February 2026

(published February 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.

February is one of those in-between months. Things feel quieter on the surface, but behind the scenes there is a lot happening. Planning is underway, ideas are forming, and youth and volunteers are already laying the groundwork for what the rest of the 4-H year will look like.

This month’s 4-H Harbinger includes a mix of reminders, upcoming opportunities, and a few important details to keep on your radar. Whether you are deep into project planning or just getting re-oriented after the holidays, my hope is that this helps you feel informed and supported.

Thank you, as always, for the time, energy, and heart you bring to 4-H. Your involvement is what keeps this program strong, meaningful, and fun for our youth!

As always, please reach out if you have questions, need clarification, or just want to talk through an idea. I am always happy to connect.

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

Mark your calendar for the Annual Ozaukee 4-H Dance on Saturday, February 21, 2026 from 6:00-10:00 pm at the Ozaukee County Fairgrounds, Pavilion South.

Spread the word and invite your friends and family! It's free and open to the public. Come and have a great time!

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

STEAM GAZE is a full-day, hands-on learning experience for curious and creative youth in grades 3–5, where art and science come together through interactive workshops led by educators and mentors.

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 opens in late February 2026, check the website for more information.

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 March 6th through April 26th.

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. The contest will be open March 1 and will close on April 1st.

The Jelly Bean Jamboree is just around the corner.  Please save the date and sign up to volunteer on the event’s sign-up genius noted below.  The Jelly Bean Jamboree will be held at Circle B Recreation Hwy 60 Cedarburg WI on Saturday March 21st starting at 9:00 am.  Please arrive at 8:00 am to find out what you will be doing. Volunteers are also needed with set up and prep on Friday March 20th.  Last year’s event was a huge success. Let's do it again this year!

 Thanks for volunteering! Volunteer Sign-up: 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

This year marks 20 years since The Haunt began. The Haunt Committee met on February 3rd and decided to move forward with one final year of The Haunt, so the upcoming Haunt 2026 will be the last year of this event. It was not an easy decision as many of us have been on the committee for multiple years. So, if you've ever wanted to be a part of this event in any way, now is the time!

2026 Dates: October 9-10, 16-17, 23-24

Please join us at the next committee meeting and bring your ideas. Find our how you can help.

Date: March 3rd at 6:30 pm. at Ozaukee County Fairgrounds, Pavilion North

As always, any and all help is appreciated. More details to follow in the coming months.

- Submitted by Sue Dowe and Rose Paulus, The Haunt Co-Coordinators

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. One free soda and popcorn for each members thanks to the Ozaukee County 4-H Foundation.

-Submitted by Becky Assmann, Knellsville 4-H Club General Leader

Reminders & Mark Your Calendars!

Clover Cafe Planning Committee. The Clover Cafe committee is looking for new members. If you enjoy teamwork, planning, and being part of something that truly makes a difference, the Clover Cafe Planning Committee is an essential and rewarding way to support Ozaukee County 4-H. Please contact Abi Quinlan, abi.quinlan@wisc.edu, for more details!

WI 4-H Scholarship Opportunities: March 1st deadline. Wisconsin 4-H Scholarships are awarded to students based on demonstrated personal growth through 4-H, development and leadership in 4-H, academic performance, and future educational goals. For information about qualifications, application, and more, visit the WI 4-H Scholarships page. Previous scholarship winners are not eligible to receive a second Wisconsin 4-H Scholarship.

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.

The Ozaukee County Fair Premium Books for both 4-H Youth and Open Class & Senior Citizens have been updated and are now published, along with the 2026 Ozaukee County Fair Judging Schedules. Ozaukee County Fair Entry Info 2026

Please note that many changes have been made, so we encourage all exhibitors and families to read the materials carefully, paying close attention to your specific project areas. Be sure to review the judging schedules thoroughly, as there have been several updates—especially within animal projects. 2026 Judging Schedules

Judging schedules may continue to change, so we recommend checking them again closer to Fair to stay informed.  Updated Animal Health Forms will be released soon.
Our online Fair registration platform (known as ShoWorks) will open in the near future, with additional details to be shared as they become available.

Thank you for your cooperation as we work to provide a smooth and successful Fair experience for all! 

Questions? Send an email to: exhibits@ozaukeecountyfair.com 

- Submitted by Jody Brzezinski, Ozaukee County Fair Secretary

The Wisconsin Towns Association, in partnership with Rural Mutual Insurance Co. and Scott Construction, Inc., will award a total of ten $1,000 scholarships to high school seniors graduating in 2026 from either a public or private Wisconsin high school who plan to enroll in a Wisconsin public or private college or university in 2026. Application deadline is May 22, 2026.

 Scholarship recipients will be selected through an independently judged essay contest. This year’s essay topic is:

“What strategies can be implemented by local government officials in collaboration with citizens to encourage and maintain civility?"

2026 WTA Scholarship Program Information

WTA Scholarship Application

The lanes were full, the cheers were loud, and the community showed up in a big way for the 40th Annual Ozaukee County 4-H Foundation Bowl-A-Thon and 9-Pin Tap. This milestone event brought together friends, families, and supporters for a day of bowling, laughter, and giving back to local 4-H youth.

With an incredible 263 bowlers hitting the lanes, the Foundation raised over $24,000 to support Ozaukee County 4-H programs. From first-time bowlers to longtime supporters, everyone played a part in making the anniversary year one to remember.

The Foundation is deeply grateful to the many lane sponsors, raffle donors, and volunteers who helped keep everything running smoothly. Their generosity and time are what turn a great idea into a great day.

And of course, it wouldn’t be a Bowl-A-Thon without a little extra fun — including crowd-favorite root beer floats from ManShed Brewing, which kept smiles on faces between frames.

The excitement isn’t over yet! The raffle for bowlers who raised $25 or more will be drawn at the upcoming Skateland Night with Knellsville 4-H Club, and youth who raised $125 or more will also receive their special prizes that evening.

Another big highlight of the day was the club challenge. The winner of the Pizza Party for the club with the most bowlers is Holy Cross 4-H Club — congratulations on an amazing turnout!

“Events like this remind us how strong our 4-H community really is,” the Foundation shared. “We couldn’t do it without the people who show up, support our youth, and believe in what 4-H stands for. We hope everyone had as much fun as we did, and we can’t wait to see you again next year.”

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

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.