Stepping it up: Delaware 4-H urges healthy lifestyle at fair with walking contest

HARRINGTON — Delaware 4-H is staying on the move at the Delaware State Fair, hosting its third annual Get Walking challenge.

The contest determines which participant garners the most steps each day. It was created by Lindsey Hughes, an extension agent for 4-H, and Kaitlin Rogers, an extension educator.

“A couple years ago, Lindsey and I decided that, during the fair, we are here the entire 10 days, and many of our 4-H kids and volunteer kids are here,” Ms. Rogers said. “So, we wanted to challenge them to see how many steps they could get throughout the day, while they were here at the fair.”

After success with the 4-Hers, they extended the competition to all fairgoers and get about 125 participants each year.

There are eight age divisions, from 5-year-olds to 60-plus. Interested walkers registered before the fair began and were given a website on which to enter their steps for each day.

The winners of each age group will be awarded gift cards.

When Ms. Rogers and Ms. Hughes began the program, they set missions for the number of steps for the entrants.

“The original goal was to (have enough steps to) walk across America and back,” Ms. Rogers recalled. “But, over the last couple years, we have surpassed that, so we just challenge them to get as many steps as they can.”

The contest is a good addition to Delaware 4-H’s Healthy Living Curriculum, which works to encourage active lifestyles.

“One of our mission mandates in 4-H is healthy living,” Ms. Rogers said. “So, that was a part of the backing behind this, is to see how many leaders and volunteers can get steps and making sure they get enough water and (are) staying hydrated throughout the fair.

“This is an independent event,” she continued. “They are up against people in their own age group, but it is up to them. Like, if you want to sit in the barn all day, you will not get your steps.”

However, Ms. Rogers has noticed more activity.

“We have had some kids get up in the morning and start taking walks around the fair before they have things to do,” she noted. “So, it is challenging them to stay more active during the fair instead of riding the trolley around or sitting in the camper.”