Sibley County 4-H Newsletter
July 2023 - No Newsletter in August
Final Reminders
Ribbon Auction Bidder Form - If you want to participated in the Ribbon Auction this year, the Ribbon Auction Bidder Form with potential bidder signatures is due in the office on June 30th. You can drop them off and put them in the box on the counter or email a copy of it to mnext-sibley@umn.edu.
Clothing Achievement Day
Clothing Achievement Day is set for Monday, July 17 at the Winthrop City Hall, 305 Main St N, Winthrop on the 2nd floor. We will be judging Fashion Review, Clothing Construction and Quilts starting about noon. Watch for a letter that will be mailed the end of June to all clothing and quilting project members. The public revue will be at 7:00 p.m. at the Warehouse in Winthrop, MN. All 4-Hers and the public are invited to attend.
Demonstration Day and Food Revue
Demonstration Day and the Food Revue is set for Monday, July 17 at the Winthrop City Hall, 305 Main Street, Winthrop. The Food Revue will take place starting at 9:00 a.m. Demonstrations will take place starting at 9:00 a.m. Please register your demonstration or Food Revue in Fair Entry!
Performing Arts, Share the Fun and Fashion Revue
Performing Arts and Share The Fun judging set for Monday, July 17 at The Warehouse, 106 N Carver St, Winthrop. This year we are also combining Fashion Revue with Performing Arts and Share the Fun. All 4-Hers and the public are invited to attend. Please register your Performing Arts in Fair Entry! Please contact the office with the title of your Performance or Share the Fun skit.
County Fair Entry Day
Mark your calendars for TUESDAY, August 1, 2023! This will be the entry day for NON-LIVESTOCK projects. We will have conference judging from 2:00 – 6:00 p.m. on TUESDAY. After judging is over on Tuesday, we will be closing the building and placing the final placings on the projects and will reopen the building WEDNESDAY at 1:00 p.m. At that time you will be able to see the final placings of all the exhibits.
4-H Conference Judging and evaluation is designed to be a learning experience so members may explain their decision and goals relating to their project to those who are evaluating the exhibit. It is also important for youth and families to understand that conference judging is an appropriate time to ask questions of the judge about other possible methods, techniques or solutions to problems encountered when completing the project.
Judges or evaluators will ask 4-Hers questions to perceive the scope of their project activities and understanding of their workmanship in the exhibit. Putting some time into preparing yourself for your evaluation conference or interview will make it an enjoyable and rewarding experience for you. Begin by:
Presenting a neat and clean personal appearance.
Not chewing gum or having other distractions during interview.
Knowing some basic information about your exhibit and project work throughout the year – ask yourself what the judge might ask about your project (sample questions are listed below).
Most non-livestock exhibits are judged 50% on the quality of the exhibit and 50% on the exhibitor’s knowledge. It is very important that members be present for their project evaluation so their knowledge is included in the ribbon placing.
Questions that might be asked in any non-livestock are:
Why did you choose this item for exhibit? Where did you get your idea?
What other items have you made or what other activities have you done in this project area during the year?
What did you learn from your project work and specifically from preparing this exhibit?
How did you make the product?
What was the most difficult thing you encountered in preparing your exhibit? What was the most enjoyable?
What could you do to improve your exhibit?
What are your goals in this project?
What sources did you use in getting information for your exhibit? People, books, etc.
How will you use this information or item? How will you care for it?
ATTENTION: On TUESDAY, August 1, you will NOT BE ALLOWED to enter the main gates of the Fairgrounds (South Gate). You will only be allowed to enter through the WEST GATE (off of Highway 9). There will be no parking allowed past the 4-H Foodstand and Sheep Barns. This will allow for vendors and machinery dealers to deliver their products without us being in their way. These rules will be STRICTLY ENFORCED. Livestock will not be allowed to come into the fair until Wednesday, August 2 – NO EXCEPTIONS. NO livestock will be allowed to be housed on Tuesday.
