The Pike County 4-H Clubs and the Pike County Extension office will host the second annual 4-H Expo from 9:30 until 11:30 a.m. Saturday at the outdoor area of the Tractor Supply store in Troy.

The event is free and open to the public.

“The Expo will provide information on 4-H programming and clubs offered in the county,” said Grant Lyons, Pike County Extension coordinator. “We’ll have a lot of fun/learning, hands-on activities.”

Lyons said that the Expo is a great opportunity for any youth interested in 4-H to find out more about what 4-H has to offer.

“One of the main goals of the Expo is to reach out to youth that are not already involved in 4-H,” he said. “Current 4-H members are invited to attend and bring a friend who might be interested in becoming a club member.”

The Expo will feature exhibits and booths from the Junior Master Gardeners, horse club, the newly formed archery club, livestock projects and other 4-H project displays.

Hands-on activities will include pony rides and archery demonstrations as well as a Junior Master Gardener project.

In addition, there will be general 4-H information and sign-up forms for those who are interested in joining Pike County 4-H.

The Expo is designed for youth ages nine to 18, Cloverbuds, who are ages five through eight, parents and families, community leaders, teachers and potential volunteers.

“Anyone who would like to learn more about 4-H or just find out what 4-H is and what we offer, will find some great information,” said Rachel Lee, 4-H regional extension agency serving Pike County.

“I’ll bring along a very special guest, my pet ball python.

This will be a hands-on activity and those who want to touch this great reptile will have a chance to do so.”

Pike County has had a strong 4-H program for years, with more than 1,500 youth involved annually. Multiple clubs are offered to the county’s youth.

“We are fortunate to have great relationships with and the support from Pike County and Troy City schools,” Lyons said.

“The schools serve as a bridge for us to connect 4-H programming opportunities to our youth while, at the same time, engaging our youth throughout the county. We always look for events like the Expo to build awareness of 4-H and highlight the positive impact we can have on today’s youth.”

Pike County 4-H is a community of young people who are learning leadership, citizenship and life skills.

“From character building to self-esteem development, 4-H is the premier youth development organization in the world,” Lyons said.