For the first time, the 2012 Texas 4-H Roundup was held in Lubbock on the Texas Tech University campus. Running from June 11-15, the meeting was the pinnacle event for Texas 4-H, drawing more than 4,000 youth and adults each year.

According to program officials, the purpose of gathering is to supplement the county 4-H programs by hosting competitive events, skills building activities, trade show and networking opportunities.

The roundup consists of approximately 50 individual competitive events, the majority of which require each individual or team to qualify at the county and district levels. The Texas 4-H Roundup will also offer 13 invitational-style contests that will allow intermediate and senior 4-H'ers to participate without having to qualify.

The 4-H Roundup is designed to strengthen youth participants by shaping their leadership and competition skills, team building, networking opportunities with youth and adults, career building opportunities, and citizenship development. In addition to skills development, approximately $2 million in scholarship money will be awarded to 4-H members on June 11.

This year's 4-H Roundup was in partnership with Texas Tech University, Texas A&M University, South Plains College, Angelo State University, West Texas A&M University, Texas 4-H, Texas 4-H Foundation, and Texas AgriLife Extension. In addition, the Texas 4-H Friends & Alumni Association, in conjunction with Texas 4-H Roundup, will be hosting the 3rd Annual 4-H Trade Show during the event.

The trade show was expected to host more than 75 vendors including colleges/universities, livestock associations, merchandise vendors, fundraising idea companies, awards/trophy businesses, apparel companies and more. Other events will include a 4K for 4-H Walk and Run to promote healthy lifestyles, a '4-H Has Talent' competition, and evening assemblies to recognize contest winners and promote camaraderie among 4-H members.

Texas 4-H encouraged Lubbock and Texas Tech community members to attend the following events:

• General Assembly/4-H Has Talent: Tuesday, June 12 from 6:30-8 p.m. on the main floor of the United Spirit Arena
• Roundup Kickoff Event: Tuesday, June 12 from 8-10 p.m., Texas Tech University's Animal Science Parking Lot
• 4-H Food Challenge: Wednesday, June 13 at 9 a.m., Texas Tech University Student Union Building (Red Raider Ballroom)
• Fashion Show: Wednesday, June 13 from 3-4 p.m., Texas Tech University Student Union Building (Allen Theatre)
• 4K for 4-H Walk and Run: Thursday, June 14 at 6:30 a.m. outside of the United Spirit Arena

CONTACT: Amy Dromgoole, Graduate Assistant to the Texas 4-H and Youth Development at (979) 845-6533 or ALDromgoole@ag.tamu.edu.

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