May 2025

(published May 13, 2025)

All 4-H Club and Countywide Project Leaders, 4-H Event/Activity Chairpersons or Organizers: Contribute to the articles posted monthly by completing a short form and uploading your article or photos using link: https://forms.gle/xwa8JP9c49qDMAHq5

NOTE: Articles for the current monthly newsletter, must be submitting by 2 pm. on the Monday before. Newsletter is published on the 2nd Tuesday of the month. Any photos submitted with youth, must be identified for photo release.

As we dive into another month of learning, growing, and leading, I want to take a moment to reflect on something at the heart of everything we do in 4-H: belonging.

In Ozaukee County 4-H, belonging is more than just being part of a club—it's the feeling of being seen, heard, and valued for exactly who you are. It’s found in the smiles exchanged during project meetings, the encouragement shared at the fairgrounds, and the traditions that make each club unique.

Our leaders create belonging by welcoming new families with open arms, listening to young voices, and setting the tone for inclusive, respectful spaces.

Our members foster belonging by teaming up to help one another, cheering each other on, and showing kindness in small, everyday moments.

Our supporters—volunteers, parents, alumni, and partners—strengthen belonging by showing up, investing time and resources, and believing in what 4-H makes possible for youth.

Together, we make 4-H a place where every young person feels like they matter. And when youth feel like they belong, they’re more confident, more engaged, and more likely to grow into the leaders our world needs.

Thank you for everything you do to build that sense of belonging. It truly starts with you.

Let’s keep Making the Best Better!

- Thanks, Abi, 4-H Educator - Ozaukee County 4-H 

4-H Base Camp is at full capacity. However, Adventure Camp still has limited availability for interested 4-H youth in grades 7-9. Come have fun at Adventure Camp! Registration is open until May 30th or when capacity is met.

Want to know more about Adventure Camp?
Visit the Ozaukee County 4-H Summer Camp webpage or contact Abi Quinlan, 4-H Program Educator, at abi.quinlan@wisc.edu.

Registration Fee Reminder: Any camper who has not paid their registration fee, please submit payment to the Extension Ozaukee County office by May 30th to ensure your spot.

4-H members!  Start working on that special project to consider selling at the 2025 Ozaukee County Fair 4-H Project Auction. 90% of proceeds will go to the youth.  10% will go to the Leaders Association to support the 4-H program.

Items to be considered for the auction must be entered at this year's county fair and receive a blue ribbon.  No Cloverbud or Exploring projects, posters, or perishable items (food, flowers, live plants, etc.) are eligible.  

Application will be available near the exhibition building entrance on Thursday and Friday, July 24 and 25, to be completed after your projects have been judged.  Please be prepared to give an estimate of the project costs. 

10 to 15 items will be chosen for the auction by an impartial judge based on craftsmanship and appeal to bidders.  The auction will be completely online and will begin on Wednesday, July 30th through Sunday, August 3.

Get started creating and spread the word about the 2025 online 4-H Project Auction at the fair!

Any questions?  Contact Laura Prahl (lprahl@oz4hleaders.org) or Amy Gierach (abgierach@yahoo.com call or text 262-242-1550)

- Submitted by Laura Prahl, 4-H Volunteer, Ozaukee County 4-H Leaders Association Board

A heads up to 4-H families that more information about 4-H volunteer shifts at County Fair and sign-up links for the various volunteer areas will be available on Friday afternoon, May 16th. Please watch your email for more information at that time. 4-H at County Fair webpage will also have updated information posted. Thanks!

You are invited to the attend the Ozaukee County 4-H Leaders Association meeting on May 15 from 7:30-9:00 pm at the Ozaukee County Fairgrounds, Pavilion North in Cedarburg.

The Ozaukee County 4-H Leaders Association members encompass Ozaukee County 4-H members, volunteers, leaders, and families. We work together to expand and enrich the 4-H experience in the Ozaukee County 4-H Program. Together, we plan countywide 4-H activities, events, and fundraisers.

Leaders Association Board will submit a meeting agenda that will be posted on the Leaders & Volunteers page of the website once submitted.

