March 2026

(published March 10, 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.

March always feels like a turning point in our 4‑H year. Projects are coming to life, clubs are gearing up for spring activities, and you can feel the excitement building as members, families, and volunteers start looking ahead to what’s next. It’s a month where early planning begins to meet real progress — and that energy is one of my favorite parts of working alongside this community.

In this month’s Harbinger, you’ll find important reminders, upcoming events, and opportunities to help you stay connected and informed. Whether you’re helping a young person explore a new project area, coordinating club plans, or simply trying to keep track of what’s coming up, I hope these updates support you in the role you play within 4‑H.

Thank you for the time, care, and enthusiasm you bring to Ozaukee County 4‑H. The experiences our youth have — big and small — are made possible because of your involvement.

If questions come up or you need assistance, please feel welcome to reach out. I am always glad to connect.

PS - I hope to see you tonight at the Knellsville Skate Night in Cedarburg!

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

Hello 4‑H families, volunteers, and leaders,

My name is Pattie Carroll, and I am honored to introduce myself as the new Area Extension Director for Area 14, serving Columbia, Dodge, Fond du Lac, Ozaukee, and Washington Counties. It is a privilege to step into this role and support the outstanding work happening across our counties through UW–Madison Division of Extension.

As many of you know, 4‑H is built on a foundation of relationships between youth and caring adults, between communities and volunteers, and between Extension and the people we serve. These relationships are at the heart of why 4‑H continues to thrive, innovate, and create welcoming spaces where young people can learn, lead, and grow.

One of the great strengths of 4‑H in our counties is the dedication and leadership of the 4‑H leaders. Your energy, creativity, and endless hours of volunteer time ensure that 4‑H is not just a program, but a community. I am grateful for the work you do to strengthen clubs, mentor youth, and support educational opportunities that prepare young people for bright futures.

In my role as Area Extension Director, my priority is to support our educators and programs, strengthen partnerships, and ensure that 4‑H and Extension continue to meet local needs in meaningful ways that align with Extension's mission and vision. I look forward to learning more about each county’s unique strengths, traditions, and opportunities. Most importantly, I look forward to meeting many of you, our leaders, youth, parents, and community partners, who make this work possible.

Thank you for the warm welcome I’ve already received. I am excited about what we will accomplish together and eager to support the incredible 4‑H work happening across Area 14.

Here’s to a new season of learning, connection, and growing together.

Sincerely,
Pattie Carroll

Area Extension Director – Area 14
UW–Madison Division of Extension

Follow along with Ozaukee County 4-H on social media!

It's one of the many ways to communicate with 4-H families and friends of 4-H about all the opportunities in 4-H both locally and statewide!

As we move into spring project season, it’s helpful for families to understand how 4‑H and the Ozaukee County Fair work together—and where our roles are different.

4‑H, through UW–Madison Extension, supports year‑round learning. We focus on youth development, hands‑on project education, and building strong volunteer teams who guide young people throughout the entire year. Whether it’s project meetings, leadership opportunities, or community programs, 4‑H is centered on growth, learning, and skill‑building.

The Ozaukee County Agricultural Society (Fair Board), on the other hand, is a separate nonprofit organization responsible for planning and operating the Ozaukee County Fair, a year-round adventure for the board members! The Fair Board manages the facilities, selects and appoints superintendents, hires judges, oversees show logistics, and coordinates everything needed to make the Fair run smoothly.

This time of year, you’ll see both groups getting busy—just in different ways. Fair Superintendents begin outlining show needs and preparing for exhibit season, while 4‑H volunteers focus on spring project learning and creating meaningful hands‑on experiences for youth.

Both organizations care deeply about supporting young people. We simply play different, complementary roles in helping them succeed. Over the next few months, we’ll share more articles to help clarify how 4‑H and the County Fair partner, overlap, and differ, so families and volunteers have a clear understanding of who does what, and how we can all work together for a great learning year and a fantastic Fair.

- Submitted by Abi Quinlan, Educator, and Jody Brzezinski, Ozaukee County Fair Secretary

You are invited to attend the Ozaukee County 4-H Leaders Association meeting on March 19th from 7:30-9:00 pm at TJ Middle School Library in Port Washington.

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 March meeting!

The Jelly Bean Jamboree is just around the corner.  The event needs many volunteers to make it a success! Please check your calendars and sign-up to volunteer!  It's a fun activity for everyone that attends and volunteers. There are crafts, games, and refreshments. Also, don't forget to invite your family and friends, ages 10 and under, to the event!

Two opportunities to volunteer: 2026 Jelly Bean Jamboree Volunteer Sign-up

Questions, please contact Sue Karolczek, Jelly Bean Jamboree Committee Adult Volunteer, at suzyak22@gmail.com

- Submitted by the Jelly Bean Jamboree Committee 

Kits and entry forms will be available on build day, or at the Extension Office Monday – Friday from 8:30 am – 4:30 pm (advance appointment needed – cash or check payable to the Ozaukee County 4-H Leader’s Association). Last day to purchase kits at office is April 3rd.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! Join the pit crew on Physics Day or Race Day:

Signup Genius (Physics Day): https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040448ACA722A31-pinewood2 

Signup Genius (Race Day): https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040448ACA722A31-pinewood3

Contact Sue Dowe at sadowe1966@gmail.com for questions or more information.

