Chickens and goats will compete at the upcoming Barnyard Olympics. Young members of the Whidbey Homesteaders 4-H club are putting on the event from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 8, 2024 at the Whidbey Island Fairgrounds using their own animals. The fundraiser benefits the goat barn, which needs improvements. The club’s well-received Goat Olympics of 2019 inspired this year’s event, with the addition of avian competitors.

During a calling contest, kids will stand at the end of the fairgrounds arena and attempt to summon their goats and chickens, who may hoof it or strut their stuff. Spectators also get to vote on their favorite costumes. There will be a couple of opportunities for members of the public to participate in the fun, such as navigating an obstacle course with the 4-H animals.

Attendees can enter a raffle to win prizes, which includes a calendar of 4-H animals, stickers, a dozen farm fresh eggs, a basket of goat milk soap and other prizes from local vendors. The event will also have a concession stand and a bake sale. With the money raised, club members hope to fund lighting, electrical and structural upgrades to the 4-H goat barn on the fairgrounds, which is dim and has a low roof that people have hit their heads on.

Event sponsors can contact Amy Bingham at amybingham4h@gmail.com for more information.