Mercer County 4-H BBQ Fundraiser planned for June 10, 5 – 7 pm Aledo Fire Station
Mercer County 4-H has a delicious way to support the program with their annual 4-H BBQ taking place on Friday, June 10 from 5 – 7 pm at the Fire Station, 211 SE 3rd St, Aledo, IL. 4-H Clubs are hosting the event and providing the desserts and labor, with the pork producers manning the grill. You can dine in or get your order to go.

The pork chop sandwich meal is $10 and includes sandwich, baked beans, apple sauce and dessert. The hot dog meal is $5 and includes hot dog, apple sauce, chips and dessert. Dine-in guest will have choice of tea or lemonade. Whole pies will also be available for purchase. “We are excited to be back in person with our dine-in option again this year.” said Tracy Fowler-Pestle who coordinates the 4-H program in Mercer County.

Mercer County has 11 different 4-H community clubs, plus special interest clubs, 4-H General Projects, 4-H Livestock Projects and other educational events that help youth ages 8 to 18 build their citizenship, leadership, and life skills. Proceeds from the fundraiser will go to the Mercer County Extension & 4-H Foundation which provides funds for the 4-H program, and scholarships.

Farm in the Park, 3:30 - 6 pm, Central Park
The BBQ fundraiser coincides with the Farm in the Park event happening next door at Aledo Central Park from 3:30 – 6 pm. This free event will allow visitors of all ages to explore agriculture at a variety of hands-on activity stations, see live farm animals at a petting zoo, get exercise in the jump house, and learn about nutrition and food safety from IL Extension’s SNAP-Ed program. This Mercer County Agriculture Education program event is organized by University of Illinois Extension, Mercer County Farm Bureau, Mercer County Soil & Water Conservation District, and the Mercer County YMCA.

Movie in the Park at Dusk, Central Park
Later in the evening there will also be a free movie in the park sponsored by Aledo Main Street as part of their monthly Cinema @ Central. Folks are encouraged to bring their lawn chairs, blankets and snacks to enjoy a family-friendly movie. “June 10th will be a fun day to come out to Aledo to explore and support our 4-H agriculture programs,” said Tracy.