The 4-H Update
July 7, 2023
Deadlines and Events
July 7- Fashion Show Deadline
Entry form (deadline 7/7 midnight) https://go.unl.edu/4hfashion2023
Entries for the 4-H Fashion Show Contest are due by Friday, July 7th and the 4-H Fashion Show judging day will be held on Thursday July 13, 2023 at the Extension Office, 8015 West Center Road from 2:00 pm - 7:00 pm by appointment. Also, participants are required to model at the Sarpy County Fair Fashion Show on Wed. August 2, 2023 at 6:00 pm and to enter their project as an exhibit to receive their fashion show ribbon and premium award.
See tips for preparing for the 2023 4-H Fashion Show here.
Sign Up Deadline is TODAY for the Watercolor Workshop
When: July 13, 2023
Time: 9 am to 12 pm
Where: Nebraska Extension Douglas-Sarpy Central Office, 8015 W Center Rd. Omaha
Cost: $15 per youth
For youth ages 10-18
Register at: https://forms.gle/oeXcvQ9mJFSt9fGC9
Registration deadline: Friday, July 7
PRE-ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Due July 15 - Livestock Online Entries for the County Fair - REQUIRED
- Online animal pre-entries for the county fair includes Horses, Poultry, Rabbits, Cavy, and all livestock. This does NOT include Dogs.
- The deadline for entries is July 15th. No exceptions. Online entry includes all livestock, horses, rabbits, cavy, and poultry. No paper entries will be accepted. Go to: https://sarpy.fairwire.com/
- See the instructions at https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/douglas-sarpy/pdfs/4-H/4h-sarpy-fair-livestock-entries-online-2023.pdf
Now - Pre-Entry for Static Exhibits - Optional
Entry Day for static exhibits is Tuesday, August 1st from noon to 7 p.m. at the Sarpy County Fairgrounds in the green 4-H building.
If you would like to avoid the lines on entry day for Static Exhibits, you can now request your entry tags ahead of time at https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/douglas-sarpy/pdfs/4-H/4h-sarpy-fair-exhibit-hall-entry-form-2022-fillable.pdf
- The deadline to request the tags and have them mailed to you is July 24. If you miss this deadline, no problem, we can still create the tags on entry day.
- For each entry, you will get two identical tags. There will be a perforated line between them. One tag will stay with the exhibit, and the judge will separate the other tag. You do not need to separate the tags.
Find Department, Division and Class Numbers at the Fairbook at https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/douglas-sarpy/sarpy-county-and-nebraska-state-fairs/
Feature of the Week
4-Hers - Table Toppers Participants
This week's 4-Hers of the week are the Table Toppers Participants! This year we had 29 participants that talked to the judges about meal including a theme, nutritious menu and table setting skills. See the pictures here.
Do you have a notable 4-H moment? Upload your project pictures to be included in our newsletter at https://go.unl.edu/4-hwinners
Livestock Project Highlight - Best Dressed Rabbit and Poultry
Best Dressed for Rabbit and Poultry will take place at the end or their perspective shows!
This is a fun class in which exhibitors are encouraged to use their imagination to design a costume for their 4-H Rabbit or bird. Refrain from using multiple animals for the exhibit.
Clover Kids are encouraged to participate too! See the rabbit area of the fairbook at https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/douglas-sarpy/pdfs/4-H/4h-sarpy-fair-rabbit-2023.pdf
Static Project Highlight - Heritage
The purpose of the 4-H Heritage project is to acquire knowledge, develop a connection to the past and share the story of a 4-H member’s heritage and history around them. An exhibit may include items, pictures, maps, charts, recordings, drawings, illustrations, writings or displays that depict the heritage of the member's family or community or 4-H history.
Remember exhibits must include NAME, COUNTY, AGE & PAST EXPERIENCE on back of exhibit.
See this area of the fairbook at https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/douglas-sarpy/pdfs/4-H/4h-sarpy-fair-heritage-2023.pdf
See more project ideas on our facebook here.
Volunteers of the Week - Don Petersen
Don is a longtime 4-H volunteer, he is this year's Sarpy County Fair Rabbits Co-Superintendent, along Mallory and Janice Henninger. Thank you for all the volunteer hours that it takes to make these shows successful! Don is picture at the 2021 State Fair with some of our Douglas-Sarpy 4-Hers that took top awards!
Workshops and Classes
4-H Quilt Club
When: Tuesday, July 18, 2023
Time: 6:30-8:30 pm
Interested members can contact Club Leader Stephanie at (stephkucera@hotmail.com).
