Volume 18, Number 1, Fall 2007

Michigan Meets Virginia in Branch County

Connie Lange

The Branch County 4-H Exchange Club is a very active group of young people and advisors who like to visit other states. 2007 was the year to host Bland County, Virginia! The Virginia 4-H group of ten youth and two adults arrived at Detroit Metro on June 28 and were welcomed at a family picnic that evening.

An “ag day” included a visit to the local gladiola (flower) farms (Branch County is a major producer) and a trip to the Clydesdale farms just across the Indiana border. After enjoying water sports at the home of one local 4-H member, the group boarded a charter bus for the Silver Lake Sand Dunes which were an instant hit with the Virginia 4-H’ers.

The group traveled to Kettunen Center where they enjoyed the center’s outdoor activities, great food and hospitality. The trip continued to Mackinaw Island, including a first ferry trip for most of the Virginia group.

One of the main fundraisers for Branch County is to open our 4-H Eat Stand during Car Swap Meet, an annual event that draws folks from all over Michigan and Indiana. The
4-H Eat Stand is also open for a livestock show and a Memorial Day celebration held on the fairgrounds. Proceeds from the 4-H Eat Stand help pay for all expenses while hosting out of state members. The Exchange Club has also used Fazoli’s fundraisers and garage sales to earn money to host the visitors.

The Branch County members are now anxious to travel back to Virginia next summer to sample a little Virginia hospitality and bring home new ideas for Branch County.