Going to the Fair

It is almost time for the 2010 Riley County Fair! The Riley County Extension Office will be moved out to the fairgrounds at 1:00 p.m. today. It takes a bit to load up computers, printers, office supplies and more -- so thank you for your patience while we get moved and settled.

The official start to the Riley County Fair is Thursday, July 22, with a parade at 6:00 p.m. The parade will occur on Poyntz Avenue, heading west from the Manhattan Town Center Mall. Other events, including a kids pedal tractor pull, will occur Thursday evening at the Riley County fairgrounds. Registration for this event begins at 7:00 p.m. and the actual pull will begin at 7:30 p.m. Youth ages 4-12 are eligible to participate. Come check it out at Hurlburt Arena!

The fair continues through July 26. Come ride the carnival rides, peek at fair exhibits, check out the farm animal nursery, sing a song or two in the Fair Idol contest, view the rodeo, and try the Fair Factor game on Saturday. There is plenty more to see and do, and most items are free!

Hurry though, the fair is only here for a limited time. The last day is July 26th, and then you will only have cotton candy memories to dream about!

4-H CWF -- Day 11 -- July 4, 2010

Happy 4th of July to all!

This was the final day of the CWF 2010 journey. The crew spent the day hanging out on the bus and catching up on some sleep, plus watching movies! The bus arrived to Manhattan around 6:30 p.m. A safe trip was had by all!

4-H CWF -- Day 10 -- July 3, 2010

Hello there all your people of Manhattan, Kansas, it's Corinne Gates, your blogger for the day. We left the National 4-H center at about 7:45 this morning (don’t forget that would be 6:45 in Kansas), and spent almost an hour listening to Max and Richard’s political debate while we drifted in and out of sleep. We have absolutely nothing going on today besides driving…other than eating, driving, sleeping, and more driving.

The last 10 days have been quite an experience for all of us, on the first day, we went to the St. Louis Zoo, and were there for about two hours, getting lost in the mass of animals (well, at least Rachael and I did…).

Day two consisted of driving, and stopping at the Louisville Slugger Museum where we toured the factory, and received the privilege of viewing the ways bats used to and are currently being made.

Day three ended up with us traveling to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, where we had an adorable little old man give us a guided tour around the park after we watched a video on Gettysburg and looked at a 40 ft X 140 ft painting of some of the events during the battle.

Day 4 took us to Baltimore, Maryland (Good Morning Baltimore was the song of choice as we entered the city). Where we spent a good amount of time going through the Baltimore Aquarium, and then had some time to spend finding lunch and things before loading back on the bus to head to D.C. We split up into groups of 3 or 4, as we traveled around the Chesapeake Bay. My group (which consisted of Rachael H, Brennan W, Brian I, and I) went up to the mall that was nearby (5 stories high!) and while Brennan and Rachael decided to eat Chinese food, Brian and I took a more American route and had McDonalds. After finishing our meals Brian and Brennan took a short detour to Gamestop while Rachael and I did some good old window shopping (and found a great deal at Wet Seal, Two shirts for a grand total of…4 dollars). After finishing up at the mall, all four of us decided to spend our last 30 minutes paddle boating on the Chesapeake, where the wind decided to gust up and blow my visor into the water, after retrieving it, it has now dried and is officially a souvenir.

After our adventures of travel, we spent a week in Chevy Chase, Maryland, where the 4-H center is located. We saw a lot of monuments (Washington, Iwo Jima, WW2, Lincoln, Vietnam, Korean, and Jefferson memorials), Mt. Vernon, Capitol Hill, and the Smithsonian Museums. We also got the chance to write a bill and have a mock congressional session. Last night we also had a talent show (that was an epic fail) and then a dance…which was better than the talent show…lets just say that.

Any way, I suppose that is all I have to say…OH! After lunch, Jeff decided to show off his mad impersonation skills and imitated Scooby Doo perfectly!!! WOOHOO!

So, thanks for tuning in to CWF 2010 broadcast #10, over and out!

Corinne Gates

4-H CWF -- Day 9 -- July 2, 2010

As we come towards the end of our trip, I feel it appropriate to begin with a quote that so eloquently describes our time here in D.C.

“It’s pee-your-pants cool!” –Aly Baldree (a.k.a., our P.A.

My name is Sophia and I’m thrilled to tell you about today’s adventures and excursions as a CWF delegate. We enjoyed the freedom and excitement of Delegation Day today. This particular day is set aside for an (semi) independent exploration of the Mall. The Mall is, in my opinion, the pentacle of our nation’s capital. We had already experienced this general area of the city during Wednesday’s Capital Hill Day. However, our time today differed greatly from the previous trip.

It is difficult to give you a full synopsis of the day because we had so much independence and each chose to visit a variety of different places. Now, I suppose I should explain before this unsettles you to any extent. Your children were not running free, unaccompanied in a metropolitan area. We were in groups =). With the company of a few other delegates, we had the chance to see quite a number of significant places.