*This club usually meets on the third Tuesday of the month.
Paddock Posse - Horseless Horse Club
Please join Douglas-Sarpy's Horseless Horse Club!
Where: Nebraska Extension Douglas-Sarpy Central Office, 8015 W Center Rd. Omaha
When: TBA (usually the first Friday of every Month) at 5 pm
Who: Youth ages 8-18
Let's learn more about the Horse Industry and Horse Related Topics!
You need to rsvp with Alaina at Alaina.kauffman@unl.edu
Upcoming Events and Deadlines
Fremont 4-H Expo will be July 12-15
The Fremont 4-H Expo is open to 4-H Exhibitors from Burt, Butler, Colfax, Cuming, Dodge, Douglas, Sarpy, Saunders and Washington Counties. This year's Expo will be July 12-15, 2023. Remember to take a copy of your ID sheets.
Check out the schedule! https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/dodge/frfourhexhguide/
For more information, contact Brett at brett.kreifels@unl.edu
Showcase of 4-H Gems - Due July 14
The Douglas/Sarpy 4-H Council would like to encourage all eligible candidates to participate in the Douglas-Sarpy Showcase of 4-H Gems.
To be selected and honored as a 4-H Gem is a positive way to share your success and experiences throughout your 4-H career. Receiving the honor of being named a Diamond or Emerald 4-Her is an excellent addition to your resume and college scholarship essays. We encourage all eligible candidates to submit their application for the opportunity to participate so that we can celebrate all of your accomplishments throughout your 4-H career.
Eligibility requirements:
* Each candidate must have been enrolled in 4-H for at least 3 years previously and be currently enrolled as a Douglas/Sarpy 4-Her.
* Candidates for Emerald 4-Her must be completing their sophomore year in high school.
* Candidates for Diamond 4-Her must be completing their junior year in high school.
Get your application at https://files.constantcontact.com/f3efa1f3101/e844e20b-4235-4a82-8fc6-35cb5c8d3b0a.pdf
4-H Dog Show - Sign up by July 14
Where: Sarpy County Fairgrounds
Make sure to sign up by July 14.
For more information, contact Alaina Kauffman - Alaina.kauffman@unl.edu, 402-444-4092
See this area of the fairbook at https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/douglas-sarpy/pdfs/4-H/4h-sarpy-fair-dog-2023-rev-05-23-2023.pdf?fbclid=IwAR3MTbmJWXAIF7MRJNMlJkxwBC3roFG9GFeFQyz7l3nnjVfJ9tU94l1I_44
Poultry Photo contest Due July 15
The Nebraska Department of Agriculture is sponsoring its annual Poultry Photo Contest and encourages 4-H members to submit photos of their fine feathered friends. Official contest rules and entry forms are available at nda.nebraska.gov. Entries must be submitted online at https://tinyurl.com/NDAPhotoContest by the July 15th deadline
Learn more at https://nda.nebraska.gov/animal/avian/poultryphotocontest.pdf
Fair Information
Horse High Point Donations
Please consider donating to the Sarpy County Fair Horse show! The Douglas-Sarpy 4-H Council is seeking donations for the Horse Program High Point Awards. These awards allow us to recognize all of the hard work that our 4-H'ers put in with their projects every year. Order forms can be found at https://files.constantcontact.com/f3efa1f3101/b742382e-6b7c-4cfb-9f05-ca29af06edd0.pdf
Send checks and forms to:
Douglas-Sarpy Extension Office
Attn: Alaina Kauffman
8015 W Center Rd.
Omaha, NE 68124
Make Checks Payable to Douglas-Sarpy 4-H Council
For more information contact Alaina Kauffman: alaina.kauffman@unl.edu.
Douglas County Fair
When: July 22-23, 2023
Where: Liberty First Credit Union Arena, 7300 Q St, Ralston
Who: Open to anyone.
Learn more, including entry fees, at https://www.douglascountyfair.org/
Volunteer at the Food Stand at Sarpy County Fair
Sign up to volunteer at the 4-H Food Stand! The Douglas-Sarpy 4-H Council’s food stand during the fair features a variety of snacks and beverages. The food stand is Douglas-Sarpy 4-H Council’s primary fundraiser. Proceeds support 4-H youth programs, activities and scholarships. Sign up to help at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0C4AAAA628A0FD0-sarpy
Fair History Table
Help us bring history to life! We're looking for volunteers to work at the History Connection table at the Sarpy County Fair, August 2-6. Douglas-Sarpy 4-H has a rich history and we're looking to preserve it. We need the public's help to identify photos. At the table, you will make sure our photo slideshow continues to run (no sleepy computers here!) and take down any information people may have on the photos. People are also encouraged to write down their contact information so we can get in touch with them and talk more about the program's history. Consider helping out for a couple of hours during the fair! Sign up here. Questions? Email Katherine at ksundgren@unl.edu or give her a call at 402-444-4306.
