For 98 years, Oklahoma 4-H’ers have gathered first on the Oklaho- ma A&M campus, and later on the Oklahoma State University cam- pus, for the biggest 4-H event in the state. For nearly a century, Stillwater has been the epicenter of State 4-H Roundup. Roundup is the only time on campus where the predominant color is green, not or- ange. The long-standing traditions club members have grown to love will be done a bit differently for the 99 th State 4-H Roundup that was slated July 22-24. There will not be hugs between club members who met on campus last year. Record book honorees and scholarship winners will not be walking across the stage in Gallagher-Iba Arena for recogni- tion. Instead of gathering on cam- pus, this year’s Roundup will take place virtually due to the health concerns associated with COVID- 19. “While we wish we could continue with State 4-H Roundup in the tra- ditional way, our first concern is the health and safety of not only our club members, but our Exten- sion educators, volunteer leaders and everyone else involved with Roundup,” said Steve Beck, state 4 -H program leader. “Although all of the details aren’t completely worked out yet, we’re still going to have the 99 th State 4-H Roundup and make the most of the situation we’re in. As with everything else going on in the world, we’re adapt- ing so we can still celebrate the end of a successful 4-H year. Thankful- ly the technology to make it happen is available.” Jeff Sallee, 4-H science and tech- nology state specialist, said this year’s Roundup will take place throughout the month of July. “We’re going to be spreading out the activities all month long. If we tried to do everything in the tradi- tional three days, we’d be sitting in front of our computers on Zoom for 12 or more hours a day,” Sallee said. “This way, we break it up into digestible chunks. These chunks will allow more 4-H members to participate in more events and try new things.” Educational workshops will take place the first, second and third Wednesdays in July. Participants will have about 20 workshops from which to choose. Roundup dele- gates also will be able to participate in contests, although the format will likely be different. For exam- ple, the traditional ATV contest will not have a participant riding section - instead delegates will compete by showing their knowledge of proper safety proto- cols. “Doing it this way will give club members an opportunity to partici- pate in several workshops. In the past, they’ve had to pick and choose due to time constraints and other obligations they have during Roundup,” said Cathy Allen, 4-H curriculum coordinator. “Our goal is to provide opportunities for eve- ryone to be involved in as many different things as they choose.” Cathleen Taylor, state leadership and civic engagement specialist with the State 4-H Office, said club members will still receive recogni- tion for their project work during the Honor Night Assembly. “Honor Night always has been a highlight of 4-H Roundup, and this year will be no different. Well, maybe a little different,” Taylor said. “We’ll still be announcing the finalists in project areas and reveal- ing the record book or scholarship winner. And, in keeping with tradi- tion, our two new Hall of Fame inductees will be announced.” The closing assembly promises to be exciting with the announcement of the state leadership council elec- tion results. “We’re excited about the 99 th State 4-H Roundup. We know it won’t be the same as being on campus. Roundup is a social event and we’re working on way to keep it that way,” Sallee said. 4-H CLOVER CONNECTION http://oces.okstate.edu/garfield http://oces.okstate.edu/nwdistrict/4-h www.oklahoma4h.okstate.edu/ www.facebook.com/4H.garfieldcounty 316 E. Oxford Enid, OK 73701 (580) 237-1228 JULY, 2020 Oklahoma State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, State and Local Governments cooperang. Oklahoma Cooperave Extension Service offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, naonal origin, religion, gender, age, disability or status as a veteran and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Jessica Nickels ~ [email protected] Rick Nelson ~ [email protected] GARFIELD COUNTY State 4-H Roundup will look a little different this year