Will Pendleton twists balloons into recognizable shapes such as dogs, while Whitney Box raises and trains cats.

They were just two of dozens of Douglas County 4-H members who put their special projects on display Sunday at the Douglas County 4-H Fairgrounds to entice newcomers and share information about what they do among themselves.

“It isn’t just about ‘cows and plows,’ anymore,” said Kim Davis, 4-H agent with the Douglas County office of K-State Research and Extension. “There are so many different types of projects out there that they can work on.”

While livestock still plays a key role among projects 4-H members take on, members who are city dwellers can pick from projects that include entomology, arts, electricity, woodworking, computer science and the environment, just to mention a few. There are more than 500 4-H club members in Douglas County, and more than half of them live in urban areas.

Anyone who can’t find a project that captures his or her attention can use “self determination” and come up with a different idea. Will, a member of the Meadowlark 4-H Club, followed in his sister’s footsteps by learning how to shape balloons. Shaping dogs are the easiest, while trying to make a balloon look like a teddy bear is the most difficult, Will, 13, said.

His sister, Margaret Pendleton, 16, has been shaping balloons for several years and has performed with them at birthday and anniversary parties.

“It’s kind of a interesting thing to be able to do,” she said. Margaret is one of several 4-H members who serve as ambassadors and help promote the organization and its special events.

Amy Nystrom, 5, of Lawrence, tries to keep an eye on the brush while getting her face painted during the 4-H Festival. The Sunday afternoon event was held at the Douglas County 4-H Fairgrounds.

Whitney, however, would much rather put her efforts into shaping a cat’s behavior. She sat at a table petting one of four kittens she brought to show off. Despite their independent nature, the Eudora 4-H club member said she preferred working with them over dogs.

“If you treat them well, cats are easier,” Whitney, 14, said. “I like dogs but cats are more playful.”