Fair Volunteer Opportunities
- Sign up to volunteer at the Passport table for 2023. This year we are going to have two locations so that means we need even more volunteers! Signing up https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0c4bada92caaf5c52-2023#/
for more information about this fun volunteer opportunity, contact Alaina at Alaina.kauffman@unl.edu
- Clothing Area Superintendent to help keep things on track in the clothing area on August 1st, entry day. To volunteer please contact Stephanie at stephanie.thorson@unl.edu
- 1 volunteer for the Fashion Show judging day, July 13, (mainly to help read the narratives and call in contestants when it is their turn). To volunteer please contact Stephanie at stephanie.thorson@unl.edu
Sarpy County Fair Premium Auction
Any 4-Her who wins Champion or Reserve Market Animal in their respective species or gets a purple ribbon in the market animal classes is eligible to participate in the Sarpy County Fair Premium Auction. The 4-Her must declare their intent to participate no more than 30 minutes after their animal is shown.
Forms will be available to fill out and returned to the announcers table at the livestock shows. Youth Participating in the Market Beef, Swine, Goat, Sheep, Broiler and Market Fryer Rabbit projects are eligible.
Youth must be present, in their 4-H show attire, with their animal during the auction. Auction begins at 4 pm on Saturday, August 5th in the Livestock Building.
The public is invited to support local 4-Her's livestock projects by bidding during the annual Premium Auction. Learn more at https://www.facebook.com/events/776048967167433
Saturday at Sarpy County Fair
Saturday August 5 will be filled with fun activities in the livestock barn:
- 11 am - Adult Showmanship Fundraiser with Douglas-Sarpy 4-H Council, sign up that morning.
- 12 pm - Best Dressed Animal Competition where youth will be dressing up their swine, goats, cattle and sheep. The public is invited to watch this fun event. Horses, rabbits and poultry best dressed take place at their perspective shows.
- 1 pm - Elite Showmanship Competition where the champions from large animal showmanship species will compete to be Douglas-Sarpy's Elite Showman
- If awarded a plaque or belt buckle, please remember to send the thank you note to the donor!
Youth Showing Livestock
It is requested that all exhibitors help with barn set up on Monday July 31 at 5:30 pm and clean up at 5:30 on August 7th.
All animals are to be kept in their stalls from 6:00 p.m. until 5:00 a.m. for the safety of the public that are viewing the animals.
If selected for Parade of Champions, please meet Friday at 8 pm at the North end of the rodeo arena.
All exhibitors are responsible for feeding, watering and tending to their own exhibit(s).
See the livestock area of the fairbook at https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/douglas-sarpy/pdfs/4-H/4h-sarpy-fair-livestock-2023.pdf
2023 Sarpy County Fair Coloring Contest
Join the 2023 Sarpy County Fair Coloring Contest and get a chance to win cool prizes! This contest is open to all Nebraska youths (contest age groups: 5-7; 8-10; 11-13; and 14-18). All youth are encouraged to enter the contest, even if they're not 4-H members! Color it using any physical medium, including crayons, colored pencils, markers, or paints and then enter the coloring sheet. Bring the coloring sheet to 4-H project entry day on Tuesday, August 1, 2023, 12-7 PM and turn it in OR drop the coloring sheet off at the Extension Office by July 26, 2023. For full details and to download the coloring sheets, visit the Sarpy County Website or click here. Questions? Contact Katherine at ksundgren@unl.edu.
Tips for Entering Static Exhibits
- How to Prepare Photographs for Exhibit in 4-H at Fair - https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/dixon/HowToPreparePhotosForFair.pdf
- Home Environment - Supporting information is preferred for all Home Environment exhibit. Tag templates can be found at http://go.unl.edu/ne4hhomeenvironment
- First Aid Kit Tips https://lancaster.unl.edu/4h/fair/2018/FirstAidKit.pdf
- All food items need to have a recipe included.
- Some Clothing items (including tie dye) need a Design Data Card must be included with this project. The design data card is available here.
