Last year she helped her three sons haul 32 birds to the Leavenworth County Fairgrounds, and this year the load isn’t much lighter.

Her sons are taking 26 animals to the fair this year, six of which are goats, but Lutz is doing more than just hauling animals.

Since last year’s fair, Leavenworth County has added shooting sports to its list of ribbon events, and Lutz is the new event’s coordinator.

“When the boys started 4-H three years ago, the county had shooting listed as an event, but no coordinator,” she said.

Lutz shot competitively when she was a child. She decided to take on the job so her children could do the same.

But first she had to find certified instructors.

Shortly after her husband Steve took on responsibility as the first air gun instructor, the group added a shotgun instructor and two archery instructors.

Since January, 30 children have received instruction in air rifle, 12 have received instruction in shotgun and 24 have received instruction in archery.

“I’m pretty proud of the number of kids involved,” Lutz said. “That’s a lot for the first year.”

Children must be nine years old to compete in archery and airguns, They must be 12 to compete in shotguns.

Lutz said the group hoped to add black powder rifles and air pistols next year.

Her three sons are also busy this year.

Anthony, 12, is taking an electrical project, a woodworking project, seven chickens and two goats.

He is also competing in air rifle and archery.

Matthew, 11, is taking three goats, six chickens, a duck and a guinea pig to show at the fair.

He is also taking entries in photography, food and food preservation and competing in archery.

Joseph, 6, is competing in mini 4-H, which is a program for 5- and 6-year-old children.

He is taking a garden entry, a food entry and a recycled craft entry.

Since mini 4-H doesn’t offer animal judging, he is also entering six chickens and one goat into the open class.

Lutz said 4-H was important because it gave children the opportunity to be exposed to many different things.

“It allows them to experience programs they might not otherwise have the chance to,” Lutz said. “When Matt started foods, he didn’t know if he’d like it, But he loves to cook. 4-H really gives self-confidence.”

The air rifle competition was held last Saturday.

The shotgun and archery competitions were held July 29 at the tri-county gun club at 18573 Stillwell Rd. in Linwood.