4-H Friday Newsletter

Friday, May 22, 2026

The Extension office will be closed on Monday, May 25, in observance of Memorial Day. Normal business hours will resume on Tuesday, May 26. We wish you a meaningful and restful holiday.

The Welcome 4-H club will be hosting the 34th semi-annual free rummage. You heard that right, all items are free of charge. If you have items you would like to donate you may contact Bonnie Buxton at bonitabuxton@yahoo.com. Shopping will be on Thursday, May 28th from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Friday May 29th 8:00 a.m. till 1:00 p.m. at Lighthouse Christian Church, 401 S. National Ave in Fond du Lac.

Photos from the May meeting

Enter your creation in the Statewide LEGO Build Challenge by June 1st at go.wisc.edu/96x8z9! This month's theme is Vehicles. Youth members and adults are encouraged to share their designs and be eligible to win some great prizes.

Have you ever wondered what it takes to grow a pumpkin that weighs over 1,000 pounds? Now’s your chance to find out! Join us on May 28 at 5pm where you’ll learn directly from experienced Giant Pumpkin Growers about their techniques, process, challenges, and the pure joy of growing these backyard giants.

Featured Speakers include Mike Schmit of Wisconsin Giant Pumpkin Growers (WGPG) and Charlie Meyers, a A 12-year-old grower who produced an incredible 1,400+ lb pumpkin!

Bonus for attendees: Seeds and plants will be available, courtesy of the Wisconsin Giant Pumpkin Growers—so you can start growing your own giant! In partnership with Fond du Lac Festivals

Don’t miss this fun, educational opportunity—perfect for gardeners of all ages and experience levels!

Please continue to check the MLC calendar on the Fond du Lac County Fair website

Join us for the A Special Final Drive at the 2026 Fond du Lac County Fair! A Special Final Drive participants will have the opportunity to experience showing a pig, market goat or lamb! Mentors will receive two Market Livestock educational points for their efforts.

WHO: Market Livestock Exhibitors interested in mentoring an individual with an intellectual or physical disability to show a pig, market goat or lamb.

WHEN: Saturday, July 18, 2026

Sign up at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf6BStdUTvM-DwRyn9J8qkyRho9Qc6UlF8D2iQ6_kBIQqYGDA/viewform?usp=publish-editor

Dairy ID information is due when your fair entries are due, June 17! Each animal that you enter must have a Dairy ID on file for our records. We also use this information to create the showbook for the fair.

Dairy ID Entry Link: https://forms.gle/sHbNxHmDEKNYtRsF6

In other recent news, Wisconsin DATCP has announced that it will no longer require milking females to be tested for HPAI (bird flu) before being transported to a fair or exposition.

While I know that many of you have completed your showmanship requirement to exhibit at the fair, I know some may be looking for some alternative dates for a showmanship workshop. We will be looking at planning another in person event within the county in the next few weeks. If you have competed in any showmanship contest at a breed show since last year's fair, that would also fulfill your requirement. Please contact Sarah if you have any questions.

Sarah Loehr, Forest Ridge Holsteins
sarahloehr24@gmail.com
608.792.7013

Register by May 30th to receive a camp shirt!

A new family fair orientation will be held on Wednesday, June 3 at 6:00pm. Topics covered include: entering projects at the fair, important dates to remember, how judging works at the fair, and answering any questions families may still have. If interested, please register by Friday, May 29 so we know how many people to expect: go.wisc.edu/tv23f5

Wednesday, June 17 at 6 pm at Marian Stayer Center

4-H members and community youth of all ages are invited to create a food item using this year's theme: Cherries! Youth also set one place setting to showcase the dish along with a recipe card, placemat or tablecloth, and a centerpiece. Register through 4-H Online by June 12.

Not sure what Foods Revue is all about? Youth can also attend the event to check it out!

Spend Your Summer Making an Impact! 

We’re hiring a PAID 4‑H Summer Intern to help plan and lead exciting summer programs throughout Fond du Lac County!

