4-H’ers will auction off turkeys on Saturday

Provided photos – Natalie Mrzywka, 15, of Holley is raising turkeys for the auction on Saturday at 6:30 p.m. She helped build a new coop for the turkeys.

KNOWLESVILLE – Several 4-H youths have been raising turkeys the past four months that will be auctioned off at a sale Saturday at the 4-H Fairgrounds.

The turkey auction is new for the 4-H program, which has a meat auction during the fair in July.

The auction on Saturday with 22 turkeys gives the public a chance to buy turkeys before Thanksgiving while also supporting local 4-H youths.

There will be a preview of the turkeys beginning at 6 p.m. at the Trolley building on Route 31 with the auction starting at 6:30.

In addition the 4-H Market Auction Committee will be hosting a spaghetti dinner starting at 6 p.m. Tickets for the dinner cost $8 and children’s size (half portions) can be purchased for $4.

Nicole Mrzywka, 12, also joined in raising turkeys for the auction.

“The work that the 4-H members have put into these projects is apparent and they would greatly appreciate your support,” said Kerri Richardson, a community education coordinator for the Cornell Cooperative Extension.

The auction is a “win-win-win” program for Orleans County 4-H, its youth, and community members, she said.

“The 4-H’ers win from the learning experience: taking on the responsibility of raising high quality livestock and developing a marketing technique for its sale, and obtaining funds for college or for future projects,” she said.

The turkey buyers are purchasing fresh, locally grown turkeys for their Thanksgiving dinner, while the 4-H community benefits from the sales of the spaghetti dinner tickets. Ticket funds are used for future 4-H market auction educational programs.

For more information, call the Extension at (585) 798-4265.