Young people at the Perry County 4-H Fair showcased their work in record numbers this year. In July, 859 items and animals were exhibited at the County 4-H Fair shows, the highest number in more than 35 years.
“Perry County 4-H’ers showed what they learned and accomplished for all to see at the 4-H Fair Animal Show on July 20, 4-H Fair Horse Show on July 21, and 4-H Fair and Chicken Dinner on July 31,” said Dianna Koenig, Perry County MU Extension youth program associate. “Champion purple ribbon winners were selected for the Missouri State Fair in Sedalia from project items displayed at the American Legion 4-H Fair & Chicken Dinner. Through the exhibits, 4-H members demonstrate the knowledge, skills and work ethic they have gained for the specific project or interest area they explored.”
According to Koenig, the youth exhibited items and animals representing 54 different project “interest” areas.
“Over 1000 4-H supporters, family members, leaders and 4-H’ers participated in the Perry County 4-H Fair Shows & Chicken Dinner,” she said. “4-H members served 899 people at the delicious “legion” Chicken Dinner held during the event to pay the 4-H Fair expenses and premium money to members.
“In the last 30 years, this is the 13th highest number of people served at the Chicken Dinner. 4-H families provided desserts. American Legion Post 133 has sponsored this sizable event as a youth project for more than 40 years. All proceeds from the Chicken Dinner are paid back to the 4-H members for the ribbons earned at the fair on their project work.”
Koenig explained that a record number of 4-H entrepreneurs marketed their products, practiced their entrepreneurial skills and made money at the Show-Me 4-H Wares event, held for the 15th year during the 4-H Fair Chicken Dinner.
Dresden Donze of the Farrar 4-H Club sold his local Honey & Beeswax lip balm. Elijah Kasten of Farrar 4-H had “Elijah’s Home Plants” (aloe and more); Adeline Buchheit of the Friendly Valley 4-H Club had her “Donut Queen” donuts for sale; “Country Jammin’ Jellies” were sold by Wyatt Holt and Dominic Winningham of the Farrar 4-H Club.
Faith Buchheit of the Country ‘n Camo 4-H Club sold a wide selection of “Faith by Design” items, including handmade crochet earrings, scrunchies and scrubbies. Joshua Southard of the Farrar 4-H Club sold flag stands/holders with his “Joshua’s Patriotic Creations.” Josie Zahner of the Vanguard 4-H Club had homemade slime for sale. Paige Motley of the Country ‘n Camo 4-H sold her coasters, tumblers and earrings. Mackenzie Southard of the Farrar 4-H Club had her “Mackenzie’s Fabulous Fibers” business and sold small pouch bags. Alex Motley of the Country ‘n Camo 4-H Club had 3D-printed sculptures for sale. Landon Zahner of the Vanguard 4-H Club sold 4-H ornaments. “Rylynn’s Majestic Suncatchers” were sold by Rylynn Chaney of the Vanguard 4-H Club, and Gavin Ruehling of the Country ‘n Camo 4-H Club sold his handmade leather items.
4-H members took “center stage” to model what they made at the 4-H Fair Style Show held at American Legion Post 133. 4-H’ers in the style show included Josie Zahner of the Vanguard 4-H Club, who wore the skirt she sewed, Mackenzie Southard of Farrar 4-H in the apron she made, Elijah Kasten of Farrar 4-H with the pajama shorts he produced, Luke Asselmeier from Friendly Valley 4-H Club with a no-sleeve shirt he made; Clara Kasten of the Farrar 4-H Clover Kids modeled a pillowcase dress that was made by her brother Elijah Kasten; Sophia Asselmeier of the Friendly Valley 4-H looked cool in a navy blue skirt she made in clothing; Bella Asselmeier of the Friendly Valley 4-H Club modeled the sea foam blue skirt she made, Dresden Donze, of Farrar 4-H, showed off the ‘Goat Tote’ he made from a recycled feed sack to store all his goat supplies and Josie Zahner completed the show by modeling a second time in the sundress she made in the 4-H Sewing project.
Teen Council President Gradon Ruehling served as the master of ceremonies for the 4-H Fair Style Show.
