The Community Correspondent role provides readers with on-the-ground and inclusive stories about the Port Huron area. This is made possible through funding provided by the Community Foundation of St. Clair County.

Black and white patterned cows mooed while sweaty-handed youth awaited the judges’ results. Nosy goats nibbled kibble from eager hands, and crafts draped with colorful ribbons adorned tables. Agile cowboys hung onto the backs of bucking horses while sticky-fingered people ate fluffy cotton candy and gooey caramel apples in the stands.

These are just a few of the sights at the 88th St. Clair County 4-H and Youth Fair at Goodells County Park in Goodells, from July 14-19.

“Come out and have some fun and enjoy yourself. There are things to do for everyone,” says Rob Usakowski, president of the St. Clair County Agriculture Society and the person in charge of this year’s fair.
Rob Usakowski, president of the St. Clair County Agriculture Society.
Usakowski has been running the 4-H Fair for over ten years. But he doesn’t just work on the administrative side. His family has shown at the fair for over two decades. His kids started with rabbits and goats, then moved to pigs and ducks, and now his grandkids participate.

“The fair teaches kids all kinds of skills. No matter what project they choose, they also learn soft skills, such as how to give a presentation or do an interview, which prepares them for life in general,” he says.

While many associate St. Clair County 4-H with rural kids and livestock, it offers much more, from photography and craft making to science and technology. In Michigan alone, over 100,000 young people ages 5-19 participate in 4-H, and in St. Clair County, over 700 kids are participating in this year's fair.

“I enjoy watching the kids learn and grow. This year, we saw a number of young kids win big awards,” he says. These winners will go on to exhibit in the Sweepstakes Showman class at the end of the fair. In this class, youth must present one animal from every livestock species. 

Head to Goodells Park, grab a hot dog, and peruse all the attractions the 4-H Fair has to offer. Admission is $10 daily or $30 for one car with all the occupants. Folks interested in joining a club or volunteering for St. Clair County 4-H can click here.