Kudos to Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chautauqua County’s “UnFair” planned for July 21-25 at the Chautauqua County Fairgrounds in Dunkirk.

The UnFair will provide an opportunity for Chautauqua County 4-H youth members to exhibit their club projects in the 4-H Youth Building, and those who participate in the beef, dairy, goat, hog, horse, poultry, rabbit, and sheep projects will show and exhibit during the week. This event is open to 4-H members and members of their immediate household only. All COVID-19 protocols will be followed. The 57th annual 4-H Meat animal sale will be the only portion of the program open to in-person public participation and will take place Saturday, July 24, at noon.

We have previously expressed our support for some activity for 4-H youth who had their time to shine cancelled in 2020. While the “UnFair” won’t have midway attractions and entertainment, it will give the public an opportunity to see the 4-H projects and support the 4-H youth. The Chautauqua County Fair Board has donated the use of the grounds, water and electric, but 4-H still has to raise about $15,000 to hold the event. The Chautauqua County Legislature has given a special program allocation of $6,637, and 4-H has raised more than $2,500 with GiveBigCHQ donations.

Let’s close the rest of the gap, Chautauqua County. The 4-Hers deserve our support.