The vast majority of the delegation set out to see the National Archives first. FAIL. Not to discourage the importance of the documents on which our great nation stands, but the line to see them was a tad much. When we came across the line that wrapped half way around the block, it was unanimously decided that it simply wasn’t worth the three-hour wait. Following this unfortunate ordeal, each group set out in different directions. My group decided to continue a few blocks off the Mall to see Ford’s Theatre where President Lincoln was assassinated. Others went to the National Museum of American History, some to the National Museum of Natural History, a few to the National Air and Space Museum. I believe there were some delegates who went elsewhere, but these were the most popular.

I don’t know that any groups had a detour like our little side trip. We learned quite a few lessons today. Firstly, Ford’s Theatre is the kind of place that you make plans in advance to go see. Secondly, the International Spy Museum is the type of place that you go to with your parents. “Why?,” you may ask—tickets are ridiculously expensive.

So, back to the main Mall we went, where I believe it’s safe to assume most delegates had returned to after the National Archives fiasco. Way to go to all the wise travelers.

Everyone got lunch on their own. The Smithsonian is currently holding an international festival which I’ve heard was a great place for lunch.

After touring the Mall, we met back up at the American Holocaust Memorial Museum. I thought this was possibly the greatest museum I have ever been through. Unfortunately, I have been informed that this view is not shared by the entire delegation. Whatever the case, this museum was inarguably a valuable reminder of the importance of remembering our history in order to better our future.

Following the Holocaust Museum we embarked on journey of public transportation. First, we navigated the Metro (a frightening experience with such a large group). Next, we caught a bus back to the 4-H Center in Chevy Chase.

We went to dinner, had our last delegation huddle with our awesome P.A. Aly, and are now enjoying the CWF Talent Show. This is the result of the hard work of one of the committees in which Riley County is well represented. Next we’ll have closing ceremonies and finally, a dance.

Today has been a very busy, but exciting day. The entire experience so far has been tremendously impactful for us all and we can’t wait to get home! We’ll see everyone soon!

Sophia Harms

4-H CWF 2010 -- Day 8 -- July 1, 2010

This is not a public service announcement. Just so you know, we do this because we care.

Hello and welcome to this week’s second-to-last-day-of-CWF-before-we-leave post! I’m your co-writer, Brennan Walter, and you’ll hear from correspondent Rachael Hull in the next segment.

The day began with a good start, and by that we mean it didn’t start at all until 8:00 for most people because the first event didn’t start until 8:30 AM! However, kudos to Corinne for setting her alarm at 5 AM this morning and ruining it for everyone in her room. Anyway, we had a fantastic, late start to the day and proceeded to our “dot” groups to discuss the coming legislative session, which happened later that afternoon. After the dot groups, our group piled into our Arrowcharriot, piloted by Jeff “Apollo” Weeden, towards the Washington National Cathedral. It is actually named the Episcopalian Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul – named a cathedral because it houses the seat of the Episcopalian Bishop of Washington. The church is often used for services that many very important persons in Washington attend. The church is gigantic, full of gothic arches and flying buttresses. We went back to the 4-H Center and had some free time, lunch, and the congressional session where we debated four bills and it was totally the best part…

So yeah this is Rachael Hull now, the best part of this blog has now started! As Brennan said my wonderful roommate Corinne set her alarm at 5, but what he didn’t mention was that we then fell asleep again and woke up 30 minutes before breakfast ended! But beyond that the National Cathedral was AMAZING! The Cathedral is so pretty and extremely detailed. Our tour guide told us that some of the stone carvers would add things that were not in the original plan and showed us a carving of a cat chasing a mouse.

Today we also had a mock congressional session this afternoon which was really interesting, we debated 4 bills, one on biofuels, one on Phys. Ed, one on internet safety (that was the only passed), and the last one was on distracted driving.

We are currently on our way to Toby’s Dinner Theater to see “Hairspray” the musical, so I will let you all go, have a lovely day! Back to you, Brennan.

Thanks, Rachael! We had an absolutely fantastic time at “Hairspray,” the musical, at Toby’s Dinner Theatre. We all got great seats, and the actors were also the waiters and waitresses. They didn’t get a break at all during the intermission, as they had to refill our drinks. However, the acting, music, and food was fantasmical (sic). We are now heading back towards the 4-H center and will be arriving after our curfew. Tomorrow is our day on the Mall with our delegation day and we are all very excited! Sayonara blog readers, and stay tuned for another exciting day tomorrow!!!

4-H CWF -- Day 7 -- June 30, 2010

Hola Friends!

This is Rebekah Roberts and the 30^th of June. We only have five days left including today. Everyone is having fun, but uber tired.