The coveted “Friend of 4-H” award was presented to Thrivent Financial Advisor Kendra Troncale by Perry County 4-H Council President Natalie Fritsche-Kasten. The award is presented annually in recognition of the support provided to Perry County 4-H by an individual, business or organization.
Teen Council members conducted water balloon toss and old-fashioned games for kids of all ages on the St. Vincent de Paul Quonset Hut lawn on the evening of the Chicken Dinner.
Special “Best of Show” Handmade Green & White Rosette 4-H ribbons were awarded to exhibits judged as “Overall Champions.” These projects demonstrate outstanding quality work and effort relative to standards. The following 13 projects were selected for this top honor from various areas of 4-H project work: Faith Buchheit of the Country ‘n Camo 4-H Club:”Twilight’s Touch Doily” in Crochet; Hunter Hoehn of the Farrar Hawthorne 4-H Club: “Spinner-Bait Bass” in Sport Fishing; Jason Miesner of the Farrar 4-H Club: “Woodburning” in Crafts; Sophia Asselmeier of the Friendly Valley 4-H Club: “Clay Farm” in Visual Arts; Gracie Weinkein of the Farrar 4-H Club: “Purple & White flowers” in Floriculture; Carter Unterreiner of the Mighty Mustangs 4-H Club: “Garden of Gods Siamese Twins” in Photography; Elijah Kasten of the Farrar 4-H Club: “Pillow Cases” in Sewing; Cara Winningham of the Farrar 4-H Club: “4-H Camp” in Leadership; Adeline Buchheit of the Friendly Valley 4-H Club: “Alfalfa” in Agronomy; Rosa Lowes of the Friendly Valley 4-H Club: “Decorated .22 Pistol Case” in Shooting Sports; Mackenzie Southard of the Farrar 4-H Club: “Picture Frame” in Woodwork; Landon Zahner of the Vanguard 4-H Club: “Trunk” in Interior Design; and Wyatt Holt of the Farrar 4-H Club: “Dozen Medium Eggs” in Poultry;
The Purple Champion ribbon is awarded to exhibits of blue-ribbon quality that demonstrate high quality relative to the standards of the project area. Most purple ribbon exhibits are eligible to represent Perry County at the Missouri State Fair. All of the Perry County 4-H members earning Champion Purple ribbons are listed in this article.
The top six State Fair eligible Purple Ribbon Champion Educational Posters selected were Joshua Southard – “Makin’ Bacon” in Country Cured Bacon Project; Cara Winningham – “Cochin Bantams” in Poultry; Carter Unterreiner – “Basics of Diet and Nutrition” in Rabbits Gradon Ruehling – “Ringworm in Sheep” in Veterinary Science; Adeline Buchheit – “Japanese Holidays” in Global Education; and Cara Winningham – “4-H Camp 2024” in Leadership.
Bryce Schmidt, Clayton Lohmann, Adeline Buchheit, Dalton Lohmann and Zachary Buchheit were the champion Purple Ribbon projects in agronomy-field crops.
Champion Purple Ribbon projects in Animals (Educational Displays) were Cat Care by Caitlin Winningham, Horse Knowledge by Leah Grantham, Poultry by Wyatt Holt and Cara Winningham, and Rabbits by Carter Unterreiner. Beekeeping Champion: Dresden Donze.
Arts & Crafts Champion Purple Ribbon winners were Ages 8-10 – Austin Miesner, 2 to Torin Zahner, Hadley Versemann, Reid Bachmann, 3 to Josephine Zahner, 2 to Peyton Versemann, Sophia Asselmeier, Elijah Kasten, 2 to Rylynn Chaney, 3 to Sarah Roberts, Caitlin Winningham, 2to Dresden Donze, Chloe Zahner, and Heidi Miesner.
Ages 11-13 – Emma Taylor, 2 to Sydney Moran, Henry Lohmann, 2 to Annie Buchheit, 3 to Gavin Ruehling, 2 to Jason Miesner, Joey Haley, and 2 to Engel Lohmann.
Ages 14-18 – Alex Motley, Josie Angle, 3 to Max Asselmeier, Faith Buchheit, Rosa Lowes, Eli Lowes.