We look forward to seeing you at the May meeting!

Final call for 4-H Clothing Orders! Sport this year's winning design on the green gear. This order will provide 4 item options to order: a short-sleeve t-shirt for $9.00, a long-sleeve t-shirt for $15.00, a crew neck sweatshirt for $22.00, or a hooded sweatshirt for $26.00.  Please add an additional $3.00 per item for any item ordered that is 2X-Large and up. 

ORDER DEADLINE is Friday, May 23rd. 

Pick-up items at the June Leader's Association Meeting, or items will be given to your general leader at that time if you are not in attendance.

Write your check and provide your payment to your club general leader after you complete the below google form OR the paper form if you prefer.

Google Form Link: 2024-25 4-H Clothing Order 

Hard Copy Google Document: 2024-25 4-H Clothing Order Paper Form 

Questions? Please contact Deanna Lee via text at 262-352-2109 or email at d_r_lee@yahoo.com.

- Submitted by Deanna Lee, 4-H Volunteer, Ozaukee County 4-H Leaders Association Board

Newer families to Ozaukee County 4-H are invited to attend the upcoming New Family Fair Orientation! Come get familiar with all things 4-H related at county fair! The whole family is welcome to participate in this FREE event.

Tuesday, June 3rd, 2025, 6:30-8 PM at Ozaukee County Fairgrounds Pavilion, Cedarburg

Fair Entry Information: Learn how to enter your exhibits and receive help with online entries for this year’s fair.

Tour the Fairgrounds: Guided tours of areas to pick up entry tags for projects, where judging is held and where your projects will be displayed.

Practice Judging: Try our face-to-face judging just like at the fair. Bring a non-live animal project you made this year to show and tell with the judge.

Hands-on Activities: Make a simple hands-on project.

Help with Record Books: Get information on preparing your record book and see completed pages.

Please register by May 27th at link: 2025 New Family Fair Orientation

- Submitted by Carol Boehlke, 4-H Volunteer, Committee Chair

Attention 4-H Youth and Adults! The New Family Fair Preview (NFFO) is set for Tuesday, June 3rd from 6:30-8:00 pm at the Ozaukee County Fairgrounds, Pavilion. Many hands are needed to ensure a smooth event and to help give our new 4-H Families a positive experience and prepare them for the upcoming County Fair!  Come help us and sign-up today for a wide variety of volunteer positions.

Please consider volunteering and sign-up using link: 2025 NFFO Volunteer Sign-up

- Submitted by Carol Boehlke, 4-H Volunteer, Committee Chair

All campers and parents/guardians should plan to attend our Summer Camp orientation! Campers and one parent/guardian need to attend. You will learn about what to pack and what to expect at camp. Campers will have the opportunity to meet camp staff and counselors, and learn more about the camp experience.

Two dates to choose from! RSVP for one...

Option 1: June 5, 2025 at Ozaukee County Administration Building, Port Washington from 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

OR

Option 2: June 26, 2025 at Pavilion, Ozaukee County Fairgrounds, Cedarburg from 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.

Please RSVP so we can prepare enough materials: https://forms.gle/NZuA1DWjrh6h2wt89 or call the Extension office to let us know you're coming: 262-284-8288.

If you are unable to attend, please contact the Extension office so that orientation materials can be provided to you after the event.

Would you like a fun way to raise money to use towards a 4-H club, group, or project or maybe money to put towards a 4-H trip? The Port Washington Farmers Market 4-H brat fry is a fun way to do it! It only takes a few hours on a Saturday and you can do it with a small group of volunteers.  It takes 2 adults and 2-4 youth to run the stand. Everything is provided for you, all you need to do is set up the booth and cook the meat. Everyone loves supporting the booth and 4-H program. If you have any questions, please contact Christie Dieringer at 262-707-1960 or Frontfiveacres@gmail.com. 