North Star State Day Camp
Calling all youth grades 2 - 6! Let’s explore Minnesota! Join us in learning all about the North Star State, including geography, wildlife, agriculture, history, and more! This camp is offered to all kids; you do not need to be a member of 4-H to participate. Camp will be held at the Sibley County Fairgrounds in Arlington on Thursday, July 13, 2023 from 9 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.! Sign up through 4-H Online.
County Fair 101
With many newer families to 4-H in recent years, we will be hosting a County Fair 101 on Wednesday, July 19th from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at the Sibley County fairgrounds, 801 West Chandler Street, Arlington. A light supper will be served. Come learn where to find anything you need during the fair, when to arrive at the fair, where all the animal shows are held and get all of your questions answered. Sign up through 4-H Online.
Livestock Demonstration Day
Livestock Demonstration Day will be held at the Sibley County Fair on Thursday, August 3 starting at 2:00 p.m. in the Sheep and Goat Arena. If you win a trip to the State Fair you can earn $30.00 in premiums. Livestock Demonstrations are encouraged using your live animal at the fair. We will try and work around everyone’s schedule. Please register your demonstration in Fair Entry!
County Fair Information
Exhibits can be in different project areas (ex: clothing and crafts & fine arts) or in just one project area or any combination. Cloverbuds are only allowed to bring two livestock exhibits.
A parent/responsible person will be in control of the animal at all times (control means to handle and lead the animal) and Cloverbuds will not be in the show ring with regular 4-Hers. There will be a separate Cloverbud class that will take place during the show.
Cloverbuds is a non-competitive program, which means cloverbuds will receive a “Cloverbud Ribbon” at the County Fair and a flat premium.
Herdsmanship
Once again, Kristie Bauer will be coordinating Herdmanship this year. Each club should submit AT LEAST ONE name of a person that is willing to judge Herdsmanship to her ckcbauer@gmail.com If you have more than one, please feel free to send her those names also. The judge should not be related to any 4-H member they would be judging and should have a basic knowledge of fairs and animals.
Food Stand
ALL families should have received an email asking you to sign up for a shift in the 4-H Foodstand using online Sign Up Genius. Every 4-H family is required to work at some point and time in the Foodstand. Please sign up early to get your wanted times. If you have any questions, please feel free to call Stephanie at 507-237-4100.
Food Stand Clean-Up
NEW - This year's Foodstand Clean-Up will happen on TWO different evenings. We will be cleaning up the Food Stand on Monday, July 24 and Tuesday, July 25 from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. Each club is to have representatives there to help with this task. Clean up will start at 6:00 p.m. at the Fairgrounds in Arlington. Please bring old rags, buckets, brooms, and lots of energy. The Fair Exhibit Building will be cleaned this year by the Ambassadors on Wednesday, July 26.
On Sunday, August 6 each club must have a representative to help clean up the food stand and put everything away for the year at 5:00 p.m.
Stalling Meeting
Stalling will be held on Friday evening, July 28 starting at 6:00 p.m. with Sheep, then Goat, Swine, and finish with Dairy and Beef.
County Fair Help - We Want You!
While you are at the fair, why not volunteer to help out in your favorite area of expertise. The county fair CANNOT run smoothly without volunteers. The general exhibits volunteers can choose between two shifts. The first shift is Tuesday, August 1 from 1:45 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. or the second shift is from 3:45 - 6:15 p.m. Orientation for the judge’s assistants will be held at 1:45 p.m. The jobs include checking in exhibits, record placings and arranging exhibits.
We are also looking for adult volunteers to help rearrange exhibits to make an eye appealing display with all the non-livestock projects after they have been judged on Tuesday, August 1 from 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. Please call the office at 507-237-4100 if you are interested.
Attention Livestock Exhibitors
For the safety and well-being of our fair animals, it is important for us to take good care of them. It is especially important that the public see clean and cared for 4-H animals at the fair. Herdsmanship rules (located in your premium book) are different in all species areas, but we need to be sure that our animals and their area is neat at all times.
