Ride Night at the Skagit County Fairgrounds – Left to right: Jenna, Mikilee, Abby, Ray, Maddy
As the Skagit County Fair approaches, 4-H members across the county are working hard to get ready—and the Washington Wind Riders (WWR) horse club is no exception. From fundraising to educational projects to practicing in the arena, their 4-H members, leaders, and families are dedicated to making this fair season a success.
Fundraising for Fair and Beyond
This year, WWR held several fundraisers to support their club’s expenses. At the Skagit County Master Gardeners Plant Sale, they sold snacks, drinks, and handmade bracelets crafted by club member Mikilee. The money they raised helped cover the cost of club activities, operational expenses, and fair essentials.
With proceeds from the plant sale, the club purchased bucket straps and saddle covers—important items for fair week. The WWR have plans to fundraise and purchase more needed items such as tack boxes, shovels, brooms, and wheelbarrows.
Fundraising is an important part of the 4-H experience and is not just about raising money—it also teaches members teamwork, responsibility, and how to set and reach goals together.
Fundraiser at Master Gardener’s Plant Sale – Left to right: Maddy, Jenna, Abby, Mikilee and Ray
Learning and Sharing Through Educational Posters
Creating an educational poster is a requirement for all horse project members who want to compete at fair. These posters are displayed during fair week for the public and other 4-H members to enjoy. They’re designed to share short, interesting facts about horses in a clear and creative way.
WWR supports its members by hosting poster work parties, where youth bring their ideas and supplies to build their posters together. This is a great way for older members to mentor younger ones, and for everyone to learn something new in the process.
Educational Poster Night – Left to right: Kaylee, Abby, Maddy, Ray
Ride Nights Build Skills and Community
Practicing riding and showmanship is key for success at fair. But in Washington’s rainy fall and winter, finding a covered arena can be a challenge. That is why ride nights at the Skagit County Fairgrounds are so important and beneficial to Skagit County 4-H members.
Starting in May, 4-H clubs take turns using the Skagit County fairgrounds arena to practice. These ride nights give members a chance to ride in the same arena they’ll compete in at fair and use 4-H equipment they might not have access to otherwise. It is also an opportunity to practice following 4-H rules under leader supervision.
Ride nights help build confidence for new riders and leadership skills for experienced ones. Even horseless members, or those who can’t haul their horse in, are encouraged to attend to be part of the team, build community, and learn from others.
Last year, WWR was a brand-new club with just five members. Alger Rough Riders, the county’s longest-standing horse club, kindly invited them to join their ride nights. This year, WWR has grown to nine members and has been able to use the fairgrounds on their own thanks to support from other clubs and leaders.
Ride Night at the Skagit County Fairgrounds – Left to right: Maddy, Abby
Why It Matters
These activities—fundraisers, poster making, and ride nights—are more than just preparation for fair. They help youth develop responsibility, confidence, teamwork, and leadership skills that last a lifetime.
Here’s what some of the WWR members had to say about their 4-H experience:
Ray, WWR President: “The fair is a great opportunity to show all the hard work my horse and I have done over the 4-H year.”
Mia, WWR Vice President: “4-H has taught me the value of sportsmanship and helped me to develop invaluable leadership skills.”
Mikilee, WWR Treasurer: “Over the past few years of 4-H and fair I have been able to learn a lot about working with horses and have been able to mentor younger members with the skills I have gained.”
Jenna, WWR Recorder: “Through 4-H and the fair I have been able to make a lot of friends.”
As the fair approaches, I am proud of the hard work our Skagit County 4-H members are putting in. Clubs like Washington Wind Riders show how 4-H helps youth grow, learn, and build friendships that go far beyond the fairgrounds.