4-H hosting Rally Day

Events for Oct. 6 include a chance to pet animals, sign up for club

From robots to rabbits or goats to guinea pigs, Island County 4-H has a club for it.

The youth organization will host Rally Day 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday at the Pacific Rim Institute in Coupeville. The miniature fair-like event is aimed at showing young people the kinds of opportunities available through 4-H, which stands for Head, Heart, Hands and Health.

“We’re trying to sign up new members,” said Georgie Smith, one of the organizers. “And sharing what we do with the community.”

People are invited to pet dogs, horses, rabbits and goats while learning about some of the other types of non-animal-related activities the 17 local clubs participate in as well. There will also be food, face painting and a craft area.

Those who wish to sign up must be between 5 and 18 years old as of Oct. 1. The organization reaches the whole island and offers clubs for beekeeping, homesteading, leadership and community service.

Smith said many people are surprised to learn the breadth of what the young people do.

The 4-H “season” begins in October, and is geared at preparing for the fair. This year, several Whidbey 4-Hers not only competed at the county fair, but many went on and finished well at the state competitions in Puyallup, Smith said.

There’s also room to start new clubs if there’s enough interest in other topics, she said. Club members and leaders will be available Sunday to answer questions about joining or creating groups.

“It’s just a fun day to learn all about 4-H,” Smith said.