Lehigh County 4-H members donate $2,500 to Battle Borne and The Great Allentown Fair Foundation.

Allentown, PA   The Lehigh County 4-H Livestock Club once again has created a 100% woolen shawl that reflects the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. The shawl was auctioned off at the 4-H livestock sale at the Allentown Fair on September 5 for $5,000. The proceeds from the sale were divided between two worthy recipients, the “Special Fairs Fund” of The Great Allentown Fair Foundation to support youth education in agriculture and Battle Borne which focuses on supporting veterans and their families with providing resources for mental health, emotional support, and community connection. Both organizations are located in the Lehigh Valley.

This is the fifth year that the club has made a shawl under the direction and guidance of Roger and Nancy Bowman. 4-H members ages 8-18 chose the colors, designed the shawl, and completed the weaving project. In order to create the shawl with red and white striped, blue weft and a star pattern, they learned a new weaving technique called “over-shot.” They were taught this new technique by Margaret Wright, a member of the “Baaad Girls” sheep to shawl team. Winterside Farm provided yarn and weaving equipment.

The shawl was woven on a rigid needle loom and the wool used included Corriedale wool yarn from sheep raised in Berks County. The 4-H members are proud to be part of the celebration of our country’s 250 anniversary in this full “sheep to shawl” educational experience. 4-H is open to all youth ages 5-18 through a variety of clubs, camps, and events. Contact LehighExt@psu.edu for more information.

Administered in Pennsylvania by Penn State Extension, 4-H is a community of more than six million young people across America learning leadership, citizenship, and life skills. Penn State Extension 4-H youth development educators in all sixty-seven counties throughout the commonwealth administer local 4-H programs through non-formal education and outreach. To find your local program, visit the Penn State Extension website at https://extension.psu.edu/programs/4-h.

Information provided to TVL by:
Ingrid Garcia