 The Clifton family – front, from left: Blake Thompson, Marisa Howard and Cameron Minix; middle: Marcus Clifton, Tammy Thompson, Megan Thompson and Samantha Howard; back: Len Clifton, Lorinda Clifton, Bill Thompson, Carin Clifton, Scott Howard, Dianna Howard, Amanda Minix and Arden Minix. Not pictured are Terry Clifton, Josh Minix and Jeffrey Clifton. Photo provided By Rusty Nixon Correspondent
CULVER — “It was in our bones. There wasn’t much doubt that everybody would be involved with 4-H.”
Carin Clifton had a good reason to believe that of all those in her family. She has historical precedent.
Her father, the late Dean Manchester, got involved with 4-H and spent 36 years as a project leader and received several awards for his work with the group. Gweneth Manchester was a project leader for 27 years.
Carin herself was a member of 4-H for five years and now has been with the fair board and a part of the group for 30 years, since 1978.
When Carin decided to marry, she found a kindred 4-H spirit in Terry Clifton. Terry began showing in the early 1960s with projects in sheep, pigs and electric.
His father, the late Charles Clifton, began showing in the 1930s and went on to be very involved with the Marshall County Pork Producers, the Marshall County Cattlemen’s Association and the Farm Bureau.
Terry and Carin had four children — Len, Tammy, Dianna and Amanda — who were all 10-year members of 4-H and had numerous projects in beef, sheep, swine and crafts.
“I took a girls 4-H area that was sewing and baking and that kind of thing,” said Carin. “Our kids really liked the animals. They’ve been involved with all the species. Some of them like the sheep best, some liked swine.”
One aspect that has been a particular attraction is the fair itself.
“It’s a free fair; it’s a small community,” said Carin. “It’s not a political fair and I think that’s what it’s all about.”
The family involvement has now entered its fourth generation with five grandchildren involved in showing at the recently concluded Marshall County Fair in beef, swine and crafts.
“It’s a family affair,” said Carin. “You all have to work together, and if you can’t, you get some issues.
“But it’s always fun.”
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