More information and sign-up is available using link: 2025 4-H PWFM Brat Stand

*New Coordinator Needed: Shadow me this year! I would like to find someone to take over coordinating the brat fry at the Port Farmers Market. If anyone would be interested in taking this over or form a committee to take it over, please contact me for more information about what is involved. Christie Dieringer, 262-707-1960 or Frontfiveacres@gmail.com 

- Submitted by Christie Dieringer, 4-H Volunteer Event Coordinator

WE STILL NEED HELP especially for Sunday, June 29th for the Strawberry Festival Lemonade stand.

Please SIGN-UP BELOW and join us for this EASY & Fun Community Event!  

4-H partners with the Cedarburg Festivals Committee to run one of the lemonade stands during the Strawberry Festival & Wine & Harvest Festival.  This is a fundraising event that provides the Oz Co 4-H Leader's Association funds to support our 4-H youth programming and scholarships.  The best part is all we have to do is show up, set-up the supplies they provide & be a welcoming & efficient sales team!  

This is fun for the whole family to do together!  We have created shorter shifts, so plan to sign-up for one or more shifts -- whatever fits in your family schedule!  Please wear a 4-H t-shirt so we can also help promote our amazing organization at the same time!

Our booth is #120, located on Washington Avenue, South of Bridge Road, just North of the store front called Itty Bitty Piggies.  At least 1 adult is needed per shift to be the point person with the festivals staff.  

This is a very well attended event for Cedarburg every year so please plan in advance to secure street parking, or to use the hay wagon ride from Fireman's Park in Cedarburg (the fairgrounds).

Thanks in advance for taking a moment to assist in our community while also fundraising for your future 4-H events!  If you have any questions feel free to reach out to Deanna Lee via email at d_r_lee@yahoo.com or call/text at 262-352-2109 or Lisa Fellenz at cavilady@yahoo.com  or 262-352-7880.

Together Everyone Achieves More!

4-H Lemonade Stand sign-up link: 2025 Lemonade Stand Help Sign-up

- Submitted by Deanna Lee, 4-H Volunteer, Ozaukee County 4-H Leaders Association Board

For the convenience of our 4-H families, we’ve gathered all 4-H related Ozaukee County Fair information in one place on our website: 4-H at the Ozaukee County Fair. Please check there for the most current information. Plus, there's a great article included below on fair reminders for 4-H'ers that you should read too!

Check out the Ozaukee County Fair website for all things fair-related: https://www.ozaukeecountyfair.com/ 

Attention new 4-H families: Wisconsin 4-H put together a great resource all about the Fair: Exploring 4-H for New Families: Making memories at the Fair

Did you sign up for the Tuesday, June 3, at 6:30pm New Family Fair Orientation at the Ozaukee County Fairgrounds Pavilion? Register here: RSVP New Family Fair Orientation or call the Extension office at 262-284-8288 by May 27th.

July 24-25: Face to Face Judging dates for non-animal 4-H projects. 

Reminders & Mark Your Calendars!

4-H Clover Café: New Committee Member Meeting - May 16th. Anyone interested in learning more about the Clover Café and joining the committee, please plan to attend! Join us on May 16 at 6:00 pm in the kitchen of the South Pavilion at the Ozaukee County Fairgrounds. This café at the county fair is a long-standing 4-H tradition, raising essential funds for our 4-H youth programs.

Fairgrounds Reservations-Digital Form. Reminder that 4-H leaders must submit this Google Form to reserve the Ozaukee County Fairgrounds space for upcoming events. Once you’ve submitted the form, county staff will review it and either approve your requested date(s) or, if unavailable, propose alternatives. Any previously approved events remain valid, but all new reservations must follow the updated process.

4-H Leaders Association Board: Adult & Youth Leaders Needed! Are you passionate about positive youth development and eager to shape the future of Ozaukee County 4-H? The Ozaukee County 4-H Leaders Association is seeking adult and youth board members to help enhance the 4-H experience for local youth. Applications are due this fall. For more details, please reach out to Debbie Poull at president@oz4hleaders.org.  

Adults must be approved volunteers to be actively leading projects or working with 4-H youth. If you are not a current approved volunteer this year, you can not serve in your 4-H volunteer role. Questions about your enrollment or status? Log into your 4HOnline account to check status OR call the Extension office at 262-284-8288.

