April 2026

(published April 14, 2026)

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: Newsletter article submission form 

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.

April is here, and with it comes the welcome signs of spring, from longer days and warmer weather to fresh energy across our 4‑H community. This season always brings a sense of renewal and excitement, and it’s a wonderful time to reconnect, try something new, and get involved.

As we move into a busy stretch of the 4‑H year, I want to thank our club members, families, and volunteers for the time, care, and enthusiasm you bring to 4‑H. Your commitment helps create meaningful learning experiences and a strong sense of belonging for youth across our community.

This month’s newsletter highlights upcoming opportunities, important reminders, and ways to stay engaged as we head into spring and summer programming. I encourage you to take a few minutes to read through, mark your calendars, and reach out if you have questions or ideas. We’re always glad to hear from you.

Thank you for being an important part of 4‑H. I’m looking forward to a great spring together!

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

April 19 - 25th marks National Volunteer Week! We want to say thank you to the 190+ adult volunteers who donate their time, energy, and resources to making the best better for Ozaukee County 4-H youth.

A big thank you to all the youth who participated in selecting this year’s 4-H Exhibit Fair theme! We appreciate everyone who submitted ideas and shared their voices throughout this process. Your creativity and enthusiasm truly make our fair special!

We’re excited to announce that the 2026 4‑H Exhibit Fair theme: Barnyard Stars and Stripes.

We can’t wait to see how this theme comes to life through exhibits, decorations, and fair‑time fun. Thank you for helping shape an experience that reflects the ideas and spirit of our 4‑H youth!

If you or your 4-H project, group or committee need to request funds from Ozaukee County 4-H Leaders Association for the 2026-2027 4-H fiscal year (July 1, 2026 - June 30, 2027), a budget form is required to be submitted. 

Please submit budget forms via email to Kaitlin at the Extension office at kaitlin.felton@wisc.edu AND treasurer@oz4hleaders.org OR mail/drop off at the Extension Office (121 W. Main Street, PO Box 994, Port Washington, WI 53074) by May 1st deadline.

The budget request form can be found under the 'Leaders Association' section of the Forms page on the website. 

Any questions, please contact Lisa Fellenz, Leaders Association Treasurer, at treasurer@oz4hleaders.org

- Submitted by Lisa Fellenz, Ozaukee County 4-H Leaders Association Treasurer

We’re excited to invite all 4-H members to join us on Saturday, April 18, at the Ozaukee Middle School Gym in Fredonia for the 4-H Volleyball Tournament. Games will begin at 9 AM with the Junior Division, and concessions will be available throughout the day. The tournament includes both Junior (3rd–7th grade) and Senior (3rd–7th grade) divisions.

4-H Leaders - please register teams using the link: Register here!

If you have questions, feel free to reach out to:
Becky: 2626894606 | roden.becky@gmail.com 
Mary: 2626899482 | mjhamm77@gmail.com

- Submitted by 4-H Volleyball Tournament Committee

A reminder to 4‑H families that Ozaukee County 4‑H Summer Camp registration is currently open for 4‑H members. Registration will open to the public on April 23, 2026, so be sure to secure your spot before then.

Base Camp is open to youth in grades 3-6th (current year) and Adventure Camp is open to youth in grades 7-9th (current year). Register online through 4-H Online!

Visit the Camp website, Ozaukee 4-H Summer Camp Info or contact the Extension office if you have questions.

Have you ever wanted to work closely with a teaching artist on a project where you can:

Youth will work in the School of Human Ecology at UW–Madison with a graduate teaching artist from the School of Human Ecology/Design.

This NEW program is for youth who will be in 11th grade next fall.

Dates: June 14–18, 2026; Registration closes April 26th.

Cost: $150 (Includes housing, meals, and supplies for the five‑day, four‑night program.)

Who Should Attend? This program is for any maker who enjoys exploring creative ventures, has a passion for the visual arts, and brings a growth mindset. Youth do not need to plan on becoming a professional artist to attend. Open to both 4‑H and non‑4‑H youth.

Space is limited to the first eight youth who register. For more information, visit website: Summer Academy

We’re gearing up for a fun and engaging season for our youngest 4‑H members, and we need your help to make it happen! This summer, three Cloverbud Day Camps will be hosted in the county, but before registration can open, we must have youth leaders and approved adult chaperones in place.