Arts – Drawing, Fiber Arts & Sculpture: Champions to Hunter Hoehn and Faith Buchheit
Arts – Painting, Printing & Graphics Design: Champions to Elaina Taylor, 2 to Annie Buchheit, Sarah Roberts, Landon Zahner, Mackenzie Southard, Peyton Coffey and Torin Zahner.
Scrapbooking: Champions Engel Lohmann and Henry Lohmann
Cake Decorating Champions: Adeline Buchheit and Gracie Weinkein.
Communications: Cara Winningham
Crochet: Champion Purple Ribbon winners were Anna Rehagen, Leah Grantham, 3 to Faith Buchheit, Elaina Taylor, Peyton Coffey and Adeline Buchheit.
Entrepreneurship: Champion Purple Ribbons to Sarah Roberts
Foods-Cooking: Champion Purple winners were Gracie Weinkein and Teagan Verseman, 2 to Hadley Versemann and Cara Winningham.
Food Preservation: Boiling Water Canning: Champion Purple Ribbons: Wyatt Holt, and 2 to Aubrie Dobbelare, Carter Unterreiner and Adeline Buchheit.
Geology: Champion Torin Zahner
Global Education: Champion Adeline Buchheit
Horticulture: Floriculture: Champion Gracie Weinkein
Horticulture: Novice Gardening: Champions Heidi Miesner, 2 to Rylynn Chaney and Austin Miesner, 2 to Dresden Donze.
Intermediate Gardening: 2 to Hunter Hoehn and Zach Buchheit
Advanced Gardening: Drew Schmidt and 3 to Bryce Schmidt
Interior Design: Champions to Kinsley Lohmann, Aubrie Dobbelare and Landon Zahner
Leadership: Champion to Cara Winningham
Livestock Judging: Leah Grantham
Meats: Country Cured Bacon: Joshua Southard
Photography: Champion State Fair Eligible Purple Ribbons to Novice-Carter Unterreiner, Josphine Zahner, Rylynn Chaney and Dresden Donze; Intermediate, Engel Lohmann and Cara Winningham; and Advanced, Josie Angle, Max Asselmeier and Adeline Buchheit (2)
Other Champion Purple Ribbons went to Sarah Roberts, Caitlin Winningham and 2 to Autumn Petzoldt.
Sewing: Champion Purple Winners: Chloe Zahner, Luke Asselmeier and Josephine Zahner, 3 to Elijah Kasten, Chloe Zahner and Josie Angle.
Shooting Sports: Champion Purple Ribbons: Archery – Practice Targets: Hunter Hoehn, Joshua Southard and Leah Grantham; Archery – Regional/State Shoots: Josephine Zahner, Joshua Southard and Merrick Zahner; Air & Pellet Rifle – Practice Targets: Leah Grantham and Sydney Moran; Air & Pellet Rifle – Regional/State Shoots: Henry Lohmann, Sydney Moran, 2 to George Lohmann and Engel Lohmann; Small Bore Rifle – Regional/State Shoots: Henry Lohmann and Rosa Lowes; Air Pistol – Practice Targets: Elijah Kasten, Anna Grantham and Eli Lowes; Air Pistol – Regional/State Shoots: Henry Lohmann, Mandy Schirmer and George Lohmann, and 2 to Eli Lowes; Pistol – Non-Target: Rosa Lowes; Shotgun: Hunter Hoehn; Smallbore Pistol – Regional/State Shoots: 2 to Eli Lowes; Muzzleloading-Practice Targets: Eli Lowes and Rosa Lowes; Muzzleloading – State/Regional Shoots: Rosa Lowes and Eli Lowes
Sport Fishing: Champion Purple Hunter Hoehn
Theatre Arts: Champion Purple Annie Buchheit
Veterinary Science: Grady Ruehling
Welding: Champion Purple Ribbon Winners Henry Angle
Woodworking: Champion Purple Ribbon Winners: Jason Miesner, 2 to Reid Bachmann, Joshua Southard, Hunter Hoehn, Mackenzie Southard, Dominic Winningham;
4-H Clover Kids is a non-competitive 4-H program for children ages 5-7. Items exhibited are not judged, but all earn a ribbon based on their years of participation.
