It’s finally here … the day 4-H’ers have anticipated since the start of their summer vacation … well, some of them maybe.

During your morning commute to work, you may notice an awful lot of cattle trailers, horse trailers and pick-up trucks making their way to the Nobles County Fairgrounds in Worthington. This morning is 4-H livestock entry, with all of the dairy and beef cattle, horses, sheep, goats, pigs, rabbits and poultry arriving by 11 a.m.

As an 11-year veteran of the 4-H program, I can tell you livestock entry day is nothing short of organized chaos. This year, the poor kids and their animals will have added stress with the heat and humidity that is expected to stick around through Friday. Perhaps the kids and animals will all be spending a little more time lingering at the new and improved wash rack at the fair!

The 4-H buildings open to the public at 10 a.m. today, giving everyone a chance to check out some really awesome projects our 4-H’ers did this year.

While at the fair during Tuesday’s non-livestock entry day, I noticed that Okabena Bees 4-H’er Tim Bents has outdone himself once again in the woodworking division. He crafted a beautiful inlaid wood coffee table that is a must-see. I did a feature on Tim and his fellow Okabena Bees friend Alex Ling two years ago with their woodworking projects.

Word has it that the noon special at the 4-H Foodstand today is the turkey dinner. Yum! Roast turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, and a vegetable will be served. Of course you can always add in a fresh fruit cup or a slice of pie … the blueberry is my favorite!

If you’d rather have a great burger (beef or pork) and french fries, the FFA Foodstand can’t be beat. Oh, I remember the days when I was a member of the Worthington FFA Chapter and had to work those shifts in the food stand. At least now they have a nice, new facility!

If you stop out at the fair for lunch today, take a few extra minutes to stop by Olson Arena. The dairy show starts at noon. Also on tap for the afternoon is the rabbit show at 1:30 p.m. in the rabbit barn and the 4-H sheep show at 5 p.m. in Olson Arena, followed by the open class sheep show.

The Apple Pie contest starts at noon today at the west end of the Fine Arts building. All entries must be received by 11:45 a.m. Following judging, the pies will be served with ice cream for $2 a slice, with proceeds going to the Nobles County Fair Association for fair improvements.

While there isn’t any grandstand entertainment tonight, there will certainly be a lot of things to see and do at the fair. McDermott Shows will operate the Midway rides, and the beer garden will be open.

I’ll be milling about the fair this morning, meeting some co-workers for lunch at the 4-H foodstand and taking in a bit of the livestock shows this afternoon. Stop on out … there’s always something fun to see and do at the fair!