EAST PEORIA, Ill. – Celebrated Oct. 4-10, National 4-H Week was an opportunity to recognize the impact 4-H has on youth, families, volunteers and communities with a full slate of events across the USA. In East Peoria, decorative lights on the Murray Baker Bridge connecting Peoria and Tazewell counties were turned green for a celebration of 4-H families at Riverfront Park. The lighting of the bridge at 6:45 p.m. signaled the official start of 4-H Week events for members of Fulton-Mason-Peoria-Tazewell 4-H clubs, sponsored by the University of Illinois Extension.

“National 4-H Week gives us a chance to celebrate not only the young people who participate in 4-H, but also the volunteers, families and community partners who make these experiences possible,” said Judy Schmidt, Extension 4-H youth development educator. “Lighting the bridge green is a wonderful way to recognize the important role 4-H plays in our communities and to invite everyone to learn more about the opportunities available through 4-H.”

The University of Illinois Extension Fulton-Mason-Peoria-Tazewell Unit invited all members to wear green, show their 4-H pride and join the Oct. 5 twilight celebration. Green-clad families – over 50 individuals in all – made their way into Riverfront Park overlooking the Illinois River for light refreshments, yard games, 4-H giveaways and an opportunity to pose for a group, club or family photo with the lighted bridge in the background.

“This is kind of our one big yearly event, and this year they are turning the bridge green for us on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday,” said Abbie Phillips, 4-H program coordinator for Tazewell County Extension. “We have a Go Green initiative today and are giving away green light bulbs for people to put in their porch lamps to call attention to 4-H in their communities.”

Interest has increased steadily in youth 4-H programs since the end of COVID, according to Phillips. “Even if it’s just a few (additions) a year, it’s been nice to see the program grow,” she said. “Our enrollment has begun for the 2026-2027(school) year, but membership will still be free of charge until Nov. 30. After that it will be $5 until the local deadline.”

4-H is open to all youth ages 5-18, with “cloverbuds” aged 5-7 representing the youngest members, and the rest of the membership aged 8-18.

There are currently around 15 individual 4-H clubs operating in Peoria County, according to Kristi Smith, director of Peoria County Extension 4-H. “We’ve got a handful of community clubs and a number of special interest clubs. Our 2025-2026 year saw enrollment of about 205 kids, so it was a good year,” she said. “We are looking for a great year and are hoping to host winter barnyard games at the new Peoria County Farm Bureau building.”

Nearly 6 million young people across the U.S. and nearly 200,000 across Illinois are enrolled in 4-H programs through clubs, camps, school enrichment, afterschool and special interest programs. 4-H is delivered by Cooperative Extension, a community of more than 100 public universities across the nation including the University of Illinois Extension 4-H program. A network of 4-H staff, volunteers, alumni and partner organizations serves 4-H youth in all 102 counties across the state of Illinois.

National 4-H Week shines a spotlight on the commitment to helping young people develop leadership, communication, decision-making, and other skills that prepare them for the future. Through hands-on learning experiences, 4-H empowers young people to explore their interests, build confidence, develop relationships, and make a positive difference in their communities, a National 4-H Week news release stated.