Douglas 4-H Buzz

Review your premium book for important information regarding judging schedules, tips and tricks for judging and all things county fair. The inside front cover has a fair schedule when everything is judged. Our office in the courthouse is closed beginning August 17, please find us at the fairgrounds that week. Here is a county fair letter with last minute details, please read for important information!

We need everyone to put on an event this size and to give the youth a great experience at the county fair! Please check out signup genius for opportunities to help in the exhibit building, at different animal science shows and more! It is a fabulous way to give back and learn more about what goes on at the county fair. There are opportunities for youth grades 3 and up all the way to adults. To sign up or find out more visit signup here. We currently have many open positions, and we really need your help, we can't do it without you!!!

County fair cleanup is scheduled for Monday, August 10 at 6 p.m. We'll clean the 4-H Exhibit Building, 4-H Food Stand, 4-H Crow's Nest and other fair buildings. In addition, the horse stalls are setup in the horse barn and goat pens setup in the goat barn. Clubs are assigned spaces to clean and treats are served. All are welcome.

Elections for youth officers are held at our August 10 leaders council meeting at the fairgrounds. Youth in grades 7 and up are eligible along with youth with one more year in 4-H (those that graduated from high school this year) can be nominated. Positions include president, vice president, secretary, treasurer and reporter. There are six council meetings throughout the year, an advisory board budget meeting in the fall, other advisory board meetings as needed and officers emcee Awards Night in November. The adults on the advisory board are elected to two-year terms, again with the same meeting schedule as the youth officers. We also elect an adult treasurer. This advisory board also serves as our grievance committee. Enrolled youth sixth grade and up and screened volunteers can vote in the election.

Poultry must be banded with leg bands to be eligible to show with the exception of doves and pigeons that were entered into mn.4honline.com for the May 15 deadline. Bands are to be picked up at the Extension office prior to Wednesday, August 5.

Pullorum certificates are needed for chickens, turkeys and quail to be shown at the fair and can be obtained through the hatchery where you purchased your poultry. Waterfowl do not need to have a negative pullorum certificate. If you hatched the poultry on your farm, you will need a pullorum test completed on the birds to be shown at the fair, this can be arranged by calling Brandie Schlosser, poultry superintendent at 320-808-4986.

Join us to learn about what FIRST Lego league is all about, what the season will be like and how you can participate! Check out www.hightechkids.org for additional information! Join us, Tuesday, August 11 at 7 p.m., in Conference Room C on the 2nd floor of the courthouse. We are looking for youth participants grades 4-8, (ages 9-14) and adults willing to coach.

• August 4 at 7 p.m.- Public fashion revue and performing arts judging, Lake Community Church
• August 7 at 9 a.m. - 4-H dog show, 4-H Exhibit Building at the Douglas County Fairgrounds
• August 8 at 8 a.m. - 4-H horse show, Dan Neller Arena at the Douglas County Fairgrounds

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. Be creative! Basket submissions accepted the two entry days of the Douglas County fair. Here are some themed basket ideas:

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

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 17 from 1-7 p.m. in the Erickson Pavilion.

Sign up for interviews before registration closes at the end of the day on Wednesday, August 12:

Junior Interviews

Senior Interviews

All Horse interviews

First, thank you for everything you do to support our county 4-H program. We know that your time is valuable, and we truly appreciate the effort it takes to participate in all of our activities—especially during the busy county fair.

We’ve heard some concerns about the required work shifts in the 4-H food stand, and we want to take a moment to explain why this is such an important part of our program. The food stand is our primary fundraiser. The money raised directly supports:

• Educational programs and project materials
• Scholarships and awards for youth
• Community service efforts
• The ability to keep participation costs low for all families
• Without money raised in the 4-H Food Stand, the cost of state fair trips would go up. Currently 4-H covers the program fee, half the cost of lodging and helps offset transportation costs in addition to money raised at the 4-H auction. 4-H is able to cover these costs by money raised in the 4-H Food Stand during the county fair.

Without the food stand, many of these opportunities would simply not be possible. Just as importantly, working the stand provides our members with valuable life experiences. Youth learn:

• Responsibility and teamwork
• Customer service and communication skills
• Money handling and work ethic

These are real-world skills that align perfectly with the mission of 4-H—helping young people grow into capable, confident individuals.

We understand that working a shift may not always be convenient, but this effort is what allows our entire program to benefit. When each family contributes, the workload is shared fairly, and the impact is significant. If you have specific scheduling challenges, we are always happy to work with you to find a solution. We will put you in touch with our food stand manger. Our goal is to support families while ensuring the success of this vital fundraiser.

Thank you again for your continued commitment to our 4-H community. Your participation truly makes everything we do possible.

Check out the 4-H Food Stand schedule found here. If you are not able to work your assigned shift, contact Kris Massmann to learn where she needs extra help. Donation items needed include tomatoes, cucumbers for salads, eggs for breakfast, and sweet corn. If anyone has these items ready during the week of the county fair please bring them to the 4-H Food Stand. We appreciate the donations.

Food stand discount cards are available Monday and Tuesday of fair week, you can purchase them at the food stand.

$42.50 for a $50 card

$84.00 for a $100 card

$124.50 for a $150 card

$164.00 for a $200 card

Each club is responsible to provide volunteers to watch over the 4-H Exhibit Building during the county fair August 19-22. Shift schedule can be found here. For more information and availability, contact your club leader.

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."

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!

Minnesota State Fair

100% of program fee is paid, half of lodging at state fair dorm housing costs paid and 100% transportation on county truck and bus covered. Youth cover cost of their meals and half of their dorm housing costs. Livestock encampment is August 26-30 and general encampment is September 1-3.

State Shoot (September 11-13)

100% of program fee is paid and half of total class registration is covered. Held at the Alexandria Shooting Park.

State Horse Show (September 17-21)

100% of program fee is paid and first three classes are covered. Any additional classes are paid by family. Held at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds.

State Dog Show (September 26-27)

100% of program fee is paid and half of total registration for classes are covered. Held at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds.

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.

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.

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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