The fairboard has asked that we not use any round bales at the fair. They are difficult and messy to use. They also ask that on Sunday night the trucks and trailers not park ahead of time in front of the building. The animals cannot be released before 6:00 p.m. and therefore no vehicles should be taking up that front door space. Also a reminder to use the manure containers for only manure and the garbage containers for only garbage. Thanks in advance for following these procedures!
A good reminder if you have questions about any state requirements regarding dates, ids, and vaccinations, etc. they can be found on the animal science requirements in your past newsletter or by checking the most current state web page at http://www.bah.state.mn.us
Premium Money Distribution
4-Hers can pick up their premium money in cash on Sunday of the fair from 3:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. in the 4-H Building. When arriving, you'll receive a computer print out of your exhibits and awards. It's your responsibility to see that all the information is correct. If there's a mistake, let us know, so we can get it corrected. Go to the cashier and receive your money. You'll sign the permanent record book, verifying that you received your money. Only the 4-Her or a responsible family member can pick up the money. Unclaimed premiums will be totaled up and given to your club's key leader.
Ribbon Auction
THE PURPOSE OF THE RIBBON AUCTION:
Promote the positive development of young people by providing opportunities for leadership and personal growth.
Provide educational interaction between 4-H members and the public that is consistent and fair; allowing buyers to support positive youth development.
Teach young people skills in business management as they understand project investments and expenses through livestock or other project areas.
Reward 4-H members for exhibiting their projects at the County Fair.
Provide 4-H’ers the opportunity to generate funds that will go directly to the Sibley County 4-H Federation to continue current 4-H programs and expand programs in the future for all 4-H members. (20% of the proceeds go to support county-wide 4-H programs including camps and scholarships).
Businesses support our 4-H youth. The auction provides advertisements for businesses.
PARTICIPATION GUIDELINES:
Cloverbuds are NOT eligible for the auction.
Each 4-H youth may sell only one ribbon.
Parents are requested not to bid on their own child’s entry.
Eligible projects: Purple, Blue and Red ribbons for Beef, Dairy,Dog, Goat (Dairy or Meat), Horse, Llama/Alpaca, Poultry, Rabbit, Sheep and Swine or Purple or Blue ribbons for Non-livestock projects.
There will NOT be a cap on Champion or Reserve Champion showmanship ribbons.
There will be a cap for each project area:
Beef, Dairy, Horse - $450 for Grand or Reserve Champion, $400 for Blue, or $250 for Red
Goat, Llama/Alpaca, Sheep, Swine - $400 for Grand or Reserve Champion, $350 for Blue , or $200 for Red
Dog, Poultry, Rabbit - $375 for Grand or Reserve Champion, $325 for Blue, or $175 for Red
Non-Livestock Projects - $200 for Grand or Reserve Champion or $150 for Blue
Animals/Projects will not automatically be sold at the auction - ribbons only. If someone would like to purchase an auction animal, that would have to be done privately after the auction.
Costume Contest
Join the fun! On Sunday, August 6th at 11:30 a.m. in the show arena we will hold a livestock costume contest open to all 4-H members in all livestock species.
Requirements:
Animals need to stay safe and be able to see and breathe clearly.
All animals need to be on a halter or be controlled.
Both the animal and the exhibitor’s costume should complement each other.
Creativity is strongly encouraged.
Fun show – no premiums awarded. Awesome prizes awarded.
We will be asking all entrants to fill out a short bio to read at the contest this year.
Round Robin Showmanship Contest
NEW THIS YEAR - Llama/Alpacas will join the contest. This contest will be held on Sunday afternoon of the fair at 3:00 p.m. in the arena. The top two senior showmanship winners will receive an invitation to participate. Honorable mentions in the senior category will be alternates followed by intermediate champions. They must register by the state fair trip deadline on Saturday noon. Every animal will have adults with them for safety. Directors chairs will be given to the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners.