Serving as a Cloverbud Leader is a flexible and rewarding leadership opportunity. Leaders help guide activities, support positive group experiences, and model what it means to be part of 4‑H. Youth leaders and adults alike are encouraged to consider this role.

If you’re interested in supporting Cloverbuds and helping these day camps move forward, please reach out to Abi, 4-H Educator, at abi.quinlan@wisc.edu soon. Your involvement makes a direct impact, and we truly can’t do this without you!

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!

The 4-H brat fry 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.

Best news? 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 Richard Simon, 4-H Volunteer Lead for Brat Fry, at rls2698@gmail.com.

More information and sign-up is available using link: 2026 OZ 4-H Port Washington Farmers Market Sign Up

- Submitted by Richard Simon, 4-H Volunteer Event Coordinator

Is this your first year in 4-H?

Join us for the New 4-H Family Fair Orientation on Tuesday, June 9th 2026, 6:30-8:00 pm at the Ozaukee County Fairgrounds, Pavilion in Cedarburg. The whole family is welcome to participate in this FREE event.

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 project you made this year to show and tell with the judge.

HAND 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 June 5, 2026 using link: 2026 New Family Fair Orientation

Volunteers needed to make this event a success! Current 4-H families, please consider volunteering and assist our new 4-H families with getting fair ready. Sign-up using link: New Family Fair Volunteer Sign-up

Ozaukee County Fair Dates: July 29-August 2, 2026

Face-to-Face Judging for static (non-animal) exhibits: July 23 and July 24, 2026

- Submitted by Carol Boehlke, 4-H Volunteer Event Coordinator

Sign-Up your family & join us for this EASY and Fun Community Event!  

4-H partners with the Cedarburg Festivals Committee to run one of the lemonade stands during the Strawberry Festival and Wine & Harvest Festival.  This is a fundraising event that provides the Ozaukee County 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 and be a welcoming and 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 typically #120, located on Washington Avenue, South of Bridge Road, just North of the store front called Itty Bitty Piggies.  More details will be provided closer to the event to those that sign-up using the link below.  At least 1 adult is needed per shift.  

This is a very well attended event for Cedarburg every year so please plan in advance to secure street parking or review their website ahead of attending to review your parking options.

Thanks in advance for taking a moment to assist in our community while also fundraising for your future 4-H events!  Your 4-H Leadership team to assist with the Lemonade stand is: Lisa Fellenz, Laura Prahl, Erin Puro and Deanna Lee.  If you have any questions at this time please contact Deanna Lee via email at d_r_lee@yahoo.com or text 262-352-2109.  Thanks!

Together Everyone Achieves More!

Sign up here: 2026 4-H Lemonade Stand

- Submitted by Deanna Lee, 4-H Volunteer Event Coordinator

Reminders & Mark Your Calendars!

Summer Academy: Register by April 26. Youth in grades 8-11 are invited to stay on the UW-Madison Campus for an exciting, hands-on experience at Summer Academy. This Positive Youth Development program helps youth explore career and hobby pathways in various fields like agriculture, STEM, leadership, arts, and more. Visit the Summer Academy website for more information and registration details. Registration is open through 4HOnline through April 26th.

STEAM GAZE: Registration Open. Join Wisconsin 4-H in a full-day, hands-on learning experience for curious and creative youth in grades 3–5. Participants will explore a variety of STEAM topics, including chemistry, environmental science, theater, music, and visual arts, while engaging in activities designed to spark curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving skills. Registration open, check the website for more information.

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.

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.

Thank you to the fantastic youth and adult volunteers and of course the Bunny that helped make the 2026 Jelly Bean Jamboree a success!  Attendance included 91 youth along with moms, dads, grandparents, aunts and uncles.  For some it was their first time attending and others told us they come every year to this fun 4-H activity.  A family that comes from Waukesha told us this was their third year attending our event.  We’d also like to thank our sponsors Circle B Recreation, the Dairy Promotion Committee, Culver’s, Out and Out, the Chocolate Factory, Piggly Wiggly, Big Apple Bagels, and the Ozaukee County 4-H Leaders Association.  We hope to see you at next year’s Jelly Bean Jamboree!

- Submitted by The Jellybean Jamboree Committee

Congratulations to the Ozaukee County 4-H youth that participated recently in the 2026 Tri-County Shoot Tournament held in West Bend. You represented Ozaukee County 4-H well! Thank you to any and all 4-H volunteers who made this event possible!