Harbinger Newsletter Published Monthly. The 4-H Harbinger newsletter is published monthly on the second Tuesday of each month. Please adjust your 4-H club, group, and project announcement schedules as needed. 

The 2025 Ozaukee County 4-H Dog Show was held on Saturday May 10, 2025 in the Ozaukee County Fairgrounds Show Arena. Congratulations goes out to all the Ozaukee County 4-H Dog Project members that competed at the show and for completing a successful year of dog training! 

A special congratulations goes out to the following youth who placed in the Top Honors of the show: 

Showmanship: Top Showman: Sarah H. 

Obedience: Highest Scoring Dog: Josie P. , Second Highest Scoring Dog: Jack H. 

Thank you to all the parents and youth that helped with the set up and the take down of the Dog Show. All of your help was greatly appreciated! 

We look forward to seeing you all at Summer Training! 

- Submitted by Alycia Kringel, 4-H Volunteer Dog Project Leader

Recently The Haunt Scholarship Committee named the 2024-2025 Haunt Scholarship award recipients. Congratulations goes out to the following Ozaukee County 4-H Youth:

- Makenna G. with Town and Country 4-H Club, received a $1,150 scholarship.

- Judy J. with Little Kohler 4-H Club, received a $1,150 scholarship.

- Paige K. with Lakeview 4-H Club, received a $1,100 scholarship.

- Alaina J. with Cloverleaf 4-H Club, received a $950 scholarship.

Thank you for all of your participation and hard work through the years!

The Haunt Scholarship is awarded to any current member of Ozaukee County 4-H who have worked at The Haunt and are pursuing higher education.

- Submitted by Michelle Kringel, 4-H Volunteer Event Committee Member

A Big Thank You to all the volunteers for the Cops & Kids Face Painting, tattoo & bubble station!  The event went well and the Sheriff’s department was thankful for our partnership!  In 2026 the Ozaukee County Sheriff’s Department will be hosting the National Night Out instead of the Cops & Kids event and looks forward to us partnering with them at a date and time yet to be determined.  Please keep watching your Harbinger for details.

Thanks Again!

Deanna Lee & Nicole Simon

- Submitted by Deanna Lee & Nicole Simon, 4-H Volunteer Coordinators

There are some significant changes in the 2025 4-H Youth Judging Schedule. All projects entered in Departments Y-10 Animal & Vet Science, Y-13 Cats, Y-14 Plant & Soil Science, Y-15 Flowers & Houseplants and Y-16 Natural Sciences will be judged on Thursday, July 24, 2025. This is a change, as these projects are typically judged on the Friday before Fair. Please note this important change. This includes projects entered in Vet Science, Pet Project, Cavy Project, Self Determined Animal Sciences, Crops, Vegetables, Fruit, Herbs, Horticulture, Self Determined Plant & Soil Sciences, Houseplants, Flowers, Home Grounds, Astronomy, Fishing, Insects, Trees/Forestry, Wildflowers/Native Plants, Wildlife & Environmental Ecology, Recycling, Archery & All Shooting Sports, Adventures, Reptiles, Birds, Motor Adventures, Taxidermy, Weather, Science-Wisconsin Agriculture, Self Determined Environmental Education and Bees. 

Click here to view the 2025 Judging Schedules: https://www.ozaukeecountyfair.com/judging-schedule 

- Submitted by Jody Brzezinski, Ozaukee County Fair Board Secretary

Ozaukee County Fair 4-H News & Reminders

The on-line entry system known as ShoWorks is open and ready for your entries! All projects must be registered in ShoWorks by July 1, 2025. No late entries will be accepted. Please remember to consult the 4-H Youth Premium Book to be sure you are entering correctly, and the 4-H Judging Schedule, so as not to miss your project judging. Here is the link to enter: https://www.ozaukeecountyfair.com/4-h-open-class-school-art-entries

Here is the link to the 4-H Youth Judging Schedule: https://www.ozaukeecountyfair.com/judging-schedule 

Entry Tags can be picked up in the Expo Building on Thursday, July 24th and Friday, July 25th from 1-6 pm. There will be string and tape available to attach the tags to your projects. After the conclusion of 4-H Judging on Friday, July 25th, entry tags can be picked up at the Fair Office during the Office Hours of Fair Week.

