Douglas 4-H Buzz

Hello, My name is Carson Bumgarner, I am involved in 4-H, FFA, ABGA, National Honors Society, and the sports Cross Country, Swimming, and Track. I have been involved in 4-H for the last 11 years. Through 4-H I have competed in showing goats and swine at the county and state level. I have also been elected as vice president and reporter for the county 4-H leaders council. Through 4-H I have learned many life lessons that I use now and will need in the future.

A huge thank you to all the families who helped make this year's 4-H garage sale an incredible success! Your generosity went above and beyond what we imagined and the sale was busy from start to finish both days. A special shout-out to our dedicated 4-H volunteers Nicole Botzet, Graci Botzet, Kim Askew, Kris Massmann, Barb Egenes and Kim Taveirne for their long hours of sorting, organizing and running the sale. Major support was also provided by our 4-H Educators Jodi Hintzen and Jackie Kokett. We raised over $ 4,000 to put towards 4-H Food Stand renovations and were able to share remaining items with other local organizations to support their missions as well. If you're out at the fairgrounds, swing by the food stand and check out the new roof, it looks fantastic!

Do you have a working flat screen TV (32 inches or larger) with a USB port that you no longer need? Douglas County 4-H is seeking a TV for use at the county fair. If you're interested in donating, please contact the Extension office at mnext-douglas@umn.edu or 320-762-3890.

Premium books were mailed to families on May 19 and hopefully you have read it from cover to cover! In all seriousness, please look it over for important information about registering your general and animal science exhibits for the county fair. At this time NOBODY has registered any exhibits for the county fair! Everything you might bring to the fair needs to be registered for in http://douglasmn-county.fairentry.com

Any exhibit showcased at the county fair (all animals and/or building exhibits) must be pre-registered in the county fair registration system by families. Registration opens Monday, June 1 and closes Wednesday, July 8 (you will be locked from entering exhibits at 12:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 9). Don't miss this important deadline as it can limit eligibility to earn champion or reserve champion at the county fair and eligibility to the Minnesota State Fair.

Remember, ID'ing your animal did not register your animal for the county fair, you must register for classes in FairEntry before the July 8 deadline! If this is confusing or you need assistance, please contact the office and we will help you, don't wait until the deadline or miss it altogether! To discover more about an exhibit check out your 4-H premium book or the Douglas County 4-H project guide .

Start thinking about that deadline now! Some helpful tips to meet the deadline:

• Read your premium book! This resource has all the details you need! You should have received your premium book in the mail already.
• Share this date with your 4-H'er(s). Start conversations early with your kids and start thinking ahead to what exhibits they want to bring to the fair and start gathering information.
• Set a reminder or alarm in your phone for July 8 or maybe even the week prior. Don't wait until the last minute, get organized now!
• Put this date in your virtual calendar if you use one.
• Circle the date on your paper calendar in big bold red ink!

The Runestone Museum is celebrating a milestone and we need your help staffing the 4-H exhibit space June 20 from 1-3 p.m. Work with our 4-H summer intern Kaitlyn to staff hands on activities from 1-3 p.m. If individuals or clubs are interested, please contact the office ASAP at 320-762-3890.

The 4-H Building at the Minnesota State Fair is undergoing a huge remodel. The windows and roof have been replaced and the front of building is being painted this summer. The bulk of the remodeling will start after the 2026 fair and be completed in time for the 2027 fair. For more information and how you can help, visit 4hbuilding.org.

4-H'ers entering the 7th grade or higher are encouraged to apply for a cashier opportunity at the 4-H food stand. The food stand needs enthusiastic and responsible youth to run our cash registers during the fair. Training on the use of our computerized cash register system will be provided prior to operations.

Benefits of the cashier opportunity:

• Learn and practice customer service skills
• Provide experience for future job opportunities
• Have fun!
• Assist in a meaningful way to raise funds for the Douglas County 4-H program

• Each cashier will be required to come to computer cashier training in the evening on Monday, August 10 pre-fair roundup/cleanup at the Food Stand exact time to be TBD
• Cashiers will be required to cashier a minimum of four – 4 hour shifts over the course of fair-week.
• A minimum of six cashiers will be selected, maybe more
• A promotional t-shirt or cap will be provided to wear during shifts and will be the workers to keep after the fair.
• Award for the position will be a flat rate of $100

Apply for this opportunity here.

Come learn from our guest clinicians as they share their expertise in western pleasure, ranch pleasure, horsemanship, and games. They’ll offer insights, tips, and guidance on all things horse. We’ll also have a special guest providing a pony cart demonstration, plus a fun hands‑on activity where you can create a stall decoration for the fair or for home.

