Nicollet County 4-H Newsletter

June 2: LQA&E training at Johnson Hall

July 15: FairEntry registration due for 2026 Nicollet County Fair

July 19: Federation Meeting

July 28: Pre-Fair Judging for Select Projects at Johnson Hall

August 11: General Project Judging at Nicollet County Fair

August 12-16: Nicollet County Fair

August 17: Tri-County Fair

Lydia and Katelyn have joined the Nicollet County 4-H team and will be helping lead activities and events throughout the summer. Be sure to give them a warm welcome when you see them!

The countdown to the Nicollet County Fair is on! Make sure you are ready by reading through the 2026 updates below. Contact the Extension Office with your fair related questions.

The premium book has a new look this year while still including all of the important information about fair schedules, rules, and events. Be sure to read through the sections that apply to the projects you plan to bring to the fair.

To make the information easier to navigate, the premium book is being shared in three sections this year. All exhibitors should review the exhibit rules and schedules section, along with the general projects and/or animal science projects sections that apply to them.

Exhibit Rules and Schedule

General Projects & Activities

Animal Science Projects

Sign up for the fair! All exhibitors, including Cloverbuds, must register their exhibits online through FairEntry. Registration opens June 15, and all entries must be submitted by 4:00 p.m. on July 15.

The registration deadline must be met to be eligible for any placing above a blue ribbon or for State Fair/state show consideration. Members will use their 4HOnline email and password to log in to FairEntry. Visit the FairEntry user guide to help walk you through the registration process. For general Fair Entry questions, please contact Becky. For questions about 4-H policies or requirements, please contact Kelsey.

FairEntry: http://nicollet-countymn.fairentry.com

Our July judging events will have a new location this year! All judging on July 28 will take place in Johnson Hall at the Nicollet County Fairgrounds. This change is necessary due to construction at the Nicollet school. After exploring several options around the county, we determined this would be the best fit for this year.

The schedule for the day will remain the same:

9am-12pm - Clothing & Textiles, Quilting, and Fashion Revue Judging

5:30pm - Food Revue, Cake/Cupcake/Cookie Decorating Judging

7pm - Performing Arts and Fashion Revue

The 4-H Food Stand at the Nicollet County Fair is the largest fundraiser for the Nicollet County 4-H Program. The money generated through the food stand fuels our 4-H programs throughout the year, helps us reach new members, and allows youth to learn and lead all year long. All 4-H members are expected to volunteer for a shift at the food stand. Sign up for your shift as you register for the fair! Sign up for a shift at: z.umn.edu/2026NicolletFoodstand

We hope you will encourage your friends and family to support 4-H by eating at the food stand when they visit the fair!

It takes a lot of helping hands to make a successful, smooth fair. We have many easy, one-time fair volunteer opportunities for parents and youth as well as larger commitments for those who love the fair! Each 4-H club also donates time to make the fair a success by helping with set up or clean up. Sign up at: z.umn.edu/NicolletVolunteers

Animal science interviews will be held on Tuesday, August 11 from 4-7pm outside the 4-H Food Stand. All 4-H members showing animals are highly encouraged to participate! Interview participants will compete by grade level: Cloverbud, Beginner (3-5), Intermediate (6-8), and Senior (9+). Members can complete interviews in multiple species. To participate, members should register in Fair Entry and select a timeslot on the sign up. Members who do not select a time slot will be fit into the schedule on a first come, first served basis. Finalists will be selected based on scores and announced during each livestock show.

z.umn.edu/NicolletAnSciInterview

The Tri-County Fair and Auction will be held on Monday, August 17 at the Nicollet County Fairgrounds. Please note an important change this year: the registration deadline for Tri-County is Saturday, August 15 at 5:00 p.m. to align with the State Fair deadline. Registration may be completed using either the paper form or the digital form linked in the premium book. A premium book and additional details will be mailed to families with a market animal ID’d in mid-June.

Schedule for the day:

9–10 a.m. - Weigh-in and identification of all animals

11 a.m. - Show begins

4:30–5:30 p.m. - Pork chop meal

5:30 p.m. - Exhibitor meeting

6 p.m. - Premium/Ribbon Auction

Serving as a Federation Officer is a great way to build leadership skills, make your voice heard, and help shape the future of the Nicollet County 4-H program. Whether you’re passionate about planning events, managing finances, or leading meetings, there’s a role for you. If you’re looking for a new way to get involved and take on a leadership challenge, consider running for a Federation office! Federation Officers attend 4 meetings per year and the annual awards celebration. Adult advisors are also needed!

The next Federation meeting will be Sunday, July 19 at 6pm at Johnson Hall. Officer Elections will be held for the upcoming year for the secretary, treasurer, and president-elect positions. Members who have completed 7th grade and have 2 years of 4-H experience are invited to run for a Federation Officer position. Let Kelsey know if you have questions about these positions or if you’d like to run!

