June 2025

(published June 10, 2025)

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: https://forms.gle/xwa8JP9c49qDMAHq5

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.

Hello 4-H Friends!

As summer unfolds and our 4-H calendar fills with hands-on learning, leadership opportunities, and county fair prep, it’s the perfect time to reflect on one of the Essential Elements of 4-H: Independence.

In 4-H, we believe in helping young people grow into confident, capable individuals who can think for themselves, make decisions, and take ownership of their learning. Independence isn't just about doing things alone—it’s about having the courage to try, the resilience to keep going, and the support to thrive.

Our leaders create space for independence by encouraging youth to lead meetings, make project decisions, and solve challenges with guidance instead of answers.

Our members practice independence every time they set goals, step up to lead, or try something new— especially when it’s outside their comfort zone.

Our supporters—parents, volunteers, and community partners—strengthen independence by standing beside youth, not in front of them, and by cheering them on as they take initiative, even when mistakes happen.

When we cultivate independence, we’re preparing youth for life—not just for 4-H. Thank you for being part of a community that trusts and empowers young people to grow into the leaders they’re meant to be and “To Make the Best Better!”

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

Are you graduating from the Ozaukee County 4-H program this year? If so, we'd like to shine a light on YOU and your 4-H career! Congratulations!

What is considered a 4-H Graduate?

Here are the details:

Exciting STEM Adventure Awaits: Help Shape the Tri-County Science Expedition!

We need your help! The first annual Tri-County Science Expedition Field Trip to UW–Madison is set to give 4-H youth grades 6 and up an unforgettable day of hands-on science exploration. Youth from Fond du Lac, Ozaukee, and Washington counties will come together for an immersive experience featuring workshops, tours, and demonstrations in fields like astronomy, biology, geology, engineering, and sustainability.

Participants will visit cutting-edge research labs, vibrant greenhouses, and fascinating museums, engaging directly with scientists and researchers. This in-person opportunity offers a unique glimpse into college life while sparking curiosity in future STEM careers through interactive, age-appropriate activities.

To make this event as impactful as possible, we need your feedback! Let us know what topics, activities, or experiences would be most exciting for your young scientist. Your input will help shape an unforgettable expedition. Share your thoughts today and be a part of crafting this incredible opportunity! Please fill out this short survey to provide input! https://forms.gle/5WqnzKk4VowrcCM16

The 4-H Annual Financial Report (AFR) is required annually for all 4-H Clubs and Groups that have a checking and/or savings account.

Your 4-H Club and/or Chartered countywide project can complete their mandated Annual Financial Report as early as July! All you need is your bank's end-of June account/balance document (usually accessed via the bank's website) and proper club volunteers needed to review, audit, and complete it. An easier-to-understand webpage has been created to see the step-by-step directions, forms and policies: Annual Financial Report (AFR) – Wisconsin 4-H 

2024-2025 AFR's are to be completed and due to Abi, 4-H Educator, at abi.quinlan@wisc.edu by September 1st!

Questions? Please reach out to the Extension office at 262-284-8288.

You are invited to attend the Ozaukee County 4-H Leaders Association meeting on June 19 from 7:30-9:00 pm at the Ozaukee County Fairgrounds, Pavilion North in Cedarburg.

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 June meeting!

Are you a camper and missed the first camp orientation night last week? Plan to attend the final orientation on June 26th! 

Campers and one parent/guardian need to attend. You will learn about what to pack and what to expect at camp. Campers will have the opportunity to meet camp staff and counselors, and learn more about the camp experience.

June 26, 2025 at Pavilion, Ozaukee County Fairgrounds, Cedarburg from 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.

Please RSVP so we can prepare enough materials: https://forms.gle/NZuA1DWjrh6h2wt89 or call the Extension office to let us know you're coming: 262-284-8288.

If you are unable to attend, please contact the Extension office so that orientation materials can be provided to you after the event.

The Haunt committee is completing this year’s design for The Haunt AND the 2 escape rooms and is excited for everyone to see what we have planned for 2025! We have a great planning committee, but we still need YOU to make it happen. Consider helping us with the build, staffing the event, and especially teardown. Watch for future articles and a signup in the Harbinger as we get closer to the start of the build to find out how you can help. 

2025 Haunt dates are October 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, 25, 31.

Promotion of the Haunt will begin with summer parades. Youth and adults are needed to walk in the Family Fun Before the Fourth parade on Sunday, June 28th in Thiensville and/or the Cedarburg parade on July 4th. We need 2 people to carry the banner and at least a few others to hand out coupons. The Haunt group will be joining the 4-H group. All who sign up will be provided with specific times and lineup information.

Parade link to sign up: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/805094DABA92EA2F94-57186841-walking#/ 

Remember, if you would like to join the planning committee, it’s not too late. Please contact one of the co-coordinators to be added to the text group, so you can keep informed.

