New Chelan 4-H club brings entomology projects to county fair

CHELAN — Members of one of Chelan County’s newest 4-H clubs will bring a decidedly small-scale subject to this year’s Chelan County Fair: insects.

Chelan Valley Explorers 4-H Club members have been working on entomology projects under the guidance of local beekeeping entomologist Richard Snyder and plan to bring several related exhibits to the fair, according to Sarah Fitzgerald, 4-H program coordinator for WSU Extension in Chelan and Douglas counties.

Chelan Valley Explorers is one of three new Chelan County clubs since last year’s fair, joining Cashmere Indigo and Free Range in Wenatchee.

Across Chelan and Douglas counties, 291 youth ages 5 to 18 are currently enrolled in 4-H. That includes 199 members in 15 Chelan County clubs and 92 in five Douglas County clubs. The 20 clubs are supported by 80 fully certified adult volunteers as well as families and other community members.

Fair participation is optional, and registration for the 2026 fair is still underway. Last year, 117 4-H exhibitors brought 127 animal exhibits and 295 still-life exhibits to the Chelan County Fair. Members also recorded 518 participations in activities and contests.

The entomology work by Chelan Valley Explorers illustrates the variety of subjects members can pursue and eventually share with fairgoers.

Educational demonstrations are another opportunity for members to teach others about their project areas. Demonstrations are scheduled throughout the fair in the 4-H Building.

“One of my personal favorites is always the 4-H Demonstrations, where youth members do a brief presentation on an element of interest within their project area,” Fitzgerald said. “I learn so much from listening to these kiddos!”

Chelan-area members have also been active outside the fairgrounds. Fitzgerald highlighted work by the Chelan-Manson Fashion Squad with the Boys & Girls Club of Chelan this summer as a particular point of pride.

Fashion and clothing projects will return to the spotlight during the annual 4-H Style Show at 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 13, on the 4-H Main Stage. Members present garments and outfits they have constructed, altered, upcycled or assembled for a panel of judges. Fitzgerald said the event typically draws eight to 10 participants.

“I’m always particularly proud of the members who participate in this event,” Fitzgerald said, noting that they showcase garments and outfits they have constructed, augmented or upcycled, or assembled for a panel of judges.

Sunday also includes the Garden Career Development Event from 10 a.m. to noon, livestock judging at 12:30 p.m. and the Pet Talent & Costume Show at 2 p.m.

Livestock and animal competitions run throughout the fair, with judging beginning Thursday and fitting and showing Friday. The Fur & Feather Auction begins at 9 a.m. Saturday, followed by the livestock auction at 10 a.m.

For Fitzgerald, those events are part of a broader 4-H tradition in which the fair becomes both a culmination of members’ work and a chance for young people to share what they have learned with the community.

Andrew Simpson: 509-433-7626 or andrew@ward.media