May 2026
4-H Newsletter
Upcoming Events
Important Dates
May 1
May 15
May 15
May 2, 2026 – 4-H Arena Work Party
8:00 – 11:00 a.m.
- Off‑island volunteers are not expected to arrive before the first westbound inter‑island ferry.
- Set up the livestock arena for a showmanship clinic, if desired. If the consensus is that a formal clinic isn’t needed, we can talk through the process without setting up the arena.
- Reassemble swine barn stalls for swine and lambs during weigh-in
- Set up stalls for beef during weigh-in
- Clean out a section of the sheep barn for the small animal showmanship clinic
- Set up and test the scale
- Because we did not receive enough volunteer availability and have ongoing budget limitations, we will not be able to set up the 40×60 arena tent this year. 4‑H and the Fair are partnering to explore sustainable alternatives that will serve our youth and programs well moving forward.
2026 4-H Fair Book Now Published
The re-worked and more comprehensive Fair Book is now published and ready for review. I have a handful of copies available for pickup at the Extension Office and am happy to provide a copy to any family who would like one. I hope to provide a couple reference copies to each club as well.
A digitally accessible version can be found on the fair and auctions section of the webpage. There is also a link to download a pdf version as well. I will plan to print and send several copies to each island, as well have as have copies available at the extension office.
There are multiple new departments, classes, appendices, and what I hope to be a better flow to the Fair Book overall this year. Please read the welcome letter at the beginning as it gives lots of good information.
Clinton is now working on the Fair Schedule and updating the Fair Entry system. Fair Entry will go live June 1st!
New Auction Resources
We are excited to share the following Auction Resources for buyers, families, and anyone interested in learning more about the 4-H Auctions.
2026 4-H Fair Superintendents Needed!
4-H Families – We need your help!
For the fair this year there are the following department vacancies:
- Assistant Livestock Superintendent (LeAnne will be main livestock super)
- Performing Arts Superintendent
- Small Animal Round Robin Superintendent
If you, someone in your family, or someone you know might be interested in filling one of these roles please let Clinton know. These positions are vital to have a working fair and Clinton is happy to provide training on how to be successful. Most superintendent roles require only a few hours during fair week
To see the full list of Superintendents please visit the Fairbook.
Lamb, Wool & Goat Festival – May 10th
On May 10th on Lopez Island the Lamb, Wool, and Goat festival is happening. The planning committee is looking to see if any 4-H members are interested in being involved. Clinton plans to attend and represent 4-H but lamb and goat members could bring animals or host an educational table, and fiber arts members could offer demonstrations or host a table as well. Please contact Sara Hurley if interested in participating.
Showmanship Clinic & Spring Weigh-In – May 30
The Livestock Market Animal Auction Committee is happy to share that our annual Showmanship Clinic and Spring Weigh-In will be held on May 30, 2026 this year.
The Schedule Includes:
- Showmanship Clinic/Information For:
- Livestock (Cattle, Sheep, Goat & Hogs)
- Small Animal (Poultry, Rabbit & Cavy)
- A presentation from Kings Market/Marketplace on careers in butchering
- Official early Weigh in for fair auction animals – weights and ear tags
- Public Presentation Contest
All 4-H members and their families are welcome!
Livestock member participation is not required but is highly encouraged for the weigh-in especially.
4-H International Exchange – Inbound Hosting Applications Now Open
Summer 2026 (July 23-August 15, 2026)
Delegates from Japan and South Korea will be placed in families around the state of Washington (arrive and depart from Ellensburg).
The purpose of this program is NOT tourism. Families that host do not need to tour the delegate around, they are here to experience life in an American family in the home setting. They are to do what you and your family are doing.
Voluntary host families must speak English in the home, provide three meals a day and a bed (can share a bedroom). Families need to have youth between within three years of age and the same gender as the visiting student. Delegates seek to be part of the family to experience daily cultural immersion. They do not have site-seeing requirements or a schedule while they are here—they will be with the family experiencing American life. Participating families do not need to belong to the 4-H program.
To start or update your application, visit the States 4-H Exhange website or to view the profiles of available youth visit the WA state 4-H website.
Please let Carolyn Russo know if you have questions.
Pair of 8 month old roosters looking for a new home
These Two very Handsome, Friendly Brothers Need A New Home
We’re in Friday Harbor/ San Juan Island.
Both to one home or willing to separate.
No fee
These Olive Egger roosters are great boys (hatch date 8/1/25) Originally hatched at Baxter Barn, Fall City, WA, we’ve had them on island since day 2.
We’re requesting no freezer camp, no dinner plates please– They’re too nice and high quality to end up in a cook pot.
They’re docile and compliant to humans, and love their ladies.
They were hatched together and raised together, so they get along fine.
They’re currently sharing, amicably, 10 hens, and well mannered, but they need twice that many hens.
So could be kept together if someone has a larger flock. Or we’re willing to separate if someone can only take one. Or kept together or individually as pets.
Preferably free range or extensive predator proof outdoor access.
No placement fee– to honest, thoughtful home.
Willing to deliver anywhere on island, or meet within 1 hour of Anacortes
Cross posting –hoping for placement in Friday Harbor to make the exchange easier (and avoid a ferry ride with roosters), but open to other arrangements.
Save the Date – Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser – July 25th
We’ll be hosting a pancake breakfast fundraiser in the Rambler’s Booth on July 25th, 2026. The proceeds of the fundraiser will be split between 4-H and the San Juan County Fair. Please save the date if you would be interested in helping cook, serve, and/or be on site for the fundraiser.