Join us on June 13 from 9 a.m.–3 p.m. at the Dan Neller Horse Arena at the fairgrounds. A pizza lunch will be provided. Our guest clinicians include Amy Brekke, Douglas County 4‑H alumni and horse project volunteer, along with Eliza Chyba and Kimberly Meyers.

This event is free and open to riders of all levels. Cloverbuds must follow Cloverbud policies. Registration deadline is Monday, June 8.

Pope County 4-H is hosting an LQA&E training this summer on June 2 from 1-4 p.m. LQA&E (Livestock Quality Assurance & Ethics) is required for all state fair exhibitors to have completed prior to animal arrival at their county fair. Don’t wait, check out details at https://z.umn.edu/pope4hlqae and make sure to register by the May 27 deadline.

Register now to secure your spot for these popular day camps for youth grades K-2 planned and run by the 4-H summer intern and youth day camp counselors. Register in mn.4honline.com now, once limited spots are full, registration closes. Please refer to this registration guide or contact the Extension office if you need assistance.

Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

• July 8 - Spruce Hill County Park, Miltona - Outdoor Adventure (5 spots open)
• July 22 - Legacy of the Lakes Museum, Alexandria - Water Adventure (2 spots open)

Cost is $5 per camp per youth. Payment can be dropped off or mailed to our office at 305 8th Ave W, Alexandria, MN (2nd floor of the courthouse) at time of registration. After hours drop box is located at the south entrance; label the envelope Douglas County 4-H and indicate what payment is for. Space is limited to first come, first served, spot is secured once registered and payment is received.

We need youth 6th grade and up to serve as day camp counselors for our K-2nd graders! If you are interested, please fill out form. Camp dates are:

• July 8-Spruce Hill County Park, Miltona (Outdoor Adventure)
• July 15-Brandon Lions Park, Brandon (Animal Adventure)
• July 22-Legacy of the Lakes Museum, Alexandria (Water Adventure)
• July 29-Curtis A Felt Memorial Park, Alexandria (Create Adventure)

Jump into hands‑on ATV fun, build your very own first‑aid kit, and learn simple ways to help in an emergency. Join us Thursday, July 9 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Spruce Hill County Park located at 13148 Spruce Hill County Park, Miltona, MN 56354. Create a color‑changing UV bead bracelet while discovering how to stay safe in the sun. Explore plant and wildlife safety, spot toxic plants, learn what to do in a wildlife encounter, and keep track of it all in your trail‑awareness journal. Who knew being safe could be this much fun! Cost is $5 (cash or check payable to U of M) to Douglas County Extension office. Transportation is on your own and kids bring their own sack lunch and water bottle.

Register in 4-H Online. For help registering, please refer to the event registration guide or contact the Douglas county Extension office. Registration is first come, first served. The event is limited to 20 participants. Once all spots are filled, registration will close.

Hello! My name is Reagan Lennes, I am a member of the Lake Mary Troopers 4-H Club and I am requesting themed basket donations from each club for a silent auction to raise money for the Child Life Specialist program at Hennepin County Medical Center.

All proceeds go to provide games, activities and toys for children staying in the hospital. This cause is very personal to me. At the age of five I was hospitalized at HCMC with a severe injury. During that time, the child life specialist made a lasting impact on my experience. They changed fear into understanding through play and connections. They help children understand medical procedures, express emotions, and find joy even during difficult times. Here are some themed basket ideas:

• Movie night
• Spa self-care
• Arts and crafts
• Outdoor fun
• Game night
• Sports

• Deadline for attending in person LQA&E or online YQCA (for animal exhibition) to be eligible for state fair lineup is Monday, July 27.
• Egg class. Do you have laying hens? Bring eggs to the fair to be judged, see page 24 of your 4-H Premium Book for full details.
• County horse show date is Saturday, August 8
• Lamb lead will have two judging times this year. Pre-interview on Monday, August 17 from 4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Signup at https://z.umn.edu/lambleadinterviews for your interview. Lamb lead show is Thursday, August 20 at 4:00 p.m.
• State fair meetings time change-general exhibits is at 1 p.m., followed by animal science at 2 p.m.
• Round robin showmanship and costume contest starts at 5 p.m.
• Adult showmanship fundraiser on Saturday, August 22, at 6 p.m., check your flier for details.

The fair board will soon open camping reservations on Monday, June 1. Visit the Douglas County Fair website to purchase camping and extra parking passes for 4-H vehicles. Camping sites for barn superintendents are already reserved.

It is all hands on deck to have a great 4-H experience at the county fair. Please check out our signup genius for opportunities to help in the exhibit building, at different animal science shows and more! It's a fabulous way to learn more about events, projects and what goes on at the county fair. There are opportunities for youth grades 3 and up all the way up to adults! To sign up or find out more about opportunities please visit signup.

