By Sandy Barnes
Berthoud Recorder

The Lucky Clovers II is among area 4-H groups getting ready for this year’s Larimer County Fair opening July 31.

These youngsters are planning to exhibit a variety of animals from rabbits to cats and horses, as well as dairy beef cattle, said Charlie Buckley, Lucky Clovers group leader. “Every kid in the club gives a demonstration,” she said.

In addition to animals, participants are preparing for other exhibits like cake decorating, baking and home crafts including crocheting.

One of the interesting entries at the fair will be a dairy cow that Dani Pickard caught as a calf during last year’s event. The “catch it” event is a good way for youngsters to get free animals to care for, said Buckley.

As a 4-H leader, Buckley said she is happy to see the 25 members of her group actively participating in the club. In general, membership is withering in the organization, partly because of the time and effort it takes. In addition to caring for livestock and pets, the youths need to keep expense records and write essays about their entries, she explained.

“My favorite part is the older kids helping the younger ones,” she said. Youngsters ages eight to 18 can be in 4-H groups while younger children can join Clover Buds groups, but cannot participate in exhibits.

The Larimer County Fair and Rodeo is being held at The Ranch in Loveland from July 31 to Aug. 4. In addition to the 4-H showcase of animals, arts and crafts, the fair will also feature an antique tractor show, a draft horse show, carnival and the Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association event. The Gnarly Barley Brew Festival at the fair will also host a homebrew competition.

For more information, visit the Larimer County Fair Web site at http://LarimerCountyFair.org.