(Editorial - Graphic Illustration - MetroCreativeConnection)

Saturday marks the end of the Wood County 4-H and FFA Summer Showcase, as livestock awards and a sale wrap up a week’s worth of exhibitions and activities at the Wood County 4-H Camp. Year after year the event is one of the many activities that have become such an important tradition over Mid-Ohio Valley summers.

This one is a learning experience for young people — many of whom have grown up in the tradition, familiar with the dedication and hard work that comes with entering an animal in the event.

“You’re responsible for a whole animal that you have to feed and have to water … it’s not just like taking care of a cat or dog. You have to work a little bit to build their muscle,” said Leilani Navarro, 18, who is showing her award-winning lamb Mona. “It teaches you about budgeting a little bit and getting stuff you need.”

In fact, the varied activities these young people take on to participate in the showcase teach them a great deal — from sewing and quilting to photography and the visual arts.

But this and most of the rest of the fairs and festivals that keep us entertained here would not be possible without the support from businesses and individuals who step up to sponsor events and even purchase animals.

“It definitely helps when businesses come to support and buy animals,” Navarro said.

In the case of the Summer Showcase, much of the credit goes to the young people who stay interested and involved and are committed to all the work that goes into participating each year. But the organizers, vendors, supporters and attendees make it happen, too.

There will be a few more such fairs, festivals and events throughout the rest of the summer. (Yes, Labor Day weekend is approaching much more quickly than we’d like).

Don’t miss the chance to get out to one and experience a little bit of what makes the Mid-Ohio Valley so special — now, and in any season.