Clover Kids members exhibiting items were Friendly Valley 4-H Clover Kids Club: 2nd Year – Eleanor Buchheit, Evelynn Taylor; 3rd year – Jillian McDowell; Farrar 4-H Clover Kids Club: 1st Year – Milo Bachmann, Olivia Bachmann, Paisley Brewer, Canton Donze, Landon Fritsche and Clara Kasten; 2nd Year – Mila Bachmann, Waylon Miesner and William Weinkein; 3rd year – Magnolia Meier; Domanik Vernon and Reagyn Vernon; and Vanguard 4-H Club Clover Kids: 2nd Year Jayla Ochs and Daxton Zahner
Educational Booths
Champion Booth: Vanguard 4-H Club with “Put Down The Electronics and Move Across Mo”; Blue Ribbon Booths: Farrar Hawthorne 4-H Club with “It’s Not Just a Fair but a Family” and Friendly Valley 4-H Club
The top sellers of Chicken Dinner tickets were 1st Place: Josie, Torin, Landon, Merrick and Daxton Zahner Family, Vanguard 4-H Club; 2nd Place: Mackenzie and Joshua Southard Family, Farrar Hawthorne 4-H Club; and 3rd Place: Hadley, Petyon and Teagan Versemann Family, Farrar Hawthorne 4-H Club
Teen Council 50/50 Drawing Winner – Max Asselmeier
The Perry County 4-H Fair Animal Show was held July 20 in Altenburg. One purpose of 4-H animal projects is to teach young people how to feed, fit, and show their animals. More importantly, the projects allow the young person to experience personal growth and development.
Clover Kids in the Small Animal Show and Tell for ages 5-7 were: Canton Donze, Farrar Clover Kids, talked about his Turtle; Daxton Zahner, Vanguard 4-H Clover Kids, showed his turtle; Eleanor Buchheit, Friendly Valley Clover Kids, showed her fish, Reagyn Vernon, Farrar 4-H, showed her Corgi; Domanik Vernon, Farrar 4-H Clover Kids, showed her guinea pig; Magnolia Meier, Farrar 4-H showed her rabbit.
Live Animals
Dogs: Champion Canine – Gradon Ruehling, Reserve Champion Mylee Geringer: Obedience Champion: Mylee Geringer and Reserve Champion Gradon Ruehling; Rabbits: Senior Buck Champion – Paula Sticht; Reserve Annie Buchheit; Senior Doe Champion – Autumn Petzoldt; Reserve Colton Coffey; Junior Buck Champion – Samuel Lichtenegger; Reserve Megan Lichtenegger; and Junior Doe Champion – Dresden Donze; Reserve Paula Sticht; Pets: Champion – Mandy Schirmer with her Bearded Dragon; Bucket Calf: Champion Calf – Heidi Miesner; Goats: Champion Meat Goat Doe over 1 year – Peyton Coffey, Reserve Champion – Colton Coffey; Champion Meat Goat Billy under 1 year – Dresden Donze; and Reserve Champion – Peyton Coffey; Champion Meat Goat Doe under 1 year – Bryce Schmidt, Reserve Champion – Dresden Donze; Champion Market Meat Goat – Bryce Schmidt, Reserve Champion – Dresden Donze; Champion Dairy Goat Doe over 1 year – Eme Meier; Champion Dairy Goat Billy under 1 year – Adeline Buchheit, Reserve Champion – Gavin Ruehling; Champion Dairy Goat Doe under 1 year – Zachary Buchheit, Reserve Champ – Adeline Buchheit; and Champion Market Dairy Goat – Adeline Buchheit, Reserve Champion – Dresden Donze; Poultry: Hen Champion – Dresden Donze; Cock Champion – Henry Lohmann; Pullet Champion – Autumn Petzoldt; Cockerel Champion – Zachary Buchheit; Drake Duck Champion – Autumn Petzoldt; Tom Turkey Champion – Torin Zahner; and Hen Turkey Champion – Peyton Coffey; Sheep: Ram Over 1 Year Champion – Henry Lohmann; Ewe Over 1 Year Champion – Autumn Petzoldt; Reserve Ewe Over 1 Year – Henry Lohmann; Ram Under 1 Year Champion – Autumn Petzoldt; Reserve Ram Under 1 Year – Engel Lohmann; Ewe Under 1 Year Champion – Champion – Henry Lohmann, Reserve – Engel Lohmann; Wool Ewe – under 1 year – Gradon Ruehling, Reserve – Gavin Ruehling; and Champion Market Lamb – Gavin Ruehling Reserve – Autumn Petzoldt; Swine: Champion Barrow – Gavin Ruehling; and Dairy: Champion Junior Heifer – Clayton Lohmann; and Champion Intermediate Heifer – Dalton Lohmann.
