A pirate ship, a giant green worm and even a jumbo jar of dill pickles were among the entries displayed by 4-H'ers in the hay-bale decoration competition at the 2006 State Fair. Those exhibits featured the slogans "4-H - It's a Treasure," "Wiggle Your Way Into 4-H" and "Don't Get in a Pickle -Join 4-H," respectively. Near the worm and the pirates, an autumn-leaf motif sign reminded visitors that 4-H offers a "Harvest of Discovery." Decorated by participants from 13 counties, the bales welcomed fairgoers at two entry gates and at the Education Building. 4-H is Cooperative Extension's youth development program.

-Terri Leith