Check out our current list of summer events and activities! Unless otherwise noted, you can register for events through this link or QR Code: z.umn.edu/NicolletSummerRegistration .

Be sure to watch our Facebook page and keep an eye on your email for details about a few other exciting opportunities we’re still planning. It’s going to be a fun-filled summer, and we can’t wait to get started!

As always, share these opportunities with friends and invite them to join you - there’s room for everyone in 4-H!

Arts-In is back! Join us for a trip to the county fair where friendship, bravery, and a little bit of farmyard magic take center stage! Inspired by Charlotte's Web, this year's Arts-In performance invites youth to act, sing, and bring characters to life while discovering the power of kindness and believing in one another. All youth in grades kindergarten and up are invited to join the show. We’ll gather for practices throughout the summer and perform! Learn more and register at: z.umn.edu/NicolletArtsIn

Livestock Quality Assurance Training helps youth provide excellent care for their food animals and ensure a high level of food safety to consumers. This in-person, 3-hour training certifies you for three fair seasons. The level of training required is determined by the grade of the youth at the time the training takes place.

Tuesday, June 2, 2026

5:15 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Johnson Hall, Nicollet County Fairgrounds

400 Union Street, St. Peter, MN 56082

Cost is free!

Registration is open now in 4-H Online. Registration deadline is Monday, June 1, 2026!

For grades 6th - post-secondary (grade 13)

The 4-H horse project and Nicollet County Sheriff’s Posse are working together again for the Riders Event for youth with disabilities. This year the event will take place at the Nicollet County Fairgrounds on Saturday, June 6 from 10am-1pm.

Volunteers are needed to help make the day a success. Youth and adult volunteers help by walking alongside riders, assisting with the games, helping with registration, and getting riders their safety gear. If you are interested in volunteering, please sign up here: z.umn.edu/b76t

If you know a youth who may enjoy participating in the event, they can register here: z.umn.edu/NicolletRidersEvent

If any current 4-H members would like to participate, please email Becky Wills to sign up at maho0054@umn.edu

This year, the Norseland 4-H Club received a Food Partner Challenge grant to help support the St. Peter Area Food Shelf. As part of their project, they are encouraging other clubs and members to get involved by volunteering at the food shelf.

One of the opportunities to help is during the produce distribution events, which take place June–October on the first Wednesday of each month. Our goal is to have youth and adult volunteers from every club come out to lend a hand.

There are 4-H groups signed up for the June, July, and August dates.

Click here to sign up.

Join us throughout the summer for food, fun, and creativity on Wednesday nights this summer at the 4-H Foodstand (AKA the Clover Clubhouse). We’re excited to bring some new activities to explore this year and maybe make a little mess along the way!

Wednesday, June 10: Glow worms & sand art

CLICK HERE TO RSVP FOR JUNE 10

Wednesday, June 17: Egg drop challenge & button making

CLICK HERE TO RSVP FOR JUNE 17

Wednesday, June 24: Pour painting & bugs

CLICK HERE TO RSVP FOR JUNE 24

Wednesday, July 8: Tie dye & woodworking

CLICK HERE TO RSVP FOR JULY 8

Wednesday, July 15: Balloon twisting & leftover crafts

CLICK HERE TO RSVP FOR JULY 15

Wednesday, July 22: Fair project work night & water games

CLICK HERE TO RSVP FOR JULY 22

At the project work night we’ll have everything you need to work on your fair projects. We’ll have printers, cricuts, and craft supplies to help work on posters or binders.

Calling all creative problem-solvers and future engineers! Youth in grades 3 and up are invited to take part in the 2026 Minnesota 4-H Engineering Design Challenge (EDC).

This year’s theme is “Step Right Up: The 4-H Marvelous Midway Challenge.” Teams will work together to design and build a Rube Goldberg™–style machine that completes a two-part carnival-themed task:

• Win a carnival game every time, and

• Show the crowd you’ve won!

The celebration could include things like ringing a bell, playing cheering sounds, raising a banner, or lifting a stuffed animal prize in victory. The more creative, the better!

Participants will collaborate in teams and put their creativity, engineering, and problem-solving skills to the test while designing and building their machines. We currently have two building days scheduled, though additional work sessions may be added if needed.

If you enjoy building, experimenting, teamwork, and a little bit of friendly competition, this is a great opportunity to get involved. Come join the fun and see what amazing inventions you can create!

Register at: z.umn.edu/NicolletSummerRegistration

Join our 4-H summer intern to learn the art of cake decorating! Participants will learn new techniques and put their skills to the test while getting some practice in before cake decorating judging in July.

This workshop will be held Thursday, June 18 from 3–5 p.m. at the 4-H Foodstand. The registration fee is $10, and youth of all ages and skill levels are welcome to participate.