Gear up for the State Fair
The Minnesota State Fair runs from Thursday, August 24 through Monday, September 4, 2023. Livestock Encampment dates will be Wednesday, August 24 – Sunday, August 28. Our Non-Livestock General Encampment will be Sunday, August 27 - Tuesday, August 29, 2023. A 4-Her must have completed sixth grade to accept a trip to the State Fair. The only exception to this rule is Share the Fun skit members. Check the poster in the 4-H Building to see if you are eligible for a State Fair Trip. If you are, pick up your State Fair Packet from the desk by Saturday at 2:00 p.m. If a member wins several trips and doesn't decide by 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, the trip will be offered to the next in line for the trip. Complete all forms and attend the State Fair Trip Winners Meeting on Sunday at 1:00 p.m. in the 4-H Livestock Show Arena. You MUST attend this meeting if you plan on going to the State Fair.
4-H County Fair Schedule and Important Dates
Tuesday, July 4, 2023 - July 4th Holiday (Sibley County Extension Office Closed)
Monday, July 17, 2023 - Food Show & Demonstrations, 9:00 a.m. - Noon at Winthrop City Hall
Monday, July 17, 2023 - Clothing, Quilting and Fashion Revue Judging, Noon - 4:00 p.m. Winthrop City Hall
Monday, July 17, 2023 - Public Fashion Revue, Performing Arts, and Share the Fun, 7:00 p.m. at The Warehouse in Winthrop
Saturday, July 22, 2023 - Dog Show, 8:30 a.m. at the Sibley County Fairgrounds
Monday, July 24 & Tuesday, July 25, 2023 - 4-H Food Stand Building Clean Up, 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Wednesday, July 26, 2023 - Ambassador 4-H Exhibit Building Clean-Up, 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Tuesday, August 1, 2023 - Non-livestock and Pet Judging, 2:00 - 6:00 p.m. at the Sibley County Fairgrounds
Wednesday, August 2, 2023 - Rabbit Entry Deadline and ID check, 2:00 p.m.
Dairy Entry Deadline, 3:00 p.m.. ID Check, 3:30 p.m.
Sheep Entry Deadline and ID check, 3:00 p.m.
Rabbit Show, 4:00 p.m.
All other Livestock Entry Deadline, 6:00 p.m.
Thursday, August 3, 2023 - Dairy Show, 8:30 a.m.
Lamb Lead and Sheep Show, 8:30 a.m.
Beef ID Check and Weigh-In, 1:30 p.m.
Livestock Demonstration, 2:00 p.m. in the Sheep/Goat Arena
Poultry Show, 4:00 p.m.
Friday, August 4, 2023 - Horse Show, 8:00 a.m.
Goat Show, 8:30 a.m.
Swine Weigh-In, 9:00 a.m.
Beef Show, 1:30 p.m.
4-H Auction Consignment Slips Due, 10:00 p.m. (except for swine members, they are due Saturday at 11:00 a.m.)
Saturday, August 5, 2023 - Swine Show, 8:30 a.m.
STATE FAIR TRIPS MUST BE DECLARED, 2:00 p.m.
4-H Ribbon Auction, 2:00 p.m.
Sunday, August 6, 2023 - Llama/Alpaca Show, 9:00 a.m.
Costume Contest, 11:00 a.m.
State Fair Meeting, 1:00 p.m.
Round Robin Showmanship, 3:00 p.m.
Premium Money Distributed, 3:30 - 5:30 p.m.
Food Stand Clean-Up, 5:00 p.m.
4-H Projects Released, 6:00 p.m.
Monday, August 14, 2023 - State Fair Exhibits Due in the Extension Office by 4:30 p.m.
Wednesday, August 23 - Sunday, August 27, 2023 - State Fair Livestock Encampment
Sunday, August 27 - Tuesday, August 29, 2023 - State Fair Non-Livestock Encampment
Monday, September 4, 2023 - Labor Day Holiday (Sibley County Extension Office Closed)
Contact
Email: mnext-sibley@umn.edu
Website: https://extension.umn.edu/local/sibley
Location: 111 8th Street, Gaylord, MN, USA
Phone: 507-237-4100
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064683819836
Twitter: @UMNExt