*The Ozaukee County Fair is requiring Premise ID numbers for any animal entries (except dogs & rabbits). For additional assistance or if you have other questions regarding your entries, first, read your Fair Premium Book.

Face-to-Face Judging is an important educational component to 4-H project work. 4-H Exhibitors that are absent from 4-H Face-to-Face Judging must complete the Project Explanation Form for Absent 4-H Exhibitors to accompany each item entered. *Please be aware that for 4-H exhibitors absent from face-to-face judging, 4-H project awards will be lowered by one full placing, therefore they will not be eligible for special awards. The form is available at: https://www.ozaukeecountyfair.com/4-h-open-class-school-art-entries

Questions? Please contact your Club Leader or email: exhibits@ozaukeecountyfair.com

CHECKLIST FOR ENTRIES:

4-H Clothing Project Members

4-H Clothing Project Members that are participating in the Clothing Revue on Tuesday, June 10 at 6pm in the Ozaukee Pavilion, must register their entries in ShoWorks by June 1, 2025. 

4-H Animal Exhibitors

Additional forms will again be required for all Livestock Exhibitors (Dairy, Beef, Swine, Sheep, Goats, Horse and Poultry). This is to ensure that all exhibitors are compliant with Animal Health Certification Requirements for Wisconsin DATCP and following the code of ethics. Forms (2 pages) must be completed and turned in to the appropriate Animal Superintendent (or their designee) upon check-in at the Fair. Exhibitors that do not comply, will not be allowed to exhibit at the Fair and the animal(s) will not be allowed on the grounds. The forms can be found on the Ozaukee County Fair Website: https://www.ozaukeecountyfair.com/4-h-open-class-school-art-entries

*Additional requirement for 2025 (same as 2024): Lactating dairy cattle that are brought to the Fair must be accompanied by a negative test result for avian flu from a test taken within 7 days of movement to the Fair. 

Please contact your club leader or email questions to: exhibits@ozaukeecountyfair.com

4-H Foods Project Display

4-H Foods Project exhibits will remain on display at the Fair this year with the exception of soups, stews and main dishes.  Paper plates and ziploc bags will be provided for display of all items, and the entry tag and recipe will be attached to the outside of the bag.  On project pickup at the end of the Fair, the foods will be discarded and the recipe and entry tags can be picked up by the exhibitor.  All Cake Decorating entries will be on display at the Fair.

Please contact the Fair with further questions: exhibits@ozaukeecountyfair.com 

iPad Training/Refresher

iPads will be used for the Building Superintendents/Clerks to enter judging placements. If you are a Superintendent, or volunteer to clerk, a brief training meeting will take place at the Ozaukee Pavilion in July.

Please contact the Fair with further questions: exhibits@ozaukeecountyfair.com 

Picnic Tables & Benches

The Ozaukee County Agricultural Society is offering personalized picnic tables and benches again this year that will be used during the Ozaukee County Fair. You may have seen the tables & benches around the Fairgrounds in the past. The cost for each item is $200, and can be personalized with your club's name, family name, business name or in honor or memory of someone. The personalization is done in plain block lettering. The character limit for tables is 35 letters per line (including spaces), with a limit of 2 lines. The character limit for benches is one line with 30 letters (including spaces). All orders are due by July 1. Please print your order specifications clearly, make checks payable to: Ozaukee County Agricultural Society and mail to the Fair Office at P.O. Box 173 Cedarburg, WI 53012.

Please contact the Fair with further questions: fairdirectors@ozaukeecountyfair.com 

- Submitted by Jody Brzezinski, Ozaukee County Fair Board Secretary

Available parking passes (Reserved passes, Camper passes, and 5 day General parking pass for South End) will be available for sale online at Ozaukee County Fair website ozaukeecountyfair.com/parking at the end of June.  Renewal notices for individuals that purchased a reserved parking pass will be emailed an invoice to purchase their same spot for 2025 (if they choose) at the end of May.  Renewal purchases must be paid within 7 days of receipt to maintain your spot for 2025.