Animal science interviews are another way for youth to share what they know about their animal science exhibit. There are two age divisions: junior (grades K-5) and senior (grades 6 and up.) 1st and 2nd place medals are awarded in each age division of each species; beef, dairy, goats, horse, poultry, rabbits, sheep and swine. Horse interview placings are assigned points to count towards high point scores. In beef, dairy, goats, poultry, rabbits, sheep and swine senior interviews, a state fair trip is awarded through the interview process, allowing youth to participate fully in a state fair animal science experience. Interviews are held Monday, August 11 from 1-7 p.m. in the Erickson Pavilion.

You can sign up for interviews, first come first serve basis at:

Junior Interviews

Senior Interviews

All Horse interviews

It is hard to believe that we are talking about the state fair already, but it will be here before you know it.

We need screened adults to chaperone our livestock encampment August 26-30 and/or during our general encampment September 1-3. We need male and female chaperones for each of the encampments. If you are interested, please contact the office ASAP! It does take time to complete the screening process, at least two weeks, so don't delay! If you have questions about what is required, contact the office.

This has been such a hit it's coming back again in 2026! Categories include:

• Best Overall Costume
• Most Creative Costume
• Funniest Costume
• Most Detailed Costume

This contest takes place after Round Robin Showmanship in the Erickson Pavilion! Come out and have some fun! Friday night of fair is the deadline to sign up. Keep in mind costumes cannot pose any harm to animals and remember that cultures are not costumes. Be respectful of diverse cultures and avoid dressing in ways that depict entire groups of people/cultures/ethnicities as "costumes."

The ProAg Country store t‑shirts 4-H'ers exhibiting at the fair get are always a favorite! We’ve heard from so many parents who want one of their own—so this year, you can! We’re excited to share that adult shirts are now available for purchase. Complete an order form and return with cash or check (payable to Pro-Ag Country Store) to the Extension office or Pro-Ag Country Store.

4-H families, are you ready to turn up the fun at the county fair? Support the Douglas County 4-H food stand upgrade efforts and the Alexandria FFA Alumni Chapter by nominating your friends and family to jump into the excitement of showmanship! Who will you challenge to take the spotlight?

• Cost to nominate someone is $ 5. Let them know about their nomination and if they decide to show, great.
• If they do not want to show, they can buy their way out for $ 20 but they can only buy themselves out twice.
• To nominate someone, stop by the 4-H Exhibit Building.
• The deadline to nominate someone is Saturday, August 22 by 12 p.m. noon.

So start thinking now who you will you send into the ring!

4-H families have a unique opportunity to make those fair memories permanent through the paver project taking place right now. Why order a custom paver? It's more than just a brick, it's a lasting piece of community's history. You can use your paver to:

• Honor a loved one: create a beautiful, permanent memorial.
• Celebrate your family: put your family name front and center.
• Show business pride: let the community know your business supports the fair.
• Commemorate a milestone: perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or "fair-ily" traditions.

The Douglas County Fair Board is building a new 40 foot paver area located directly next to the current Veterans Memorial at the Douglas County Fairgrounds. Cost is $ 100 per personalized paver. Visit www.dcmnfair.com/friends to learn more and order your paver now.

As we enter this season of competition, we want to remind everyone that parents, volunteers, members and guests need to abide by the Minnesota 4-H Code of Conduct while at the county fair. The Minnesota 4-H Code of Conduct applies to both face-to-face and online environments and will be enforced with 4-H members, 4-H parents and 4-H volunteers as follows:

• While participating in or attending a 4-H sponsored program (e.g. club meeting, project meeting, activity, event, learning opportunity).

• At the county fair while participating in or attending a 4-H event or while on premises used for 4-H purposes (e.g. show ring, exhibit building, 4-H tie outs, livestock barns, food stand).
• At the state fair, during their (or their child’s) assigned encampment or assigned volunteer responsibility.

Check out the full code of conduct here and contact us with questions.

It can be confusing as to what is available to do or learn about in the many different project areas that Minnesota 4-H offers, and how that might connect to creating an exhibit for the county fair to showcase what you learned. To discover more about a specific category check out the Douglas County 4-H project guide to learn more.

Jodi Hintzen, Extension Educator, hintz010@umn.edu

Jackie Kokett, Extension Educator, jkokett@umn.edu

Douglas County Extension

Email: mnext-douglas@umn.edu

Website: extension.umn.edu/douglas

Address: 305 8th Ave W, Alexandria, MN 56308 (Courthouse, 2nd floor)

Phone: 320-762-3890

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MNDouglasCounty4H/

Twitter: @UMNExt

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