classes invited to create a pig

Turlock – Student-made pigs of a variety of materials will hog-tail to the Stanislaus County Fair as part of the annual Create an Animal program.

           Kits for the Stanislaus County Fair’s annual “Create an Animal” Ag education program are now available and this year’s animal is a pig.  Through this free program, preschool through 6^th grade classes are invited to participate in a project to increase agriculture literacy in the classroom.  There are two classes for the competition: Class one is preschool through 2^nd grades and class two is 3^rd through 6^th grades. 

Complimentary Create a Pig kits are now available to teachers in Stanislaus County to instruct students about the agricultural industry and its importance to life.  The free kits, sponsored by American Ag Credit, include educational books, activities for the classroom and a fabricated wood “pig” bases to for students to go hog wild and create a pig.

            “In addition to the knowledge students’ gain, the project of creating an animal from a wooden base gives students an opportunity to use their creative talents,” said Mary Hemminger, deputy manager of the Stanislaus County Fair. 

            Cash prizes are awarded to classes whose creative pigs are rated superior, good and average by project judges.

            Every masterpiece submitted will be on display at the Stanislaus County Fair, which opens for it’s 10-day run on Friday, July 28.

            Teachers who want to register for the free program or who would like more information can call the Stanislaus County Fair office at (209) 668-1333. 

            The deadline to register for the program is Thursday, July 13 by 5 p.m. Kits are available on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last, so early registration is encouraged!  Once kits have been reserved, teachers need to stop by the fairgrounds office at 900 N. Broadway in Turlock to complete and sign an entry form, pick up their curriculum and wooden pig base.

The Stanislaus County Fair is now in its 95^th year. The 2006 fair opens Friday, July 28 for a 10-day run. The theme of this year’s fair, “Pig Out on Family Fun,” is sure to provide a good time for kids and adults alike. The fair has twice been honored with Modesto Bee Reader’s Choice Awards for “Favorite All-Around Event.”

The mission of the Stanislaus County Fair is to provide a family and community oriented experience promoting agriculture, entertainment and technology. For more information about the Stanislaus County Fair log onto its website at www.stancofair.com.