- Submitted by Sue Dowe, Pinewood Derby Event Volunteer

Our 4-H volunteers are important to us! Do you have someone you’d like to thank or show appreciation to? Make a card and we’ll mail it for you! Cards must fit into an A2 invitation sized envelope (4.25” x 5.75”). Thank you cards can be dropped off to the Extension office before April 13th. The office will mail them out during Volunteer Appreciation Week. Cards can be designed to a specific volunteer or be generic. Youth can submit more than one card.

If you wish to send appreciation to a specific leader, please be sure to include: (generic cards are ok too!)

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 4H 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. 4H
leaders can register teams using the link provided on the flyer.

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

Register here!

- Submitted by 4-H Volleyball Tournament Committee

Join us for Ozaukee County 4-H Summer Camp on June 18-21, 2026! June 18 day camp will be held locally and departure for Camp Lakotah in Wautoma, WI will be June 19th. 

Youth currently in grades 3-6 are invited to Base Camp. Campers will meet new friends, participate in activities and games, connect with the outdoors, and much more! 

Youth currently in grades 7-9 are invited to Adventure Camp. Campers will tent camp, meet new friends, explore outdoors, participate in adventures away from camp, develop leadership skills, and more!

Price to be determined but will include all activity supplies, bus fees, and food/snacks. Registration opens Friday, March 27 in 4HOnline. Watch for more information to be released closer to registration and check out camp webpage as details will be added: Ozaukee 4-H Summer Camp Info

Waubeka 4-H Club invites you to the egg hunt. This event is designed for children 12 and under.

- Submitted by Bob Eichner, Waubeka 4-H Club Volunteer

Mark Your Calendar and plan to attend the Annual Freistadt Heritage Foundation Fundraiser on Friday, April 10 at Circle B Recreation Hall for an evening of great food, music, and community.

Enjoy a full buffet dinner by Prime Minister Catering, featuring:
🍽️ Pork Tenderloin Scaloppini
🍗 Baked Chicken
🐟 Sautéed Cod
🥗 Vegetables & Salad
☕ Coffee & Milk

Throughout the evening, enjoy lively entertainment by the Alte Kameraden Band and performances by the Pommerche Tanzdeel Freistadt.

🎟️ Dinner Tickets:
Adults – $30
Kids (ages 4–11) – $10
🍰 Homemade desserts will also be available for purchase.

The Lindenwood 4-H Club will be hosting a Silent Auction, so be sure to come ready to bid on some great items! If you have items to donate to the Auction, please contact Carol Boehlke by April 3: boehlkerandc@hotmail.com 

📩 Reserve your tickets by Friday, April 3:
Email: FreistadtHeritageFoundation@gmail.com
Call: 262-242-0724
Or send a private message to the Freistadt Heritage Foundation on Facebook, or contact Carol Boehlke: boehlkerandc@hotmail.com 

The Freistadt Heritage Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization,(along with 4-H) and your support helps preserve and celebrate our Lindenwood 4-H Clubhouse and our local history.

We hope to see you there for a wonderful evening supporting a great cause!

- Submitted by Jody Brzezinski, Lindenwood 4-H Co-General Leader

Reminders & Mark Your Calendars!

4-H Skating Party Invite: March 10. Join Knellsville 4-H Club for a Roller Skating Party on Tuesday, March 10 from 6:00-8:00 pm at the Ozaukee Skateland in Cedarburg. Cost is $8/person which includes skate rentals. 

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.

WI 4-H Photography Contest: April 1st Deadline. Calling 4-H youth photographers in grades 3-13! The 2026 WI 4-H Photography Contest gives you another chance to practice your skills and share the world as you see it. This contest is run by Wisconsin 4-H and open to 4-H youth statewide. For more details and entry information, please visit the Photo Contest website.

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.

Mid-February marks the annual 4-H Dance! This year was no different as 4-H families and friends danced the night away. Fun was had by all and the event was well attended. Thank you to Mr. & Miss Ozaukee 4-H, Jacob and Emlyn, court members, Jacqueline and Sarah, and Fairest of Fair, Anna, for getting all youth out on the dance floor for dance-offs, limbo, and more!

Thank you to all volunteers for helping at concession stand and with set-up and take-down! Many hands, means more fun for all!

Thank you to the Ozaukee County 4-H Leaders Association for sponsoring the DJ, allowing the event to be free admission. If you have feedback about the event or want to join the committee, please contact Dorothy, at rondorpar@yahoo.com

- Submitted by Dorothy Parchim, 4-H Volunteer Event Coordinator

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, but will now start 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

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!

4-H Dog Project Members: Just a reminder that the 4-H Dog Show takes place on Saturday, May 9, 2026at 9am. All 4-H Dog Show entries must be registered in ShoWorks by May 1, 2026. To clarify, all other entries must be registered by July 1, 2026.

4-H Clothing Project Members: The 4-H Clothing Revue takes place a bit earlier this year: May 26th, 2026 at 6pm in the Ozaukee Pavilion South. If you plan to participate, you must register your entries in ShoWorks by May 12, 2026. Again, to clarify, all other entries need to be registered by July 1, 2026.

Watch for updates regarding the Opening of ShoWorks, coming soon!

- 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.