Community Outreach Events

AG Extravaganza – is an educational event for fourth graders in Jefferson County and held in September. The objectives of the program are to help students and teachers better understand the food and fiber system, develop an appreciation for agriculture, and expose them to the wide variety of agricultural commodities produced in Jefferson County. Students rotate from station to station throughout the day and interact with presenters to learn about such topics as dairy, honey, maple syrup, apple cider, sheep, and wool. Ag Extravaganza is a team effort of individuals from the agricultural community, including the Jefferson County Farm Bureau, Extension, and individual farmers/producers. Ag Extravaganza will take place on September 19th & 20th in 2023. 

Student Government – is designed to give high school Juniors and Seniors hands-on experience with civic engagement and a greater understanding of county and state government. Students will meet their County Legislator and attend a county meeting, visit a variety of county departments, and hear from representatives of the US Senate, Congress, NYS Senate, and NYS Assembly, as well as local town and city representatives. Please contact Sabrina DeRue at sld95@cornell.edu for more information. This year's Student Government dates are February 28th, March 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th, and April 4th. 

Farm and Home Safety Day – is a partnership between the 4-H Youth Development and Agriculture programs at CCE and Old McDonald's Farm in Sackets Harbor. The event takes place at Old McDonald's Farm, and exposes students to safety issues on the farm and in the home. It is open to fifth graders in Jefferson County and costs $6 per youth. Youth leave with a stronger understanding of how to keep themselves and others safe in a variety of environments. The 2023 date for Farm and Home Safety Day will be announced soon. 

Fort Drum Outdoor Adventure Day – is an annual collaboration event between the 4-H Youth Development program at CCE Jefferson and Fort Drum Natural Resources Department. There is no cost to this amazing day where together families explore the endless outdoor opportunities that can be found in the North Country. There are approximately thirty stations where families participate in hands-on activities, such as a climbing wall, outdoor cooking, forestry demonstration, dog demonstrations, arts and crafts, recycling and composting, archery, air pistol, and much more. Fort Drum Outdoor Adventure Day is on August 19, 2023! 

Dairyland Festival and Parade – is an annual event held on the first Friday of June each year, because June is dairy month! The festival is from 9 am – 2 pm and is open for Pre-K and Elementary School students in Jefferson County, as well as the general public. With most children being several generations separated from the farming lifestyle, it is crucial that our youth experience one of Jefferson Counties major industries: agriculture! Attendees can sample local dairy products (cheese, cheese curd, milk, ice cream, yogurt), visit animal stations, see farm equipment/technology, milk a “cow” , interact with the dairy princess court, and play games! The Dairyland Parade is held at 7 pm that evening. For more information on the parade, visit http://www.comefarmwithus.com/dairyland-festival-and-parade/. 

4-H Livestock Auction – is an opportunity for youth of 4-H age to raise animals starting early in the year, and bring them to auction at the County Fair. Animals for 2021 include beef, sheep, goats and swine. For more information, please contact Abbey Jantzi at 315-788-8450 ext. 278 or aej48@cornell.edu. The 2023 4-H Livestock auction will be on July 15th. 

4-H Bicycle Safety program – The New York State Highway Traffic Safety Commission has funded a year-long 4-H Bicycle Safety program from October 1, 2020 – September 30, 2021. The goal is to provide youth with traffic safety education, alongside utilizing the National 4-H curriculum to demonstrate bicycle use, repairs and safety. If you would like to request programming or are interested in learning more please contact Amy Zukas at 315-788-8450 ext. 232 or asw247@cornell.edu.  

Last updated March 17, 2023