4-HERS COMPETE AT ILLINOIS STATE FAIR

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 15, 2009

Ogle County 4-Hers had an award winning experience as exhibitors in the 2009 Illinois State Fair held in Springfield in late August.

Each year, University of Illinois Extension – Ogle County has the opportunity to select and send a number of outstanding 4-H project exhibits to the state fair to compete against the work of 4-Hers from throughout the state. The number of exhibits that can be chosen in individual project areas varies. 4-Hers selected for state competition are determined by volunteer judges during the local county 4-H show. Judges consider both the quality of exhibits and the knowledge 4-Hers share during a short one-on-one interview.

This year, forty-nine 4-Hers entered their project exhibits in the state junior department general projects show as Ogle County 4-H Delegates. All of them traveled to the Illinois State Fair with their project exhibits and participated in conference-style judging. State judges awarded all exhibits an "award of excellence" rosette (A of E). The best of the best were awarded an additional "superior" rating (S). Ogle County 4-H exhibitors and their ratings were as follows:

Several Ogle County 4-H members also took advantage of the opportunity to exhibit their animal projects in the Illinois State Fair Jr. Livestock, Horse, and or Dog Shows, as well. They included: Michael Ring, Joseph Ring, Jill Ebens, Jacob Ebens, Oregon; Casey Martin, Oregon; Brice Hintzsche, Lindenwood; Renee Deuth, Polo; Eileen and Valerie Behan, Caledonia; Kellyn Euhus, Brenna Euhus, and Sarah Krug, Byron; and Cassie Smith and Jennifer Sharon, Forreston.

Ogle County 4-H was also fortunate to have one young lady represent the organization in the 2009 4-H Performance Showcase at the Illinois State Fair. Haley Shores, Freeport, did a vocal performance to Journey's "Open Arms." Haley's performace was selected for the showcase through a statewide audition process.

Congratulations to all of the 4-Hers who represented Ogle County 4-H in Springfield!

4-H is the youth program of University of Illinois Extension. For more information about becoming a member or volunteer, call 815.732.2191 or visit us on-line at www.extension.uiuc.edu/ogle 4-H is open to all youth, ages 5-18 by September 1, 2009! The new 4-H year is starting now!