The results of the tournament are now available on the website: Tournament Results

2026–2028 Ozaukee County Fair Premium Books 

The 2026–2028 Ozaukee County Fair Premium Books have now been published! Because this is the first year of a new three-year book, there are quite a few updates and changes, so please take some time to carefully review the sections related to your project areas.

There are also several changes to judging schedules, so families will want to double check dates and times as you begin planning your Fair week schedule.

The 2026–2028 Premium Books can be found on our website:
https://www.ozaukeecountyfair.com/4-h-open-class-school-art-entries

The updated judging schedules can be found here:
https://www.ozaukeecountyfair.com/judging-schedule

We also recommend checking the judging schedule again closer to the Fair, as exact times may still be adjusted. Below are a few department updates to be aware of:

Dairy
The show will still begin at 8:00am on Friday, July 31, and will begin with Educational Entries.

*Another significant change will be that for safety and security concerns, all unpenned cattle will need to be secured with halters and neck ties. 

Sheep
Check-in moves to Tuesday, July 28 from 4:00-7:00pm
The Sheep Show will begin Wednesday, July 29 at Noon.
The youth show for younger exhibitors, now called “Little Shepherds,” will take place Saturday, August 1 at 11:00am

Goat
Check-in moves to Wednesday, July 29 from 8:00am-Noon.
The Goat Show will begin Thursday, July 30 at 11:00am

Horse & Pony
Educational and Horseless Horse Exhibits will be judged ahead of Fair Week, on Friday July 24from 1:00-6:00pm
Horses must check in before 5:00pm on Thursday, July 31.
Premium Classes will begin Friday, July 31 at 10:00am
Gymkhana Classes will begin Saturday, August 1 at 10:00am
There will not be an Open Show this year.
The Fun Show will take place Sunday, August 2.

Poultry
The show remains on Friday, July 31, but will now begin at 9:00am

Dogs

4-H Dog Project Members must register their entries in ShoWorks by May 1st to participate in the 4-H Dog Show, taking place on Saturday, May 9th at 9am in the Show Arena.

Clothing Members

Just a reminder that the 4-H Clothing Revue takes place a bit earlier this year. The new date is May 26th at 6pm at the Ozaukee Pavilion South. 4-H Clothing Members must register their entries in ShoWorks by May 12th to participate in the Clothing Revue.

If you have questions, please reach out to your project leaders. You can also send an email to: exhibits@ozaukeecountyfair.com 

Our online entry program, ShoWorks, will be opening soon, so watch for additional information on when entry registration can begin!

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

- Submitted by Jody Brzezinski, Ozaukee County Fair Secretary

Students throughout Ozaukee County are invited to showcase their creativity and artistic talents as part of this long-standing Fair tradition. The contest is open to students in K4 through 12th grade, including those in Ozaukee County public & private schools, homeschool programs, and students with special needs.

This is a wonderful opportunity for young artists to have their work displayed during the Fair, July 29-August 2, 2026, and to share their talents with thousands of Fair visitors.

Important Dates:

New this year: Special incentives are being offered for participating schools, making it an even more exciting time to get involved!

We encourage all 4-H families, leaders, and educators to help spread the word. Please share this opportunity with students, teachers, friends, and family members who may be interested. Supporting youth participation helps grow this exhibit and strengthens the creative spirit of our community.

For complete contest details, including the School Art Contest booklet and instructions for registering through ShoWorks, please visit the Ozaukee County Fair website.

Thanks in advance for your help in making the 2026 School Art Contest the most colorful and creative one yet!

- Submitted by Jody Brzezinski, Ozaukee County Fair Secretary

Mark your calendars and bring your appetite—the Ozaukee County 4-H Foundation is launching a brand-new annual tradition you won’t want to miss! Join us for our first-ever Meat Raffle on April 25 at The Shipyard in Port Washington for an afternoon of fun, food, and community spirit.

The excitement kicks off when the first auction begins at 1:00 p.m., so be sure to arrive early, grab a seat, and get ready to bid. Raffle items will include a mouthwatering selection of chops, steaks, brats, and more—perfect for stocking your freezer just in time for grilling season.

This new event is all about bringing people together while supporting the Ozaukee County 4-H Foundation and the youth programs that help build leadership, skills, and confidence in our community. 

Come for the meat, stay for the good times, and help us kick off what’s sure to become a favorite annual event. We can’t wait to see you at The Shipyard on April 25!

- Submitted by the Ozaukee County 4-H Foundation

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.