4-H Fair Showmanship Rosette Winners were Beef – Junior – Afton Palisch; Senior – Ansley Palisch; Rabbits – Junior-Carter Unterreiner; Intermediate – Autumn Petzoldt; and Senior – Paula Sticht; Dogs – Intermediate-Gavin Ruehling; Senior- Mylee Geringer; Pets – Junior Mandy Schirmer; Intermediate – Merrick Zahner; Senior – Mylee Geringer; Poultry – Junior- Mandy Schirmer; Intermediate-Dominic Winningham; Senior – Cara Winningham; Bucket Calf – Jason Miesner; Sheep – Junior George Lohmann; Intermediate Gavin Ruehling, Gradon Ruehling ; Goats – Junior Dresden Donze; Intermediate Gavin Ruehling; Senior – Mylee Geringer; Swine –Intermediate Gavin Ruehling; Senior Gradon Ruehling; and Dairy – Clayton Lohmann
Perry County 4-H members showed their horsemanship skills at the Perry County 4-H Fair Horse Show, held Sunday, July 21, at the new Heartland 4-H Arena on the Perry County Saddle Club grounds. The show was judged on the Danish system, with Blue, Red and White ribbons awarded based on individual learning. Then, Champion 1st and 2nd Place Reserve rosettes were awarded in classes based on comparison to others in the class and/or time.
Recognized were Halter Showmanship Juniors Champion – Kennley Heim; Reserve – Autumn Petzoldt; Halter Showmanship Seniors– Champion Anna Rehagen; Reserve – Mylee Geringer; Western Pleasure-Walk/Jog Champion – Kennley Heim, Reserve – Autumn Petzoldt; Western Pleasure-Trot/Lop Champion – Mylee Geringer, Reserve – Siera Brotherton; Gaited Pleasure Juniors Champion – Peyton Coffey, Reserve – Mandy Schirmer; Gaited Pleasure Seniors Champion – Anna Rehagen, Reserve – Mylee Geringer; English Equitation Senior Champion – Anna Rehagen, Reserve – Leah Grantham; Pole Bending Juniors Champion – Kennley Heim, Reserve – Mandy Schirmer; Pole Bending Seniors Champion – Siera Brotherton, Reserve – Mylee Geringer; Barrels Juniors Champion – Kennley Heim, Reserve – Autumn Petzoldt; Barrels Seniors Champion – Mylee Geringer, Reserve – Siera Brotherton; Trail (Obstacle Course) Juniors Champion – Kennley Heim, Reserve – Autumn Petzoldt; Trail (Obstacle Course) Seniors Champion – Mylee Geringer, Reserve Siera Brotherton; Ranch Rail Juniors Champion – Kennley Heim, Reserve – Autumn Petzoldt; Ranch Rail Seniors Champion – Siera Brotherton, Reserve – Mylee Geringer
“4-H thrives because caring adults get involved to help kids learn, grow and work together in a safe environment,” said Dianna Koenig, 4-H Youth Development Program associate for the Perry County University of Missouri Extension. “I would like to thank all those who helped in any way with this year's 4-H Fair and Chicken Dinner. Enough thanks cannot be given to all the leaders, volunteers and parents who put in so much time and effort by sharing their time and talents with our 4-H members throughout the year.”
According to Koenig, 4-H is open to all youth in both town and rural areas to explore new interests and ideas, meet friends, and have fun while learning leadership, citizenship and life skills. For information about how to participate in year-long 4-H clubs or short-term, focused 4-H SPIN (Special Interest) Clubs, contact Koenig at 573-547-4504 or 573-513-2899.
The 4-H program is coordinated through the Perry County University of Missouri Extension Center. University of Missouri, Lincoln University, U.S. Department of Agriculture & Local Extension Councils are Cooperating Equal Opportunity/ADA Institutions.
