GreatNews.Life Student Voices: Summer fun continues in St. Joseph County

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The highly anticipated St. Joseph County 4-H Fair ran from July 3 to July 11. The 4-H fair is an annual community event where youth are able to showcase their projects in agriculture, science, and leadership through the 4-H development program. Families and friends went and enjoyed hot summer nights on the ferris wheel, ate elephant ears, won ring toss games, and taste tested homemade pies.

This year’s theme was “Stars, Stripes, & Summer Nights,” capturing the spirit of the county’s favorite traditions. From equestrian events, livestock shows, and even sewing projects, the fair has something for everyone to bring the entire county together.

“The fair is always one of my favorite memories of the summer. I get to spend a whole night with my friends riding rides, eating yummy food, and just enjoying the summer,” said fairgoer Taylor Geiger.

4-H fair mom, Katie Dyer, shares that participating in the fair has been truly life changing for her family. Her daughter, Caroline Dyer, competes in equestrian events, and the whole family helps to pitch in and support her efforts.

“I have seen Caroline grow in her confidence, leadership and riding abilities. She has made some lifelong friends — our entire family has. We’ve made memories that go far beyond any race or first place ribbon,” said Dyer.

The 4-H Fair brings the community together, celebrates hard work, and teaches patience and perseverance that last far beyond fair week. It’s a joyful environment and one that locals can’t wait to be a part of again next year.

What’s coming up?

Country fans around the county are gearing up for Boots on the Bend, held August 14 and 15 on the St. Joseph County Fairgrounds. This is a brand new multi-day country festival and is sure to be a weekend full of lively music and the Midwest summer charm.

Headliners such as Hardy, Eric Church, Brandon Lake will be performing. Other big names include Flatland Cavalry, Ashley McBryde, Chase Rice, and many others. The weekend will feature two days of modern country, classic hits, and plenty of food and drink vendors. Single day general admission is $75, while weekend general admission is $99.

This special event will be a magnet as it brings in visitors from all around the community. Break out your lawnchair, remember to hydrate, and get your cowboy boots ready.

Community spotlight:

Lilly Malinowski is in her fourth summer as a senior lifeguard at Twyckenham Hills Community Club. Raised in a family of five, Malinowski has always looked up to her two older brothers. Her admiration has led her to follow in their footsteps and become a lifeguard, too.

Malinowski has fallen in love with the pool over the summers, thanks to the wonderful community she’s found. Each summer, a critical foundation is built between families, lifeguards, and kids that continues beyond summer.

“The families there almost feel like second families to us,” said Malinowski.

Malinowski always makes sure to have conversations that go deeper than surface level. She strives to be respectful and kind, and set the kind of example that she looked up to as a little kid at the pool.

“To me, community is really important because who you surround yourself with and who is there for you reflects who you are.” said Malinowski.

Family comes number one for Malinowski. She loves fiercely and enjoys spending quality time with her loved ones. Malinowski can be found playing board games, kayaking, binging movies, or anything that takes her outdoors. In the fall, Malinowski will be attending St. Mary’s College of Notre Dame.

In her final summer before college, Malinowski has experienced lots of growth and gained a new perspective.

She had the opportunity to go to Germany for a two week exchange trip. Malinowski was immersed in another culture, living in another family’s house, and trying all kinds of new foods. It was refreshing and important for her to be a part of an experience other than her own.

“It’s crazy how distant the world tries to make us all feel, but how similar we all are if we take a second to realize it,” Malinowski said.

As Malinowski moves into a new chapter of her life she plans to remain rooted in faith and family. She also will remain a member of the pool and volunteer when she can. She plans to major in either education, environmental science, or psychology.

“I wouldn’t be at all where I am or have faith in where I’m going without God,” said Malinowski “I wouldn’t have the faith I would have without my family.”