- Submitted by Katie Noetzel, Rose Paulus, Sue Dowe - 4-H Volunteer Haunt Co-Coordinators

We will be crowning a new Mr. & Miss Ozaukee 4-H 2025-2026 at the Ozaukee County Fair. This could be you! Older youth are invite to apply and be an ambassador for Ozaukee County 4-H throughout the next 4-H year!

A Candidate letter with information explaining dates, times and duties as well as an Application form can be found on the Ozaukee County 4-H website. Go to the 4-H Forms/Resources page, under 'Countywide Activities' to download the letter and form. All forms are due July 12th to Dorothy Parchim.

If you have any questions, please contact Dorothy Parchim at 262-370-4745 or rondorpar@yahoo.com

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

Please join Ozaukee County 4-H and Ozaukee County 4-H Leaders Association on Sunday, August 3rd at Noon in the Expo Building at the Ozaukee County Fair to celebrate and recognize the youth from the Ozaukee County 4-H program that will be honored by receiving the Wisconsin 4-H Key Award. The 4-H Key Award is the highest honor bestowed by the Wisconsin 4-H Program!

Mark your calendars now for the annual 4-H County Board Exchange on Wednesday, August 20, 2025! We invite and encourage 4-H representatives from each club, travel participants, and scholarship recipients who have received funding support through Leaders Association to attend.

This event is an effort to help the County Board understand the 4-H Program and the various educational opportunities available to 4-H youth. All current Ozaukee County 4-H you are welcome to participate! Youth will be asked to bring at least one 4-H related item like their record book, projects, travel opportunity poster, laptop with slide presentation, etc.- to show and explain a bit about their 4-H experience.

More details and sign-up to follow soon but mark your calendars now for August 20th!

Any questions or if you wish to volunteer for the event, please contact Abi, 4-H Program Educator, at abi.quinlan@wisc.edu or call the Extension office at 262-284-8288.

Reminders & Mark Your Calendars!

4-H Volunteer Shifts at County Fair. 4-H volunteers shifts remain open for 4-H families to sign-up. If you need to meet your club request or would like to pick up additional shifts, please sign-up. Links can be found on the 4-H at the County Fair webpage / under “4-H Volunteers at County Fair” section

4-H Brat Fry at Port Washington Farmers Market - Summer/Fall 2025. There's still time to sign up for a Saturday at the 4-H Brat Stand at the Port Washington Farmers Market this summer. It's a great way to earn funds towards your 4-H club or group. More information and sign-up is available using link: 2025 4-H PWFM Brat Stand  If you have any questions, please contact Christie Dieringer at 262-707-1960 or Frontfiveacres@gmail.com. 

4-H Lemonade Stand at Cedarburg Strawberry Festival - June 28-29. Sign-up is still open and accepting volunteers for the 4-H Lemonade Stand! This is a fundraising event that provides the Oz Co 4-H Leader's Association funds to support our 4-H youth programming and scholarships. If you have any questions feel free to reach out to Deanna Lee via email at d_r_lee@yahoo.com or call/text at 262-352-2109 or Lisa Fellenz at cavilady@yahoo.com or 262-352-7880. 4-H Lemonade Stand sign-up link: 2025 Lemonade Stand Help Sign-up

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. Any previously approved events remain valid, but all new reservations must follow the updated process.

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.

Ozaukee County Horse & Pony project members participated in the recent State 4-H Horse Education Days. Congratulations youth participants!

Horse Bowl Team Results 

- Submitted by Kate Hoffmann, 4-H Volunteer Horse Project Leader

The on-line entry system known as ShoWorks is open and ready for your entries! All projects must be registered in ShoWorks by July 1, 2025. No late entries will be accepted. Please remember to consult the 4-H Youth Premium Book to be sure you are entering correctly, and the 4-H Judging Schedule, so as not to miss your project judging. Here is the link to enter: https://www.ozaukeecountyfair.com/4-h-open-class-school-art-entries

Here is the link to the 4-H Youth Judging Schedule: https://www.ozaukeecountyfair.com/judging-schedule 

Entry Tags can be picked up in the Expo Building on Thursday, July 24th and Friday, July 25th from 1-6 pm. There will be string and tape available to attach the tags to your projects. After the conclusion of 4-H Judging on Friday, July 25th, entry tags can be picked up at the Fair Office during the Office Hours of Fair Week.

*The Ozaukee County Fair is requiring Premise ID numbers for any animal entries (except dogs & rabbits). For additional assistance or if you have other questions regarding your entries, first, read your Fair Premium Book.

