Essex Junction--The Champlain Valley Fair's claim to be "the 10 best days of summer" rang true for many Vermont 4-H'ers who entered exhibits and competed in 4-H competitions from a judging jamboree to poultry and horse shows, earning ribbons and premiums.

The fair, which ran from Aug. 26-Sept. 4 in Essex Junction, featured 4-H Day on Aug. 28 with a variety of activities for 4-H'ers, including an opportunity to take part in the evening parade. Tabletop displays, posters, photos and scrapbooks were on display throughout the fair in the 4-H Hall, where one 4-H club also presented an action exhibit.

The first 4-H event was the dairy show, Aug. 27, which was judged by Elizabeth Menard of Fairfield, a former 4-H member who showed at this fair. Results were as follows: Fitting and Showmanship Champion, Ayrshire Grand Champion and Supreme Heifer Champion: Whitney Dunklee, Vernon; Brown Swiss Grand Champion: Emma Edenfield, Shelburne; Holstein Grand Champion and Supreme Cow Champion: Cassidy Dunphy, Franklin; Jersey Grand Champion and Herdsmanship Award: Isabella Wilbur, Orwell; Milking Shorthorn Grand Champion: Caroline Allen, Ferrisburgh; Best Club Display Award: Mount Independence 4-H Club, Orwell

On 4-H Day, several 4-H members participated in the annual 4-H Judging Jamboree, which each year includes one livestock species and one Vermont product with instruction on what to look for when judging these classes.

Mark Podgwaite, Northfield, was the official presenter and judge for the chicken class. Martha Manning, University of Vermont (UVM) Extension 4-H educator for Franklin and Grand Isle Counties, presented the apple judging class. The top three scorers, who each achieved a high score of 96 out of 100, were Nick Raley, Fairfax; Noa Soave, Colchester; and Morgan White, Whiting.

The 4-H Poultry Show also was held on 4-H Day and judged by Podgwaite. Participating 4-H'ers were Josephina Kascha-Hare, Milton; Samuel Luis, Whiting; Claire, James and Lucas Niggle; Nora and Nick Raley; Claire and Isabelle Romano; and Gabrielle Senecal, all from Fairfax. All earned blue ribbons in both fitting and showmanship and general knowledge. The show concluded with a just-for-fun chicken agility course.

The Best of Show winner for both posters and photos was Sydney Gorton of Milton with a poster about Poitou donkeys and a photo of Chloe, her former 4-H project horse. Liam Palmer, Williston, took Best of Show for his tabletop exhibit, "L'Anse aux Meadows," about the first Viking Settlement in North America. The Whispering Pines 4-H Club of Westford captured Best of Show for their club scrapbook, highlighting activities, awards and news clippings from the current 4-H year.

Club members also presented "Corky Creations," their action exhibit on how to make cork trivets, and will be heading the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield, Massachusetts, later this month with this same presentation.

The 4-H Horse Show on Sept. 3 concluded the 4-H activities at the fair. Earning championships were: Senior Champion: Haileigh Demers, Westford; Reserve Senior Champion: Renee Payton, Danville. Junior Champion: Emma Sibley, Milton; Reserve Junior Champion: Autumn Dailey, East Hardwick. Advanced Beginner Champion: Karson Cook, Shelburne; Reserve Advance Beginner Champion: Logan Claypool, Milton. Beginner Champion: Lillian Kascha-Hare, Milton; Reserve Beginner Champion: Kinzi Grindle, St. Albans

For information about the UVM Extension 4-H program, contact the State 4-H Office at (802) 651-8343 or (800) 571-0668 (toll-free in Vermont).