Upcoming events include animal shows, Special Events Day and fairs
The 4-H program will soon kick off its annual shows in preparation for the fair season. In addition, 4-H will hold a Special Events Day to showcase some of the talents of the group’s young members.
The events, some of which help determine placement in the Minnesota State Fair and represent the work young people have been doing over the year, will begin next week.
On Monday, there will be a dog show at Smokey Bear Park starting at 6:30 p.m.
On Tuesday, there will be a horse show starting at 5:30 p.m. at the Littlefork Fairgrounds horse arena.
Special Events Day will take place on Aug. 11 at the Backus Community Center. The program will run most of the day, with a public show at 6:30 p.m. in the Backus auditorium.
“I think Special Events Day is really a great event and provides youth the opportunity to showcase their unique talents,” said Melody Poggio, 4-H program coordinator, Koochiching County.
Included in the Special Events Day are four topics: fashion revue, performing arts, demonstrations and food revue.
• Fashion Revue: This has classes in both the “clothes you make” and “clothes you buy” categories. Youth put together one or two outfits for the event. Youth are required to know appropriate places to wear the outfit, alternatives for accessories, the cost of buying or making the outfit, and garment care. They walk in a fashion show and take part in conference judging, which is an interview with the judge. Judging focuses on the learning process, general appearance and design, and workmanship and techniques of the project.
“This event helps youth build self-confidence and poise by developing an understanding of self which aids in the selection and making of clothing that is becoming and expressive of their personalities,” Poggio said.
• Performing Arts: This class includes singing, dancing, dramatic readings, playing an instrument and acting. Youth must be able to discuss the process of selecting, planning, performing and reflection on their project work.
“We have some very talented youth in Koochiching County that take part in this event,” Poggio said.
• Demonstrations: These are an oral presentation that includes showing the hands-on steps required to accomplish a task or process. This most often includes the use of physical objects and actually doing or showing those steps. For example, a demonstration could involve using bedding plants, potting soil and related items to demonstrate how to plant a flower pot. At the end of the demonstration there should be something of a finished product.
“Demonstrations have a long history in 4-H and really have kids a foundation for public speaking as they grow up,” Poggio said.
• Food Revue: This program allows 4-H members to put together a place setting including dishes, linens, centerpieces, flatware, and a meal menu within a theme of their choice. Youth are judged on food knowledge, their ability to manage meal production, nutrition knowledge, menu, and table setting.
“The kids are incredibly creative and it shows in this event,” Poggio said.
The community is welcome to attend the Special Event Day show starting at 6:30 p.m. at Backus.
4-Hers educational exhibits will be judged at the Northome Fairgrounds on Aug. 13 as part of the Koochiching County Fair. The work will also be on display for the public viewing after judging.
Following the county fair will be the small animal judging, including rabbits and poultry, on Sept. 3 at the Littlefork Fairgrounds at 5 p.m.
A dog exhibition and large animal judging (beef) will take place on Sept. 4 at the Littlefork Fairgrounds. The dog exhibition will start at 9 a.m., and the beef judging is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m.
The Minnesota State Fair runs from Aug. 26 through Sept. 6 in St. Paul.
The Northern Minnesota District Fair runs from Sept. 3 through 6 at the Littlefork Fairgrounds.