Selecting and Preparing Vegetables, Herbs and Fruits for Exhibit - http://4h.unl.edu/4hcurriculum/preparingvegetabesherbsandfruit
4-H Preparing Cut Flowers for Exhibits - https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/central4/PreparingCutFlowers.pdf
Canning Tips for Food Preservation - https://go.unl.edu/canning
Visual Arts Supporting Info. sheet: here.
Entering the Special Garden Project - Mrs. Burns Lemon Basil
Plant Science - Department G
Division 775 – Special Garden Project
CLASS 1 SPECIAL GARDEN PROJECT EDUCATIONAL EXHIBIT (Scoresheet SF109) Educational exhibit based on what was learned from the project. Present information on a poster 14” X 22” either vertical or horizontal arrangement or in a clear plastic report cover. The 4-H member’s name, age, and county must be on the back of the poster or report cover.
CLASS 2 SPECIAL GARDEN PROJECT FRESH CUT FLOWERS, HERBS OR HARVESTED VEGETABLES (Scoresheet SF109) The current years’ Special Garden Project fresh herbs should be entered in this class.
There should be 5 stems exhibited in a clear glass container of water. Learn more tips about harvesting herbs at: https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/platte/Fair/Selecting%20Preparing%20Vegetables%20Fruits.pdf
Ongoing Programs
Participate in the Quilts of Valor Program
The Douglas-Sarpy 4-H program would like to encourage our youth to participate in the Quilts of Valor program.
A Quilt of Valor® (QOV) is a quality, handmade quilt that is machine or hand quilted. It is awarded to a Service Member or Veteran who has been touched by war. The Quilt says unequivocally, “Thank you for your service and sacrifice in serving our nation.”
4-H members and volunteers can work alone or in groups to make the quilts. Perhaps you can find someone who will help donate fabric, batting or machine-quilting to complete your project. You may want to contact a service organization or other donors in your community to help provide funds for the Quilt of Valor. Learn more about the program at
https://4h.unl.edu/documents/Quilts%20of%20Valor%20State-wide%20Challenge%20GUIDELINES.pdf
Diamond Clover Program
4-H Chicken BBQ Contest at the Nebraska State Fair
When: Sunday, August 27, 2023
Where: Raising NE Building, NE State Fair, Grand Island
Must sign-up by State Fair 4-H Contest Entries Deadline — August 10, 2023 NSF 2023
Rules: https://4hfairbook.unl.edu/fairbookview.php/contests/58
Superintendent: Sheila Purdum, spurdum2@unl.edu
2023 Virtual Video Companion Animal Showmanship Contest!
This is a FREE contest for youth with any sort of companion animal that can compete in and get feedback from our judges. Videos should be recorded at the youth’s home and submitted following the instructions outlined below. Submissions for registration with video entries are from July 1st, 2023 to August 14, 2023 (entry deadline) at 5pm CST.
For more information and to find the online entry form: https://4h.unl.edu/companion-animal-showmanship-contest
4-H Dates
July 7 - Fashion Show Sign Up Due
July 11, 5:30 - 4-H Tack Cleaning Workshop
July 12, 2023, 3:30-7 pm - Rocket Launch
July 14 - Summer Embryology Ends
August 1, 2023 - Fair Entry Day
- August 2-6, 2023 - Sarpy County Fair
- August 10 - State Fair Animal Entries Due
- Aug. 25 - Sep. 4, 2023 - Nebraska State Fair
- Oct. 4 - Douglas-Sarpy Discount Day at Vala's Pumpkin Patch (more details to come)
Learn more
Leader Newsletter - Check out all the issues here.
The Nebraska 4-H Glossary https://4h.unl.edu/glossary
4-H Shooting Sports information can be found here.
Start a club: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/18S0FvDS90FXh_xsP5s-NSD3DKu1gVlx0?usp=sharing
New Member Handouts (Drive folder)
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1atu4VKDHTYukncs9_gVpRwPTY4MvbuRe?usp=sharing
New Member Guidebook
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1j99YzlGpClOexfXZDJJrouP9USUTtVn_/view?usp=share_link
Nebraska Extension in Douglas-Sarpy Counties
Submit your community service project at 4h.unl.edu/csps
Email: douglas-sarpy4h@unl.edu
Website: www.douglas-sarpy.unl.edu
Location: 8015 West Center Road, Omaha, NE, USA
Phone: 402-444-7804
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/douglassarpy4h
Accommodation requests related to a disability should be made to Douglas-Sarpy County Extension at 402-444-7804 or douglas-sarpy@unl.edu
Nebraska Extension education programs abide with the non-discrimination policies of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and the United State Department of Agriculture.