4-H youth showcase their learning at the Pope County Fair 

Pictured in front (left to right): Sophia Radil, Ava Rost, Braigh Vold, Logan Hawkins, Chase Hacker, Rachel Herding and Andie Anderson. Second row: Aidric Vold, Westen Hawkins, Aiken Spainer, Roran Vold, Whitney Anderson, Lauren Herding, Lydia Deters, Allie Mrnak and Kelsy Hacker. Back row: Olivia Bartels, Ella Aaberg, Levi Walter, Stacey Kangas, Katelin Kangas, Emily Peabody, Katie Koenig, Aidan Hacker and Hailey Henderson. Far back: Alan Pederson.

Starting July 29th and ending on August 3rd 4-H had one hundred and fifty one Pope County 4-H Members showcased their 4-H project learning through their exhibits displayed at the Pope County Fair. From agronomy to robotics and animals to fine arts, 4-H youth in grades kindergarten through one year past high school shared their exhibits and what they have learned over the past year through the 4-H judging process. 4-H is the nation’s expert on project-based learning and encourages youth to learn by doing. 4-H takes the stage at the County Fair showcase, the 4-H members show the public why 4-H empowers youth to be leaders. Congratulations to all of our Pope County 4-H youth for their accomplishments in 2024!

Cloverbuds are youth in grades K-2 and they showcase in special noncompetitive classes at the fair. This noncompetitive experience introduces youth to the meaning of showcase as they work with their projects and spend time either in the ring or with a judge. After Cloverbuds 4-H members become juniors in grades 3-5 who join the competition and are eligible to earn blue, red, and champion awards. Intermediate 4-H members are youth in grades 6 – 8 and they are eligible for participation in the State Fair if their projects are selected by a judge. Senior 4-H members grade 9+ serve as an example to the younger members and show off all the expertise they have in judging, showmanship, and how to thrive at the fair.

Youth in grades 3 and up submit their projects into specific categories. Congratulations to our 2024 Champions and Reserve Champions.

We couldn’t make the fair what it is for our 4-H members without the support of local businesses and families. We also celebrated our youth that are graduating out of the 4-H Program this year at our 4-H Auction. Those youth included Jayce Kovarik, Lily Becker, Brady Blair, Katelin Kangas, Jenna Drewes, and Teresa Heinze. We also want to thank the following for sponsoring our champion and outstanding awards youth received during the county fair: Alpha Gamma Rho Alumni, Amanda Becker Photography, Anderson Family Farms, Becker Family Livestock, Belgrade Co-op Association, Ben Wade Blazers 4-H Club, Blairview Saddle Shop, Daniel Moen Family, Dorrich Dairy, Eric & Doreen Cihlar, FAST Global Solutions, Inc, Feed Co. Inc, Glacial Ridge Cattlemen’s Assoc., Glenwood Pizza Ranch, Halls Farm LLC, In Memory of Adam John Hanson, Hoplin-Hitchcock Funeral Home, Johnston’s Dorsets, Koubsky Trucking, Long Prairie Packing Co., Lowry Transfer, Inc., In Memory of Allan & Marlene Halls, McMahon Oil, Midwest Machinery Co., Pro-Ag Farmers Co-op, Reichmann Homestead Farms, Stephen & Marlene Hippe, Diane Rust, Thompson Dairy Farm, Ron & Jean Tvrdik, Villard Cenex, Walter Organic Family Farms, Bill & Kelly Anderson, Waska Treats DQ, Mattson Family In Memory of Taylor Mattson, and In Memory of Roger Maanum.

Learn more about 4-H in Minnesota and how you can get involved at www.4-H.umn.edu or contact Jacob Halper, Pope County 4-H Extension Educator, at 320-634-7734 or pope@umn.edu.

Check out more photos in our photo gallery!