things that help to further self-development and find their own path. There’s just so much to offer.”
Each year, the Jamboree continues to grow in number of exhibitors and supporters, according to Bruce Loyd, WVU Extension Service agent in Lewis County.
Loyd said Extension Service officials are looking forward to a good turnout this year, with some new events and activities.
Jamboree at the Mill times vary each day: 3:30-6 p.m. on July 23, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. on July 24-25, noon-6 p.m. on July 26 and 11 a.m.-7 p.m. on July 27.
If anyone would like additional information, contact the WVU Lewis County Extension Service at (304) 269-4660.
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