PORT TOWNSEND — The 78th annual Jefferson County Fair that ended Sunday is 4-H coordinator Sue Hay’s last.
Hay, 63, is retiring next month. She and her husband, Barrie Hay, who is retiring as a plant operator at Port Townsend Paper Corp. after 42 years, plan to move to Bremerton to be closer to their grandchildren.
Hays said the fair, which she has participated in for a quarter of a century, is a unique community event that celebrates small town life.
“The character that was here 25 years ago still remains,” Hay said.
“It’s so small and friendly and community oriented, and I can go from the 4-H building to the horse barn in three minutes. And it’s easy to keep connected with other departments and see what each of us is doing.”
The fair drew thousands over the three days beginning Friday.
Attendance compared to last year was down Friday because of rain, up Saturday by roughly 100 people and on track to be an increase Sunday, according to Sue McIntire, who co-manages the annual event with her husband, Fair Board President Bill McIntire.
Final attendance figures will not be available until the middle of this week, according to Bill McIntire.
Hay is turning her remaining time toward recruiting adult volunteers.
An orientation meeting is scheduled at 7 p.m. tonight at the Port Hudson Marina Room, 380 Jefferson St., Port Townsend.
Hay’s replacement as 4-H coordinator, Tanya Barnett, will be introduced at that time.
Hay said the organization of 4-H has changed. It has fewer clubs than when she started work with them, but the number of enrolled kids has stayed consistent at about 250.
The key to the organization’s success is adult involvement, she said, adding that constant recruitment of volunteers to administer the program is necessary.
“If you like kids, and working with them, it’s not hard to be a 4-H leader,” she said.
“There is a lesson plan for each life skill you are working on for that particular day that removes the guesswork.”
Another change Hay has seen in 4-H is programs that support student use of technology.
“A lot of the kids here have helped me with my computer and their videography skills help us to support and promote the programs,” she said.
The Jefferson County 4-H is affiliated with the Washington State University Extension office, of which Hay is an employee.
She is retiring from the position but it is technically a resignation as she hasn’t put in the time needed for an official retirement.
Hay plans to become involved in 4-H activities in Kitsap County, especially when her oldest grandchild turns 5 and is old enough to participate in the programs.
Hay said she expects to return to Jefferson County to participate in 4-H challenge programs.
For more information, call 360-379-5610, ext. 208.
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Jefferson County Editor Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or cbermant@peninsuladailynews.com.
