CHENANGO COUNTY — Recently, Chenango County 4-H Youth Development held a contest for 4-H youth to create a t-shirt design for the Chenango County Fair.

All enrolled 4-H youth ages five to 18 could enter the theme-based contest by creating an original mythical design inspired by the storybook “Once Upon a Fair.”

4-H Youth Development Leader Micaela Meseck said the design included castles, creatures, and all things magical taking center stage.

She said voting took place on their 4-H Facebook page with the winner, Beth Wilcox, taking first place, as she had the highest number of likes received by the deadline.

Meseck said three youth entered the contest with ages ranging from seven to 14. 

"The contestants were Kaye W., Beth Wilcox, and Makayla C.," Meseck continued, "All three did an incredible job and submitted amazing designs."

Beth said she is in the 4-H Jolly Ranchers, and this was her first time entering a contest like this and she was very excited to win.

When Beth first heard about the contest, she just knew she had to enter it and said, "As soon as I found out about the contest, I said, ‘okay, I have to do this’.”

She worked on her design for three days, creating the castle and cute animals, and added a rainbow to go with the mythical theme. 

"I'm homeschooled, so I had a lot of time during those three days to work on it," she said. 

Beth said she can't wait to see her design on t-shirts and noted they can be purchased at the fair.

4-H is consistent in Beth's life as she lives with her family on a 600-acre farm. She loves to show their beef cattle and has won a few times.

"I've been in three shows, and I've won a lot of ribbons," Beth added.

She said she will enter more contests in the future and gave thanks to her mom for helping her along the way. 

According to the Chenango County Fair website, the 2026 Chenango County Fair will run from August 6 through 10, located at 168 East Main Street in Norwich. The fair is a beloved tradition for over 100 years, bringing families and friends together to enjoy agriculture, livestock, arts and crafts, carnival rides, games, entertainment, and yummy fair food. 

For more Chenango County 4-H and CCE information, visit their website at ccechenango.org or their Facebook pages at Chenango County 4-H Youth Development and Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chenango County.