Face-to-Face Judging is an important educational component to 4-H project work. 4-H Exhibitors that are absent from 4-H Face-to-Face Judging must complete the Project Explanation Form for Absent 4-H Exhibitors to accompany each item entered. *Please be aware that for 4-H exhibitors absent from face-to-face judging, 4-H project awards will be lowered by one full placing, therefore they will not be eligible for special awards. The form is available at: https://www.ozaukeecountyfair.com/4-h-open-class-school-art-entries

Questions? Please contact your Club Leader or email: exhibits@ozaukeecountyfair.com

CHECKLIST FOR ENTRIES:

4-H Animal Exhibitors

Additional forms will again be required for all Livestock Exhibitors (Dairy, Beef, Swine, Sheep, Goats, Horse and Poultry). This is to ensure that all exhibitors are compliant with Animal Health Certification Requirements for Wisconsin DATCP and following the code of ethics. Forms (2 pages) must be completed and turned in to the appropriate Animal Superintendent (or their designee) upon check-in at the Fair. Exhibitors that do not comply, will not be allowed to exhibit at the Fair and the animal(s) will not be allowed on the grounds. The forms can be found on the Ozaukee County Fair Website: https://www.ozaukeecountyfair.com/4-h-open-class-school-art-entries

*Additional requirement for 2025 (same as 2024): Lactating dairy cattle that are brought to the Fair must be accompanied by a negative test result for avian flu from a test taken within 7 days of movement to the Fair. 

Please contact your club leader or email questions to: exhibits@ozaukeecountyfair.com

4-H Foods Project Display

4-H Foods Project exhibits will remain on display at the Fair this year with the exception of soups, stews and main dishes.  Paper plates and ziploc bags will be provided for display of all items, and the entry tag and recipe will be attached to the outside of the bag.  On project pickup at the end of the Fair, the foods will be discarded and the recipe and entry tags can be picked up by the exhibitor.  All Cake Decorating entries will be on display at the Fair.

Please contact the Fair with further questions: exhibits@ozaukeecountyfair.com 

iPad Training/Refresher

iPads will be used for the Building Superintendents/Clerks to enter judging placements. If you are a Superintendent, or volunteer to clerk, a brief training meeting will take place at the Ozaukee Pavilion in July.

Please contact the Fair with further questions: exhibits@ozaukeecountyfair.com 

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.

Please contact the Fair with further questions: fairdirectors@ozaukeecountyfair.com 

- Submitted by Jody Brzezinski, Ozaukee County Fair Board Secretary

Parking passes for sale this year will include Reserved passes, Camper passes, and a 5 day General parking pass for the South End.  All available passes will be for sale online at our website ozaukeecountyfair.com/parking on July 10th.  

Renewal notices for individuals that purchased a reserved parking pass in the prior year were emailed an invoice at the end of May to purchase their same spot for 2025 (if they choose). If you did not receive your renewal invoice please reach out to parking@ozaukeecountyfair.com  Renewal’s must be paid within 7 days of receipt to maintain your spot for 2025.

See below for further detail on parking passes.  

A) 5 Day General Parking Pass for South End: the purchase of these passes will only provide admittance into the parking lot on the south end of the fairgrounds (Gate 1).  When purchasing your pass please complete the field related to '4-H club affiliation' so referral revenues can be shared with your club. Customers purchasing these passes will be responsible to pick up their physical pass from the fair office the Monday or Tuesday before fair.  Bring your email receipt received from purchase.  This Pass does not guarantee entry in the even the South Lot is full. 

B) Reserved Parking:  Customers who purchased a reserved parking pass in prior year were sent a renewal notice at the end of May to “auto renew” and pay for their same reserved spot again for 2025.  If a customer does not choose to renew within 7 days their spot will be made available for general sale to the public in July.  Customers purchasing these passes will be responsible to pick up their physical pass from the fair office the Monday or Tuesday before fair.  Bring your email receipt received from purchase. 

C) Camper Parking: Camper spots are for animal exhibitors only. Camper placement on the grounds will be ‘first come first serve’.  Campers can arrive the weekend before fair but no later than Tuesday July 29th (placement by horse arena area only). All customers wishing to camp at fair must pay upon placement of their camper (same day) via our online website.  Campers must then display their Camper parking hang tag on their car to demonstrate proof of payment.  Camper parking also includes one vehicle parking pass to allow you to park a vehicle by your camping spot. Customers can pick up these vehicle passes (camper and vehicle) from the fair office the Monday or Tuesday before fair.  Bring your email receipt received from purchase.

For any questions email: parking@ozaukeecountyfair.com

- Submitted by Bret Priaulx, Ozaukee County Fair Board Member

Youth ages 8 and under are invited to participate in this year's Stuffed Animal Show at the Ozaukee County Fair! Register using link: https://forms.gle/JonV5rDaffam3cv59

Questions? Please send an email to exhibits@ozaukeecountyfair.com

- Submitted by Carol Boehlke, Ozaukee County Fair Board Member

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.