Smile

What makes AnnaMarie Belt smile? “I love seeing all of the little kids’ costumes and seeing them get really happy when they get their treat,” said the 16-year-old Carmel resident, a Carmel High School junior, who was dressed as Belle from Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast.” She helped lead the Cake Walk, one of the many activities at the Hamilton County Junior Leaders’ annual Halloween Carnival, Haunted House and Hayride on Oct. 3 at the 4-H Fairgrounds. Why 4-H? “It’s a family thing. My mom and my aunts were in 4-H, and my grandma, Donna Jones, is the person who ran the O.V. Winks now that’s being torn down.” It’s her ninth year in 4-H and she’s a member of Carmel 4 C’s 4-H Club. She is the daughter of James and Lucinda Belt. Her favorite 4-H project? “Microwave.” Best achievement at the 4-H Fair? “Winning Champion in Microwave last year, making a two-layered cake, an almond cake with raspberry icing.” Why 4-H? “It is so much fun. You get to meet lots of friends, you get leadership opportunities and do projects that help you when you grow up.” Favorite event for Junior Leaders? “This is one of my favorite events. But I also help with Mini 4-H. I’m one of the many Mini 4-H coordinators, and I love working at the Shack at the 4-H Fair.” Enrollment is now open to join Hamilton County 4-H for the 2024 year, now through Jan. 15, with the theme, “Let’s Have S’More Fun.” Enroll in 4-H and earn a s’more kit. Stop by the 4-H Office in the Exhibition Center at the 4-H Fairgrounds 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays. Enroll online at https://in.4Honline.com. For more about upcoming Halloween activities, read the Betsy Reason column in today’s edition of The Times.