To the editor:

The Douglas County Fair draws crowds of people trying to capture the nostalgia of their rural heritage. They yearn for simpler times and celebrate their agricultural roots. This is all good, but the truth is the 4-H program that is showcased at the fair is alive and well in Douglas County. It just looks a little different.

Contrary to the Journal-World piece of Sunday, July 23, membership in the county is holding steady in traditional community 4-H clubs. In addition, 4-H After School programming reaches over 1,000 children in local elementary schools.

The perception of 4-H as a strictly rural activity for only farm kids is a myth that persists today. In Douglas County, 83 percent of the youth involved in 4-H live in cities or towns. The most popular projects are foods, clothing and arts and crafts.

However, some things about 4-H have not changed since its beginning 100 years ago. It still offers young people, ages 7 through 19, the opportunity to develop leadership, citizenship and life skills. These are advantages 4-H’ers have regardless of where they live, what individual projects they take, what ethnic background they have, what their family income level is or what their religious persuasion happens to be.

4-H is a tremendous program open to every family. Come see what 4-H has to offer yours at the Douglas County Fair.

Sue Ashcraft,

Lawrence