Months of hard work, persistence, and practice culminated in the 2016 Eaton County Fair on the week of July 11th for the 4H members of the VFW National Home for Children. The weather was hot but breezy as the kids guided their hogs past the judge, careful to never step in between her and their pig. This year we had 13 kids showing hogs. For showmanship, there was a 4th place, two 5th place and a 6th place winner. For the individual judging, the pigs took a 1st, three 2nd, two 3rd, two 4th, and a 5th place. The following day it was even hotter as five girls from the National Home showed their seven rabbits. The amount of kids participating in the rabbit showing is huge (they are divided by age with at least 20 kids in each group.) The girls placed 2nd, 4th, 5th, and 10th, and there was an honorable mention in the rabbit showmanship. During the individual judging, three of the rabbits were given best of breed. With their non-livestock projects, the kids have also done a great job! Two of our paintings were held back for consideration of top ten. 4H is such a powerful tool to teach kids responsibility and patience. The kids have had fun spending time with their friends, seeing their 4-H friends and making new ones, sharing their knowledge with their family and making memories.