Local youths are looking forward to showing off their interests and passions during a special event hosted by Sampson County Cooperative Extension.

The 2017 4-H Activity Night is scheduled for 6 p.m. Monday, April 10, at Sampson County Cooperative Extension, 55 Agriculture Place, Clinton. Formally known as 4-H Toy & Hobby, the event allows youths to share interests through presentations and speeches.

Elizabeth Merrill, 4-H Program Assistant, said it’s a great opportunity for youths in the community. It also going to help 4-H’ers preparing for other events such as the regional Activity Night in Lenoir County.

“I’ve already heard some of the subjects that’s going to be talked about, so it’s going to be a really interesting night,” Merrill said. “I’m going to love to see these kids get up and talk about what they’re passionate about and some of their interest. It’s going to be really cool.”

Through the public speaking and speeches, participants will present their topic, with the help of visual aids such as pictures, posters and objects. Participants may talk about any topic of interest.

The upcoming event is one of several upcoming 4-H activities. One of them includes the Equine Artistic Expression and Creative Writing Contests. It allows youths interested in horses to submit short stories, essays, poems, paintings, drawing and other creative forms. All entries must be turned in Monday, May 1, and delivered to the J.B. Hunt Horse Complex in Raleigh, by July.

The deadline to apply is Saturday, April 1. Interested applicants may register online at www.goo.gl/hjjIfj

For more information regarding 4-H Activity Night, contact Merrill at 910-592-7161 or 919-738-7516. She may also be reached through email at [email protected]

Registration deadline is April 1

By Chase Jordan

[email protected]

Reach Chase Jordan at 910-249-4617. Follow us on Twitter at @SampsonInd and like us on Facebook.