Cumberland County Fair provides the opportunity for area 4-H members and students to display their skills and learning experiences from the past year.

This year, students at Saccarappa Elementary School in Westbrook were awarded a blue ribbon for their display with a gardening theme in the fair’s exhibition hall.

“We’re really proud of it,” Saccarappa Principal Brian Mazjanis said on Wednesday about the blue ribbon. “Produce was from our garden on campus.”

In 4-H, Tyler Goodwin, a Gorham High School junior, won reserve champion with his baby beef steer named Mack. On Thursday, Molly Merrifield, also a Gorham High School junior, will show her skill driving her team of roan Shorthorn steers, Luke and Bo, yoked together.

The Cumberland County Fair, featuring a midway with amusement rides, food, entertainment, exhibits and agricultural events, continues through Saturday in Cumberland.

Mazjanis said a field trip to the fair was a learning experience for Saccarappa students, who had the opportunity to see a variety of animals.

Goodwin acquired Mack at the fair in last year’s calf scramble. During the past year, Goodwin spent two hours daily grooming and training Mack to lead. In final preparation for showing this week, Mack’s hair was trimmed and brushed. He even got a bath so he’d look spiffy for the baby beef show.

The year-old Mack weighs 1,128 pounds and was to sell in the baby beef auction at the fair at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, after the American Journal deadline.

After high school, Goodwin wants to continue his education in Alaska and has plans for the money he earned raising Mack.

“I’m going to put it in my bank for college,” Goodwin said.

Jenn Grant, a Gorham 4-H leader, said participating in 4-H is an educational opportunity.

“They learn responsibility, keeping records and financial information,” Grant said.

Merrifield, who wants a career in the large animal veterinary field, agreed that 4-H and caring for animals teaches responsibility.

“You get a lot out of it come show day,” Merrifield said.

Bill Gora of Gorham, who attended the fair Tuesday, has two grandchildren – Devan Harrington of Sebago and Smara Qualy of Standish – who are members of the Young Farmers Club. He said 4-H students learn where food comes from and work ethics.

“It teaches them life lessons,” Gora said.

Gorham High School junior Molly Merrifield will show her skill driving her year-old roan Shorthorn steers, Luke and Bo, yoked as a team, on Thursday at the Cumberland County Fair. The fair continues through Saturday in Cumberland.  Tyler Goodwin, a Gorham High School junior, shows his year-old steer, Mack, who was the reserve champion baby beef steer at Cumberland