University, Bumpers College to host 4-H O-Rama
July 14, 2008Contact Information:
By Elizabeth Fortune
Extension Communications Specialist
efortune@uaex.edu, 501-671-2120
Division of Agriculture, U of A System
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Hundreds of Arkansas 4-H’ers are preparing for their annual trek to the University of Arkansas for 4-H O-Rama July 23-25. The theme of “Arkansas 4-H Extravaganza: 100 Years in the Making” signifies the centennial celebration of 4-H in Arkansas.
O-Rama is Arkansas 4-H’s largest state competitive event. More than 400 4-H’ers from across the state vie in various activities over the course of two days. O-Rama provides 4-H’ers the opportunity to exhibit the skills they’ve developed during the year.
Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences faculty members will help with competitive events, which include technology showcase, entomology collection, veterinary science and pet care, performing arts, gun safety, consumer economics, human development, fashion review, food fair, safety, health, citizenship, public speaking, environmental stewardship, agribusiness public speaking, forestry, ornamental horticulture, crop and seed identification, sport fishing, bait casting and fish identification, animal science, horse and bicycle.
4-H will honor Dr. B. Alan Sugg, University of Arkansas System president, as a Friend of 4-H during the 62nd Annual Awards of Excellence banquet. Sugg will receive this honor for his years of dedication to the Arkansas 4-H youth development program.
As the third H in 4-H represents hands to larger service, community service is an important component of state O-Rama. 4-H’ers not participating in competitive events can participate in service projects that include assembling first-aid kits and care cloths for the American Red Cross, collecting school supplies and assembling turbans for cancer patients.
The Arkansas 4-H Extravaganza will conclude with the election of the 2008-2009 4-H officer elections.
For more information about 4-H youth development in Arkansas, visit www.uaex.edu. 4-H is the youth development arm of the Cooperative Extension Service, part of the University of Arkansas System’s Division of Agriculture.