Head, Heart, Hands, and Health, also known as 4-H, is one of the sections in the Saint Patrick’s Day parade that starts at 3 p.m. along Main Street downtown. The 4-H kids that walk the animals during the parade dress up the animals. Doing this brings excitement to the crowd.
4-H members have an annual meeting on the second Sunday of each month. In this meeting, they do fun activities for others to get to know each other. They also do some activities with animals so they get comfortable with each other.
When Saint Patrick’s Day is rolling around the corner, during the meeting the kids vote to decide if their sections will be in the parade. “If they say they don’t want to then we wouldn’t do it,” said Lori Quackenboss, who is the Helping Hands 4-H’s leader.
In the parade, you’ll see a variety of different animals. You’ll also see horses, pigeons, bunnies, and chickens. Typically pigeons and chickens stay on the wagon inside their cages. It depends on how cold it is for them to bring bunnies otherwise, they would also be in their cages on the wagon.
While kids are walking with llamas, owners have a choice to ride their horse, if they feel comfortable. “It’s a great way to get 4-H in the spotlight,” said Quackenboss.
