If you recently passed through Elkhart County, Indiana, you may have been lucky enough to catch one of the nation’s largest 4-H county fairs!

The 4‑H organization began more than 100 years ago, and since then, it has become the nation’s largest youth development program. According to its website, 4-H’s mission is to “help young people and their families gain the skills needed to be proactive forces in their communities and develop ideas for a more innovative economy.” In fact, a multi-year study found that the structured out-of-school learning, leadership experiences, and adult mentoring helped 4-H participants excel in the areas of community contribution, civic engagement, academic achievement, and healthy living.

Heather Brenneman Miles and her family have long been involved with 4-H and the county fair. Having grown up on a dairy farm, Heather is no stranger to 4-H, its fair, or the hard work required to be involved. With her nieces and nephews having steers, pigs, and rabbits to show and two nephews participating with tractor driving and maintenance club, everyone has a job to do.

The highlight of this year’s event was the crowning of Heather’s niece, Gracie, as the 2021 Elkhart County 4-H Fair Queen – a title that once belonged to Heather! Well done, Gracie!