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Note from our Office
Dear Calumet County 4‑H,
As we move into August and September, we want to take a moment to celebrate one of the greatest traditions of 4-H: showcasing the learning, growth, and achievements that have taken place throughout the year.
The Calumet County Fair is much more than exhibits, ribbons, and judging. It is an opportunity for youth to share the knowledge, skills, and experiences they have gained through their 4-H projects. Whether you exhibited a market animal, baked a favorite recipe, built a woodworking project, created artwork, photographed nature, or explored a new project area, each exhibit tells a story of hard work, dedication, and learning.
One of the most rewarding parts of fair is seeing youth confidently explain their projects and discuss what they learned along the way. Success in 4-H is not measured by the color of a ribbon, but by the effort put forth, the challenges overcome, and the new skills developed. Every project represents hours of practice, problem-solving, and personal growth.
As you reflect on your fair experience, think about:
What new skills did you learn this year?
What challenges did you overcome?
What are you most proud of accomplishing?
How have you grown as a leader, learner, or community member?
We also want to extend our sincere appreciation to the parents, volunteers, club leaders, project leaders, judges, fair superintendents, and community supporters who help make these opportunities possible. Your time, encouragement, and dedication provide youth with experiences that will benefit them far beyond their years in 4-H.
As another 4-H project year begins to wind down, remember that learning doesn't stop when the fair ends. Take pride in what you have accomplished, celebrate your successes, learn from your experiences, and start thinking about the new adventures and opportunities that await in the coming year.
Congratulations to all of our members on a successful fair season. We are proud of the hard work, determination, and enthusiasm you have demonstrated throughout the year. Thank you for continuing to make Calumet County 4-H a program where youth learn by doing and grow into confident, capable leaders.
Sincerely,
Carlea Lonergan
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| Thursday, August 6 - Intro to Shooting Sports Day Camp
Tuesday, August 11 - Teen Community Needs Forum
Wednesday, August 12 - 7pm - Leaders Council Board Meeting at Courthouse, Room 025
Thursday, August 13 - 3pm - Youth in Governance Program Orientation
Monday, August 17 - 5pm - Clean the Brantmeier Building at Calumet County Fairgrounds
Wednesday, August 19 - Archery Practice at Calumet County Fairgrounds
Thursday, August 20 - 6pm - Explorers at Calumet County Fairgrounds
Thursday, August 20 - 6pm - Cloverbud Club at Calumet County Fairgrounds
Tuesday, August 25 - 6pm - MANDATORY Pen Set-up (Market Animal Project)
Wednesday, August 26 - 6-7pm - Archery Practice at Calumet County Fairgrounds
Saturday, August 29 - 9am-3pm - Advanced Judging Day at Calumet County Fairgrounds
Monday, August 31 - Finalize Brantmeier Building displays
Friday, September 4 - 7 - 2026 Calumet County Fair
Wednesday, September 16 - 6pm - Foods Fair Wrap-up Meeting at Courthouse, Room #025
Wednesday, September 16 - 7pm - Semi-Annual Leaders Council Mtg at Courthouse, Rm #025
Tuesday, September 22 - 6:30pm - Market Animal Wrap-up Meeting at Courthouse, Room #025
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To Help Prepare for the Fair
Looking for all things fair? We've got you covered! This handy-dandy 4-H at the Fair Guide is filled with important information to help you prepare for a successful fair experience this year.
And don't forget to check out the Preparing Youth for Judging Guide! It's a great resource to help members get ready for judging, whether they're practicing at a club or project meeting, or simply working with family at home. A little preparation now can go a long way toward building confidence on judging day!
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2026 Fair Foodstand SchedulePlease see the schedule below for this year's 2026 Calumet County 4-H Foodstand!
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4-H Booth Information
Does your 4-H Club put a booth together for the Calumet County Fair? If so, here is this year's theme:
4-H has all the right ingredients
The fair booth size is 5’ wide by 4’ deep by 8’ high. Some have an electrical outlet. Remember: each club wishing to reserve a booth must submit a fair entry by the July 31st deadline.
