The Montgomery County 4-H Fair certainly is nothing new to the area, and yet it brings new opportunities to so many young people each year.

With the fair coming up this Thursday through Saturday at the 4-H Center on Route 113, Skippack, we thought it would be fun to take a look back — back 35 years ago, to be exact.

In “those days,” the fair was held at what was then the 4-H Center on Snyder Road, Towamencin.

Many of the offerings then were not much different than those presented today.

According to a clipping from The Reporter on Aug. 12, 1974, the fair that year was presenting horse, sheep, dairy, beef, rabbit and cavy shows; rocket launch; sheep shearing demonstration; sewing presentation; clothing judging; and indoor exhibits.

A few variations included a bike rodeo, chess tournament and milking and milk-chugging contests.


In the two photos we feature today, we see Greg Myers, a Blue Bell 4-H Club member, showing off one of the tomatoes that he planned to enter as part of his vegetable project.

In the other photo, John Hurst of Worcester prepares his sheep for showing at the 4-H Fair.

And if you want to see for yourself how things are presented today, check out the fair this week.

Hours are 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday; 9:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Friday; and 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

There is a $5 per vehicle parking donation. Featured will be food, fun, animal shows, Daisy Jug Band, exhibits and more.

For more details, call the 4-H office at (610) 489-4315, or visit http://montgomery.extension.psu.edu.