See below for further detail on parking passes.  All available passes will go on sale to the general public at the end of June.

A) 5 Day General Parking Pass for South End: the purchase of these passes will only provide admittance into the parking lot on the south end of the fairgrounds (Gate 1).  When purchasing your pass please complete the field related to '4-H club affiliation' so referral revenues can be shared with your club. Customers purchasing these passes will be responsible to pick up their physical pass from the fair office the Monday or Tuesday before fair.  Bring your email receipt received from purchase.  This Pass does not guarantee entry in the even the South Lot is full. 

B) Reserved Parking:  Customers who purchased a reserved parking pass in prior year will be sent a renewal notice at the end of May to “auto renew” and pay for their same reserved spot again for 2025.  If a customer does not choose to renew within 7 days their spot will be made available for general sale to the public at the end of June.  Customers purchasing these passes will be responsible to pick up their physical pass from the fair office the Monday or Tuesday before fair.  Bring your email receipt received from purchase. 

C) Camper Parking: Camper spots are for animal exhibitors only. Camper placement on the grounds will be ‘first come first serve’.  Campers can arrive the weekend before fair but no later than Tuesday July 29th (placement by horse arena area only). All customers wishing to camp at fair must pay upon placement of their camper (same day) via our online website.  Campers must then display their Camper parking hang tag on their car to demonstrate proof of payment.  Camper parking also includes one vehicle parking pass to allow you to park a vehicle by your camping spot. Customers can pick up these vehicle passes (camper and vehicle) from the fair office the Monday or Tuesday before fair.  Bring your email receipt received from purchase.

For any questions email: parking@ozaukeecountyfair.com

- Submitted by Bret Priaulx, Ozaukee County Fair Board Member

Do you live, work, or play in Ozaukee County? You're invited to participate in a community health survey. Feedback gathered will help community coalitions prioritize how to improve health by developing relevant programs and events.  Share your thoughts by reviewing data and submitting a response at https://wophd.readyop.com/fs/4cs5/c56a6283.  Survey closes June 30th.  

- Submitted by Washington Ozaukee Public Health Department

We are proud to announce the 2025 Ozaukee County 4-H Foundation Scholarship recipients! Best of luck to each of you as you finish your school year and look ahead to the future. Be proud of all you’ve achieved through your 4-H journey—your leadership, dedication, and commitment have not gone unnoticed.

We are also honored to introduce a newly named scholarship this year: the Marvin and Eileen Hoffmann Memorial Scholarship, which celebrates a lasting legacy of support for Ozaukee County 4-H youth.

Congratulations to all of our recipients! You can read more about recipients on the Foundation webpage.

- Submitted by Jaime Jacobson, Ozaukee County 4-H Foundation Coordinator

Join the Ozaukee County 4-H Foundation for a delicious way to support Ozaukee County 4-H! We're thrilled to have all three Ozaukee County Culver's locations—Grafton, Mequon, and Port Washington—participating in this special fundraising night.

Stop by on Tuesday, May 20th, from 5-8 PM, and enjoy your favorite Culver’s meal while making a difference! 10% of all proceeds will be donated to the Ozaukee County 4-H Foundation.

Plus, check out the Flavor of the Day at each location:
🍦 Grafton – Turtle
🍦 Port Washington – TBD
🍦 Mequon – TBD

Don't miss this fun evening for a great cause—we can't wait to see you there!

- Submitted by Jaime Jacobson, Ozaukee County 4-H Foundation Coordinator

Reminder that the online 4-H calendar is the best way to stay on top of the many countywide activities going on throughout the 4-H year. Bookmark it here!

Abi Quinlan, 4-H Educator

abi.quinlan@wisc.edu

Extension Ozaukee County

121 W. Main St.

Port Washington, WI 53074

262-284-8288

To help us serve you, please call for an appointment when coming to the Extension office.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming in compliance with state and federal law.