Important: No staples will be allowed.
PLEASE REMEMBER: 4-H booths are a youth entry, so ONLY 4-H members, not parents or leaders, should be putting the booth in place. We ask for all clubs’ cooperation on this guideline, to make it a youth-center learning experience.
Please see the Fairbook (Department 032) for a list of criteria that the booth will be evaluated on.
Booths may be put up on Monday 8/31, Tues 9/1 or Wed 9/2 from 4-8 pm.
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New Registration & Payment Option!
We are excited to share that we are transitioning all Calumet County 4-H program registrations to 4HOnline. This change will streamline registration for programs such as Festival of Fun, Food Workshops, Project Boxes, Pinewood Derby, Cloverbud Club, Explorers, and more.
One of the biggest benefits of this transition is the ability to make online payments by credit or debit card directly through 4HOnline. We know many families have been looking for a more convenient payment option, and we're happy to be able to offer it.
Families who prefer to pay by cash or check will still have that option available. Please note that online card payments will include a processing fee.
We appreciate your patience as we make this transition and look forward to providing a more convenient registration experience for our 4-H families! 🍀
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Community Needs Assessment Youth Forum
The UW–Extension Calumet County Community Needs Forum is happening August 11 at the Calumet County Courthouse. Youth, families, educators, and community leaders are invited to help guide future positive youth development programs.
Come share your ideas, learn, connect, and help strengthen positive youth development in Calumet County at the UW–Extension Community Needs Forum.
Your voice can help shape the future!
Register here: https://forms.gle/nbAqpFkFqfrLMpaWA
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Thank You Notes: Small Gesture, Big Impact
One of the most important lessons young people can learn is the value of saying "thank you." Thank you notes are not difficult to write, but they mean so much to the people who receive them.
Take a moment to think about all the people who have supported your 4-H journey this year. Parents who helped with meetings, practices, and transportation. Club leaders and project leaders who shared their time and talents. Volunteers who worked behind the scenes. Each of these individuals has contributed to your success and growth.
The Calumet County Fair is also a great reminder of the generosity of our community. If you participated in the Foods Auction or the Market Animal Sale, be sure to send a thank you note to your buyers. These supporters do not have to invest in our youth or our fair. They choose to do so because they believe in you and the positive impact of the 4-H program. Let them know how much their support means to you.
Parents, please encourage your children to write their own thank you notes. Fair supporters are not looking for perfect handwriting or flawless spelling. In fact, a handwritten note from the youth themselves is much more meaningful than one written by an adult. The personal effort and sincerity are what matter most.
Not sure what to write? Keep it simple. Thank the person for their support, mention how they helped you or what their contribution meant, and let them know you appreciate them.
As you sit down to write, remember the 4-H pledge:
-Use your Head to think of a kind and thoughtful message.
-Use your Hands to write the note.
-Use your Heart to make it personal and meaningful.
-And your Health will be better for having completed the task!
A few minutes spent writing a thank you note can leave a lasting impression and help strengthen the relationships that make 4-H such a special experience. So grab a pen, some paper, and start writing those thank yous today!
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Beyond Ready to Grow!
🌱☀️ Join Allison and Josie for our FREE Beyond Ready to Grow programs this August!
Youth will enjoy hands-on, creative activities designed for their grade level:
📅 August 5 | Grades 3-5
Create a beautiful dried nature sun catcher and kindness rocks.
📅 August 19 | Grades 6-9
Design and create your own plant terrarium, with all materials provided.
Don't miss these fun, free opportunities to create, learn, and grow! 🌿💚
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Join us with HatchQuest!HatchQuest program is scheduled for Wednesday, August 5th, and we'd love for you to join us! Our future dates are as follows: August 12, 17, & 19
Register here: https://forms.gle/9CqpdFb4wuiWKZx77
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