ìThese guys right here are your future,î said Connie Crippen, 4-H mom, who presented at the June 2 Eastern Plains Chamber of Commerce meeting at Grace Community Church.Crippen was referring to members of the Calhan Ranch Hands 4-H Club who were on hand to promote this year’s El Paso County Fair, which will be held July 10 to July 17 at the fairgrounds in Calhan. ìCome on out to the county fair,î Crippen said. ìIt’s going to be a lot of fun.î She said in addition to the livestock and poultry shown by the 4-H members, there will be something for everyone at the fair, including, among other things, leather crafts and cake decorating. Crippen said 4-H Club members learn to work, to be responsible and respectful and to speak before a group.Taking part in the presentation was Marshall Crippen, who will be going into the fourth grade this year. He raises swine and beef cattle. Also at the meeting: Garrett Rubin, sixth grader this fall ó he raises goats, steers and pigs; Trevor Rubin, eighth grader this fall ó he also raises pigs and steers; and Wyatt Crippen, eighth grader this fall ó he raises beef cattle and swine.The 4-H members described daily activities at the fair and the process of raising the livestock they will show at the fair. They all answered questions from the audience about breeding, raising, showing and marketing livestock.Jeff Petersma, deputy chief of the Falcon Fire Protection District, thanked the business leaders for their recent contribution of body armor to the fire department through the nonprofit organization, Shield 616.Chamber members learned that their new website will soon be operational.The next meeting is Wednesday, July 7, at 7 a.m. at Grace Community Church, 9486 Grace Church View.
