The Green Acres 4-H Club represents Rio Linda/Elverta at the State Fair. Photo courtesy of Susie Clark

RIO LINDA, CA (MPG) - With the massive 17-day California State Fair coming up July 12 through July 28, Californians from throughout the state will visit Sacramento to enjoy the festivities and participate in the fair. Several Rio Linda residents are set to represent in the livestock department.

The Green Acres 4-H Club will showcase livestock, and one member will present jams and cookies at both weekends of the California State Fair. The club is comprised of youths from ages 5 to 18 and adult volunteers, and all the members are from the Rio Linda/Elverta area.

 Two youth members represent the Green Acres 4-H Club at the State Fair. Photo courtesy of Susie Clark

According to the Sacramento County 4-H official website, “4-H Community Clubs offer the opportunity for hands-on learning for children ages 5 to 19. 4-H Clubs are planned and led by both adult volunteers and youth members.”

 A 4-H Club member poses with a ribbon received for showing a dog at the fair. Photo courtesy of Susie Clark

Green Acres 4-H Community Club Leader Susie Clark spoke to Messenger Publishing Group about the club’s upcoming plans for the State Fair and what fair guests can expect.

 A wide variety of goats will be shown this year at the State Fair. Photo courtesy of Susie Clark

Seven youths and two adults from the club will show their animals at both weekends of the fair, which will feature different species of goats and one dog. Clark promised guests will see all sorts of goats, including meat goats, dairy goats, a Nigerian dwarf goat, a Boer, a LaMancha, a Toggenburger, and an Anglo-Nubian, which are all breeds of goat. A dog will also be shown.

 A 4-H Club member shows his goats at the State Fair. Photo courtesy of Susie Clark

Animals are just for show this time, but to clarify, Clark said that the animals are only for sale at the county fair. Each animal is owned and taken care of by a 4-H Club member.

Clark, involved with the Green Acres 4-H Club for 17 years, is “very rewarded” by seeing the young members of the club learn, find their passions and excel.

 A goat and its owner pose for a photo at the State Fair. Photo courtesy of Susie Clark

“It’s really impressive what these kids are doing,” she said. “There are 9-year-olds breeding livestock, milking them and showing them. They work so hard and put so much time into raising their animals.”

Showing and owning livestock is no easy feat, Clark pointed out. There is a tremendous financial responsibility that comes with it, as well as a large time commitment. She emphasized that the youth who will represent the Green Acres 4-H Club at the State Fair “have worked very hard for this moment.”

 Green Acres 4-H Club members will show both dogs and goats this year. Photo courtesy of Susie Clark

When asked why the community should visit the fair and see the animals, Clark said, “Everybody loves livestock and this gives people a hands-on experience. Plus, it gives an opportunity to learn something, see the hard work the youth have done, and learn about all the opportunities the 4-H Club provides.”

 Dogs are a hit at the State Fair and are even shown by 4-H Club members. Photo courtesy of Susie Clark

“We love animals, we love kids, the kids love showing their animals and it will be a great time,” Clark said.

 Green Acres 4-H Club members pose for a photo at a previous State Fair. Photo courtesy of Susie Clark

The Green Acres 4-H Club always welcomes new members to join the program. Interested residents can email the club at [email protected].

The California State Fair will be held at Cal Expo and tickets are available online at https://www.etix.com/ticket/v/14615/california-state-fair.