There’s only one place where the sweet scent of warm deep fat fried bread and the more putrid stench of cow manure can meet without health inspectors throwing a fit. The 4-H market animal clubs at the Latah County Fair significantly contribute to the less pleasant of the two aromas, but also to the success of the whole event and the enjoyment of its visitors. However the 4-h year begins months before visitors can enjoy the accompanying sights, smells, and tastes. Club members elect officers who will run meetings for the year. Members purchase animals and with the guidance of senior members and club leaders are responsible for raising their animals. In order to sell, members must ensure their animals make weight by giving them plenty of feed and constant access to cool clean water. The amount of time you put in with your animal is what you can expect to get out. The only way to have a good round in fitting and showing is to work your animal beforehand. Often this means practicing multiple times per week. After making it to the fair, members are divided into classes by age and animal weight. The first day of rounds are judged purely by quality. Judges look for good body structure and proper muscle to fat ratio in the animal. Day two rounds are primarily showmanship. Rather than the animal being judged, the showman is judged on their ability to turn and control their animal and their knowledge of their project. Based on how they placed in these rounds members will go on to championship and final rounds. The final show is the live auction where the market animals are sold. I’ve been able to participate in the 4-H program for the past two years in the Mountain View Swine Club. Last year, I had the privilege of acting as the club secretary and treasurer. I helped plan and run meetings, took notes during meetings, and updated the club on current finances. I’ve loved the last two years. I’m most excited to see the public and the live auction return after a limited fair last year. The 4-h program affords kids a unique combination of opportunities and experience that can’t be found elsewhere. Kids who are elected as officers have the added responsibility to organize and run meetings, keep current records of club budgets and finances, and assist other members however they can. By participating in the program, members also get opportunities to attend various educational camps.The program teaches kids how to be responsible for and take care of a living animal. It’s a commitment that has to be seen through. There’s plenty of hard work, but plenty of fun.