Leadership, discipline and responsibility: 4-H leads the way at Marshall County Fair 

MARSHALL COUNTY, Ind. -- The Marshall County Fair is underway, bringing a week of livestock competitions, carnival attractions and community events to the fairgrounds.

The fair opened Sunday with sheep showmanship competitions, where youth exhibitors showcased months of preparation with their animals.

For many participants, the work begins long before fair week.

"We're showing our sheep today. This is my sixth year in sheep and my tenth year in 4-H," said 4-H member Caleb Jones.

While visitors drop by for the food and entertainment, 4-H members spend the week caring for and showing their livestock, including sheep, cattle, rabbits and other animals.

Participants said the experience teaches lessons that extend beyond the show ring.

"It definitely teaches you that you get the results that you work for,” said Regan Rospopo. "It also teaches you how to work hard and responsibility."

Malloree Vermillion said her first year in 4-H has helped shape her personally.

"It has just helped me grow as a person, overall," Vermillion said.

Youth exhibitors said the program emphasizes responsibility, discipline and leadership through hands-on learning, skills they say are difficult to develop in a traditional classroom setting.

"If you're more of a follower, then you're not really going to learn anything," Jones said.

The Marshall County Fair continues through Friday, July 24, with additional livestock shows, tractor pulls, games, food vendors and other family-friendly events scheduled throughout the week.