Register at: z.umn.edu/NicolletSummerRegistration

Join us for an afternoon of camp-themed fun at the North Mankato Splash Pad! We’ll enjoy camp games and activities along with time to play at the park and splash pad.

The day camp will be held on Monday, June 22 from 12–4 p.m. and is open to youth in grades K–3. The cost is $10 per participant. Older youth are invited to join the fun as camp counselors for the day and help lead activities.

Register at: z.umn.edu/NicolletSummerRegistration

Celebrate June Dairy Month by creating some delicious dairy treats! Participants will learn how to make items like cheese, butter, and ice cream while experimenting with fun flavors and creative combinations.

The workshop will be held Thursday, June 25 from 3–5 p.m. at the 4-H Foodstand. Join us for a hands-on afternoon of dairy fun! Open to all ages.

Register at: z.umn.edu/NicolletSummerRegistration

It’s time to get outside and enjoy nature! Join us for a morning of nature-themed learning and exploration at 7 Mile Creek Park.

This day camp is open to youth in grades K–3, and older youth are invited to join as counselors to help lead activities. The registration fee is $10 per participant.

Come explore, learn, and have fun in the great outdoors with 4-H!

Register at: z.umn.edu/NicolletSummerRegistration

Join 4-H and Nicollet Community Education to explore robotics! We’ll explore some basic building and coding at this beginner friendly workshop.

Thursday, July 23

9-10:30am.

Registration fee $10.

Class will be held at the Nicollet Community Room.

Register at: isd507.revtrak.net

Join Lulu’s Blooms Flower Farm for a hands-on cut flower workshop! Participants will learn how to select, harvest, and arrange beautiful seasonal blooms while creating their own floral arrangement to take home. We'll be visiting during the farm’s golden hour, making it the perfect opportunity to capture stunning photos for a photography project, too. Registration closes July 24, so be sure to sign up soon!

Price: $32 per participant, contact Kelsey for financial support

Date: Friday, August 31

Time: 7-9pm

Register at: z.umn.edu/NicolletSummerRegistration

Join 4-H and Nicollet Community Education to put your design skills to the test and create carnival games! We’ll design, build, and play to see who can win the prize.

Wednesday, August 5

9-10:30am.

Registration fee $10.

Class will be held at the Nicollet Community Room.

Register at: https://isd507.revtrak.net

Join 4-H and Nicollet Community Education for a morning of camp themed fun! Youth will enjoy games, crafts, exploring nature, and plenty of other camp activities.

Thursday, August 20

8am-12pm

Registration fee $20

Class will be held at the Greenspace Park in Nicollet

Register at: isd507.revtrak.net

Join 4-H and Nicollet Community Education to explore agriculture, technology, and where our food comes from through hands-on activities.

Tuesday, August 25

8am-12pm

Registration fee $20

Class will be held at the Greenspace Park in Nicollet

Register at: isd507.revtrak.net

A hotel room block with a discounted rate has been secured at the DoubleTree by Hilton in St. Paul for families attending the 4-H Livestock Encampment at the Minnesota State Fair. The DoubleTree offers a complimentary shuttle service to and from the Minnesota State Fairgrounds.

To learn more about the hotel and reserve your room within the 4-H block, please visit :https://www.hilton.com/en/book/reservation/rooms/?ctyhocn=MSPSTDT&arrivalDate=2026-08-26&departureDate=2026-08-30&groupCode=CDTG4H&room1NumAdults=1&cid=OM%2CWW%2CHILTONLINK%2CEN%2CDirectLink If you have any questions about the hotel accommodations, please contact Nikki Tish by email at n2121nikki@hotmail.com for additional information.

Join us for 4-H Camp Hollywood at Camp Patterson June 29-July 1, 2026! Youth in grades 3-6 will experience a traditional overnight camp. Get ready for plenty of your favorite camp activities and some exciting new ones as we roll out the red carpet for Camp Hollywood! Invite your friends, they’re invited to camp too!

Dates: June 29-July 1, 2026 Registration: Early-bird deadline is April 1, 2026. Final registration deadline is June 1, 2026.

Cost: EARLY BIRD DEADLINE EXTENDED TO APRIL 6! $225 until and $250 between April 7 and June 1, 2026.

Location of Camp: 5050 Patterson Road, Madison Lake, MN 56063

Register for camp at: z.umn.edu/4HCampPatterso

New Vision Co-op is pleased to announce that we will be offering our 4-H Sponsorship program again this year. The program will be the same as last year where the participants will receive the full value that they apply for, and the County Extension will receive an additional 20% on top of that total. The deadline to sign up is June 12th, 2026. Below is the link where applicants can apply for the sponsorship and get more information. Please feel free to share this with the 4-H members in your county and please let me know if you have any questions. We look forward to working with you and your county again this year!

https://newvision.coop/4-h/

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