Welcome to the Royal Examiner Studio!
Hello, I'm Mike and today we're in the Royal Examiner studio. With me today are Kathy Truck and Katie Tennet from the 4-H organization. Katie, you're the director now, aren't you?
Becoming the Director of 4-H
Katie: Yes, I took on the director role in June 2022, so I'm entering my second year. It feels like just yesterday, doesn't it?
Mike: Indeed, time flies when you're doing important work. Could you share with us what led you to take on this role?
Katie: Absolutely. I've been involved with the 4-H organization for several years now, initially as a volunteer and then moving into various leadership positions. When the opportunity to serve as director arose last year, I felt ready to step up and contribute more significantly to our community's youth development efforts.
Mike: That's commendable. What are some of the key responsibilities that come with being the director of 4-H?
Katie: My main focus is overseeing the operations of our center, ensuring that we continue to offer high-quality educational programs and recreational activities for young people. This includes managing staff, collaborating with local schools and organizations, and fundraising to support our initiatives.
Annual Fireworks Event
Mike: Let's talk about the upcoming fireworks event. It's a highlight for many in the community. When can attendees expect to enjoy this year's display?
Katie: The fireworks are scheduled for July 5th, which falls on a Friday this year. We chose this date to accommodate our summer camp schedule, as many campers will be leaving the day before.
Mike: Could you walk us through the schedule of events for the evening?
Katie: Of course. Parking will open at 5:30 PM, allowing attendees to secure their spots early. At 7:30 PM, the American Legion band will kick off the festivities with a live performance. Then, at approximately 9:15 PM, we'll light up the sky with our fireworks display, a culmination of months of planning and community support.
Mike: Sounds like a packed evening! What else can attendees look forward to besides the fireworks?
Katie: We've curated a variety of activities and amenities to enhance the experience. Food trucks will be on-site, offering everything from savory dishes to sweet treats. We'll also have local vendors showcasing their crafts and products, creating a vibrant marketplace atmosphere.
Mike: That sounds like a great opportunity for local businesses to connect with the community. You mentioned paid parking this year. Can you elaborate on that decision?
Katie: Certainly. In previous years, our fireworks event has faced financial challenges due to rising costs and the need to cover expenses associated with hosting such a large-scale event. By implementing a nominal parking fee—$10 for VIP access and $5 for general parking—we're aiming to offset these costs while providing attendees with convenient and secure parking options.
Mike: How will the parking fees contribute to the overall success of the event?
Katie: As a nonprofit organization, sustainability is crucial for us. The funds raised from parking fees will directly support our youth programs and facility maintenance, ensuring that we can continue to serve our community effectively without operating at a loss.
The 4-H Center: More Than Just Fireworks
Mike: Beyond the fireworks event, what other programs and initiatives does the 4-H Center offer?
Katie: The 4-H Center serves as a hub for youth education and recreational activities throughout the year. We host a variety of summer camps, ranging from general enrichment programs to specialized camps like our recent military camp initiative. These camps provide young people with opportunities to learn, grow, and connect in a supportive environment.
Mike: It's impressive to see such diverse programming. Can you tell us more about the educational opportunities available at the center?
Katie: Absolutely. In addition to our summer camps, we offer year-round educational programs focused on environmental stewardship, leadership development, and agricultural sciences. Our goal is to empower young people with the skills and knowledge they need to become future leaders in their communities.
Mike: That's fantastic. How does the 4-H Center collaborate with local schools and organizations to enhance its educational offerings?
Katie: Collaboration is at the heart of what we do. We partner with schools to host field trips that complement classroom learning with hands-on experiences in nature and science. Additionally, we work closely with community organizations to expand access to our programs and ensure they meet the needs of diverse groups of young people.
Enhancing Community Engagement and Facilities
Mike: I understand there have been recent renovations at the 4-H Center. Could you provide more details on that?
Katie: Certainly. One of our ongoing projects is the renovation of our Amphitheater, which we're expanding into the Bernice Pearson Performing Arts Complex. This initiative aims to enhance our community's cultural offerings by providing a state-of-the-art venue for performances and events.
Mike: How has the community responded to these improvements?
Katie: The response has been overwhelmingly positive. Our Amphitheater renovations, in particular, have generated excitement among local residents and organizations who are eager to utilize the enhanced facilities for concerts, theater productions, and other cultural activities.
Mike: That's wonderful to hear. In addition to cultural amenities, what recreational facilities does the 4-H Center offer?
Katie: We have a range of recreational amenities, including hiking trails, high ropes courses, and soon-to-be-opened pickleball courts. These facilities are designed to promote physical activity, teamwork, and community engagement among visitors of all ages.
Supporting Community and Economic Development
Mike: How does the 4-H Center contribute to the economic development of the region?
Katie: Our center serves as a catalyst for economic growth by attracting visitors from across the region and beyond. Events like our annual fireworks display not only draw attendees but also generate revenue for local businesses, such as restaurants, shops, and accommodations.
Mike: That's a significant impact. How can local residents and businesses get involved with the 4-H Center's initiatives?
Katie: There are many ways to support our work. Individuals can volunteer their time, participate in fundraising events, or become sponsors of specific programs or facilities. Businesses can also partner with us to sponsor events or provide in-kind donations that directly benefit our youth programs and operations.
Conclusion: Celebrating Community and Tradition
Mike: As we wrap up, what final message would you like to share with our audience about the upcoming fireworks event and the work of the 4-H Center?
Katie: I invite everyone to join us on July 5th for a memorable evening of fireworks, music, and community spirit. Your support directly impacts our ability to continue offering meaningful experiences for young people and families throughout the year. Together, we can celebrate our community's traditions while investing in its future leaders.
Mike: Thank you, Katie and Kathy, for joining us today and sharing insights into the exciting initiatives at the 4-H Center. We look forward to seeing everyone at the fireworks event!
Katie: Thank you, Mike. See you there!
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions):
- What time do the fireworks start?
- The fireworks begin at approximately 9:15 PM.
- Is there parking available?
- Yes, parking opens at 5:30 PM. Upper level parking costs $10, and lower level parking is $5.
- What should I bring?
- Please bring cash for parking and vendors, as electronic payment options may not be available.
#FireworksEvent #4HCenter #CommunityFun
