Hey All,

From local clubs to national stages, Sauk County 4-H youth continue to shine with impressive successes!  I'm thrilled to spotlight two outstanding achievements from our local 4-H youth - 

First, high-five to Briann Brickl, of Prairie Busy Badgers, who submitted a photo to the 2025 4-H Arts Photography Contest and it was chosen as a "Top Ten" winner!  You can see her winning photo below and the other winners here:  Winners of the 2025 WI State 4-H Photography Contest  Great job, Briann! I hope we see more of your creative work in the future!

Paisley Jaquish of Happy Hustlers and Felix Betley of Prairie Busy Badgers recently embarked on an incredible journey to Space Camp in Alabama where they immersed themselves in simulated space missions, astronaut training exercises, and learned about STEM careers. This experience allowed them to develop teamwork and leadership skills while exploring the wonders of space.

Keep up the amazing work, Sauk County 4-H'ers!

Stacy Parsons

4-H Educator

In late April, 4-H'ers and guests from Sauk & Columbia County met at Upham Woods Outdoor Learning Center for the "Monitoring Aquatic Invasive Species Using Environmental DNA (eDNA)" program. Our young scientists collected Wisconsin river samples, extracted eDNA, amplified using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and used electrophoresis to visualize the DNA on a gel.  Stacy Parsons, the Sauk County 4-H Educator reported that their group was the first group to provide accurate results with no false negatives and that everyone did a great job following the protocols and using the biotechnology tools correctly.  She stated "We were looking for evidence of invasive carp in our section of the WI River. Our results came back negative- which is a good thing!"

The Sauk County Fair is looking for volunteers in may different areas.

Click below to volunteer!

Read all the rules of the Fair Book
Read the each department's section of the Fair Book carefully. Some departments have very specific rules, Especially where to place the tag for photo projects, information cards to attach with Legos etc.
All photography exhibits, posters, or wall décor should have a hanger attached, it can be a simple as a pop tabs or paper clips taped to the back.
Garments must have their own closet hanger
Archery targets will be available near the labeling tables.

Exhibits (including any barn decorations, bedding, and general tack) may not be withdrawn or disassembled before 4:00PM on Sunday. See the Fair Book for more detailed explications. Non-livestock exhibits must be picked up by 5:00pm. If you are unable to retrieve your exhibits, make arrangements with someone else from your club or chapter to retrieve them by 5.

Questions?
Fair Office 608-356-8707 info@saukcountyfair.com

Are you looking for your next leadership and travel opportunity? Look no further than National 4-H Congress! This educational experience is set to take place from November 28-December 2, 2025! National 4-H Congress is a five-day Educational Experience held in Atlanta, GA. Congress is the premiere nation-wide event for 4-Hers to network with others from around the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. While at Congress, 4-Hers engage in leadership, citizenship, global awareness, and inclusion. Highlights include educational workshops, exploring the city, international events, community service, educational tours, and the National Congress Gala.

Delegate Requirements:

Columbia County Horse Project
The Columbia County Horse Project is having a Team Fundraiser Show on June 14, 2025 at the Columbia County Fair Horse Arena in Portage.  Cost is $35 per person to show all day (grades 3+ including adults).  Lunch will be available to purchase. 

Follow the Columbia County WI Horse Project Facebook page for more information and updates.

If you are intested in being part of an Avian Team from Sauk County please reach out to Stacy at stacy.parsosn@wisc.edu. We are looking for youth team members and adult advisors! 

If you love poultry, working as a team, and having fun - this contest is for you! Registrations are open for the WI State 4-H Avian (Poultry) Quiz Bowl Contest happening on September 27th at the Columbia County Fairgrounds in Portage, WI. Registrations close September 1st.