If you love working with youth and want real-world experience in Positive Youth Development, this opportunity is for you. 4‑H knowledge is a plus—but not required!

Funded by the Fond du Lac County 4‑H Leaders Association

Apply Here before May 26! 

Join us for an engaging and informative session designed to help parents, caregivers, and community members explore the many ways to get involved in Fond du Lac County 4-H. Whether you have a little time or a lot, there are meaningful volunteer opportunities for every interest, skill, and schedule.

In this interactive session, you will:
* Learn about a wide range of volunteer roles—from one-time events to ongoing leadership
* Discover how your unique talents can support youth and strengthen our 4-H community
* Participate in a fun “Find Your Fit” activity to match your interests with opportunities
* Leave with clear, simple next steps to get involved

This session is designed for both in-person and virtual participants and will include interactive elements for all. No experience needed—just curiosity and a willingness to explore!

Please indicate which date you will be joining us at go.wisc.edu/findyourfitin4h
Wednesday, June 3, 10-11 am, Fond du Lac County Campus (FCC)- Deadline to Register May 29
Sunday, June 7, 7:30-8:30 pm, Virtually- Deadline to Register June 3
Tuesday, June 9, 6-7 pm, Fond du Lac County Campus (FCC) - Deadline to Register June 5

*Details will be sent with your training confirmation. A minimum of 4 participants will be required for the training to be held.

Youth in grades 12 & 13, please complete this graduation survey by Friday, June 26 to indicate whether you will be graduating or staying with the 4-H program one additional year. This also helps us have an accurate program and materials for graduation.

Save the Date for 4-H Graduation on Sunday, July 19th at 2pm at the Fond du Lac County Fair  in the Expo building.

Archery Project Meetings - Tuesdays & Thursdays, 5:30-7:30pm at Izaak Walton League

Dog Project Classes - Thursdays, 5pm at FDL Co Fairgrounds Rec Center

LEGO Club - May 26, 6:30pm, Fond du Lac County Campus

Junior Master Gardeners - May 28, 4pm, Fond du Lac County Campus

Giant Pumpkin Growing Workshop - May 28, 5-6pm, Fond du Lac County Campus

Dog Project Classes - Thursdays, 5pm at FDL Co Fairgrounds Rec Center

New Family Fair Orientation - June 3, 6:00pm at FDL County Fairgrounds Rec Center

Find Your Fit in 4-H Volunteer Session - June 3, 10-11 am, Fond du Lac County Campus

Find Your Fit in 4-H Volunteer Session - June 7, 7:30-8:30 pm, Virtually

Find Your Fit in 4-H Volunteer Session - June 9, 6-7 pm, Fond du Lac County Campus (FCC)

Junior Master Gardeners - June 11 & 25, 1pm at the Fond du Lac County Campus

Wildlife Club - June 11, 6pm at the Fond du Lac County Campus

Foodie Camp - June 15-17, 9am-3pm, Fond du Lac County Campus - Register through 4H Online by June 8

Foods Revue - June 17, 5pm, Marian University

County Fair Entries Due June 17 by 11:59pm

TLA Meeting - June 22, 6:45pm at Rolling Meadows Meeting Room

LEGO Club - June 23, 6:30-8:00pm at the Fond du Lac County Campus

Cloverbud Day Camp: Foodie Camp - June 24, 9am-3pm, Fond du Lac County Campus - Register through 4H Online by May 30 to receive a camp t-shirt

Around the World Camp - June 29-July 1, 9am-3pm, Fond du Lac County Campus - Register through 4H Online by June 22

  Tracy Keifenheim

4-H Program Educator

tracy.keifenheim@wisc.edu

Sarah Stevenson

4-H Program Assistant

sarah.stevenson@wisc.edu

 Misty Jimenez

4-H Associate Educator

misty.jimenez@wisc.edu

UW Extension Fond du Lac County
160 South Macy St, 2nd floor
Fond du Lac, WI 54935
(920) 906-4623

http://fonddulac.extension.wisc.edu/4h/

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