Today we woke up between 5:00 and 6:00 for a long day on Capitol Hill. We boarded the bus and ate our specially made box breakfasts. We then headed to the White House where we toured rooms allowed for viewing for the public. Even though the security was extremely tight everywhere we went…we survived.

After touring the White House we bumped into Sentor Brownback (not planned) after he had picked up his drycleaning. We had the opportunity to ask questions and how he felt about them. He was a joy to talk to, but had to leave for a meeting.. I personally think he was embarrassed of his clean clothes.

After that encounter we headed upstairs into “his part” of the building. There his agriculture assistant, spoke to us about his job and experiences with Brownback and living in D.C. After seeing where the Senator’s office was, we happened to take some chocolate from the front desk.

We were disappointed to not meet Pat Roberts. However, we did meet with his assistant. After about 15 minutes a voice from God said, “Wake up, it can’t be that boring." As Senator Pat Roberts walked in, we all woke up, and poor Garrett was so scared, he about wet himself. =) He also had the chance to answer important questions we had.

At the end of our long, but fun day, we went to a terrific concert which the Army performed. “The Twilight Tattoo," sang songs, the drill team had a gun show, and the jazz band played beautiful songs. At the end of the concert the “Old Guard” dressed as former soilders in different wars and important times of our history. The narrator spoke a very effective speech that personally made me realize how lucky and grateful we are to be living in a free country.

Overall, today’s trip was extremely worthwhile and rewarding. I think everyone needs the opportunities that CWF brings. We have learned so much about our country, so far, in four full days. There is so much more to learn, and we have the opportunity to experience them!

Rebekah Roberts

4-H CWF -- Day 6 -- June 29, 2010

Hello from Washington D.C.!!

Today we started out with a good breakfast from the Clover Café. We loaded the bus early and headed out toArlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia. Originally the cemetery was famous General Robert E. Lee’s plantation. The Union decided to bury dead soldiersto plant revenge to the confederate army. And that is how Arlington National Cemetery got started. We saw John F. Kennedy’s grave along with his wife and brother. We saw the eternal flame, which is to represent Jackie’s never-ending love for her husband. In the cemetery also is the tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Every half hour there is a changing of the guards, which we got to see. After visiting the cemetery we saw the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial. The memorial had many waterfalls representing the stages of his presidency. Since Roosevelt had polio and was in a wheelchair, the memorial is handicapped accessible.

After visiting the memorials, we ate lunch at the Clover Café. Next the delegates went to their workshops where we wrote bills about bio fuels, distracted driving, physical education being in schools, and internet regulations. After workshops are committee meetings. Before everyone left we chose committees to be on to help out with the conference. Today the healthy living committee held a derby where delegates got into their workshop groups and played games outside like human fooseball and tug-a-war.

The governance in youth committee held a town hall meeting where we split into groups and discussed many of today’s controversial topics. Many of the delegates had fun debating topics such as abortion, the right to bear arms, and legalizing marijuana. After the town hall everyone enjoyed dinner at the clover café. Then our delegate group made action plans. The first plan was to make an ideal first date. Then we made a list of issues that affect our lives and made action plans to achieve a goal to help the community.

Tomorrow we are going to Capitol Hill, which will be a whole new experience for us so we had a little orientation about what to expect. Now everyone is enjoying our limited free time that we have before bed. But some of us are going to bed early since we have to be on the bus at 6:30 in the morning!! We have a very busy day tomorrow so I am signing out!

Katie Taylor

4-H CWF - Day 5 - June 28, 2010

Hi, this is your CWF blogger for the day - Rachael Hull!!

Waking up this morning was pretty hmmm interesting. We left the national 4-H center at 8:00, which meant some of us girls had to get up before 6:00, don’t forget that this would be 5:00 our time =).

This morning we took a trip out to Mount Vernon (aka the home of our country’s first President.) It was super cool to tour the mansion, also to see where George Washington and his wife are buried because you can see the crypts they were buried in. I think we all also enjoyed the discovery-learning center, if for no other reason we liked it because the discovery center was air-conditioned!

After our group got done touring Mount Vernon we visited the Iwo Jima memorial; I was very impressed with it because while I had seen pictures, I didn’t understand how huge it really is! It is a very interesting memorial because while it is a memorial for the battle of Iwo Jima it is also recognized as the national monument for all Marine Corps.

Later in the day we had both a workshop where we started talking about the bills that we will be writing this week and we also had committee meetings.

Tonight we had a night tour of several of the D.C. memorials; our group saw the World War 2 monument, the Vietnam memorial, the Lincoln memorial, the Korean memorial, and finally the Jefferson memorial. My personal favorite of our stops today by far was the Vietnam memorial because the way it is designed, all of the men who either died or went missing because of the war have their names on the wall of the memorial.

Thanks for tuning in to another blog from Riley County’s CWF delegates!