July 2025

(published July 8, 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.

At a recent conference, a former 4-H Educator shared a reminder that stuck with me: “The youth are the project in 4-H—not the animals, not the activities, but the youth.” I remember hearing that phrase growing up in various ways—especially after not getting the blue ribbon I had so hoped for. But now, as an Educator, it hits differently. I am beyond excited to be witnessing this organization’s deep impact on nearly 500 young people across our county!

As we step into July and gear up for the fair, it’s easy to focus on the finishing touches—polished projects, final practices, record books, and presentations. But the true display of Mastery, one of the Essential Elements of 4-H, isn’t just what’s on exhibit. Mastery is about the process of becoming proficient in skills through sustained learning and effort. And more importantly, it’s about how this journey builds confidence, responsibility, and a deep sense of personal pride in our youth.

Mastery is built over time—through early mornings in the barn, careful measuring in the kitchen, hours of practice, community service, leadership roles, and learning from both success and setbacks. These moments, big and small, shape our members into capable, confident individuals.

And they don’t walk this path alone. Volunteers, club leaders, project leaders, parents, and community supporters play an essential role in encouraging our youth, offering their wisdom, and modeling the commitment that true mastery requires. Your support helps create an environment where young people can thrive, take healthy risks, and believe in their own potential.

As the 4-H year comes to a close, let’s celebrate more than what’s entered in the fair. Let’s celebrate the growth, the grit, and the journey our youth have taken to get here. Because in 4-H, the project is the youth—and the mastery they’ve gained will take them far.

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

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.

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

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 

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

Below is a review of the AFR related documents to be turned in:

Judge’s Favorite award-winners from the 2024 Ozaukee County Fair are eligible to advance to 2025 Wisconsin State Fair. Note that this is the only opportunity for a youth exhibit to be displayed at 2025 Wisconsin State Fair.

Those youth recipients/families should have received an email directly from Wisconsin State Fair last week containing entry info. If not, please reach out to Wisconsin State Fair Youth Exhibits at entryoffice@wistatefair.com

Entry Deadline: Turn in completed entry form with W-9 to the Wisconsin State Fair by Monday, July 14, 2025 at 3:00 pm.

Project Drop-off: Bring your Judge’s Favorite project with the Project ID ½ sheet attached on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, from 10 am – 3 pm to or ship to the Wisconsin State Fair Youth Exhibits Building OR check your email for dates and times that volunteer Carol B. has set up for transporting of exhibits. Late entries will not be accepted.

Youth expo information can be found on State Fair website: https://wistatefair.com/competitions/youth-expo/

You are invited to attend the Ozaukee County 4-H Leaders Association meeting on July 17 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 July meeting!

Reminder to 4-H members! Keep working on that special project for the 2025 Ozaukee County Fair Project Auction. Youth keep 90% of the profits for future projects.

Items to be considered for auction must be entered at this years' county fair and receive a blue ribbon. No Cloverbud or Exploring projects, posters, or perishable items (food, flowers, live plants, etc-) are eligible.

Auction application will be available near the exhibition building entrance on Thursday and Friday, July 24 and 25, to be completed after your project(s) have been judged. Please be prepared to give an estimate of the project costs.

10 to 15 items will be chosen for the auction by an impartial judge based on craftsmanship and appeal to bidders. The auction will be completely online and will begin on Wednesday, July 30th running through Sunday, August 3rd.

Get started creating and spread the word about the 2025 online auction at the fair!

Any questions? Please contact Laura Prahl at lprahl@oz4hleaders.org or Amy Gierach at abgierach@yahoo.com or call/text 262-242-1550.

- Submitted by Laura and Amy, Ozaukee County 4-H  Leaders Association Board & 4-H Volunteer Event Coordinators

We invite all current 4-H members to attend the 2025 County Board Exchange coming up on August 20th!

This exchange is an effort to help the County Board understand the 4-H program and the educational opportunities available to youth to learn leadership, citizenship, and life skills. We would like all of the 4-H clubs represented. Bring record books, projects, travel opportunity tabletop posters, laptop with PowerPoint/google slides etc. In exchange, the youth will experience an Ozaukee County Board meeting, increase their knowledge about parliamentary procedure and learn the type of decisions and discussions that take place. 

Sign-up by August 8th at 2025 Board Exchange sign-up

When: Wednesday, August 20th from 7:45 am – 10:00 am (time is approximate)

Where: Ozaukee County Board Room (Administration Building, 121 W. Main St., Port Washington, WI)

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.

Do you know someone who wants to learn more about the Ozaukee County 4-H Program? Or perhaps they are ready to enroll in the 2025-2026 4-H Year? Invite them to an upcoming 4-H Open House!

Are you proud of your projects and want to display them again in public? Want to promote 4-H? Volunteer at one of the 4-H Open Houses and share your experience and projects with people interested in 4-H. We need volunteers to make this a successful event!

Thank you in advance for volunteering to share what Ozaukee County 4-H is all about!

- Submitted by Jessica and Sarah H., and Tammy and Emlyn S., 4-H Volunteer Event Coordinators

Thank you to everyone who helped to promote The Haunt at the Family Fun Before the Fourth parade and the Cedarburg 4th of July parade!

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 published 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.

More info coming soon on how to stay in touch with Haunt updates and build days!

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

Ozaukee County 4-H Leaders Association is trying something new this year that will support 4-H families and small business.

Why: Leaders Association typically provided a fall "thank you" event for our 4-H families - this is a modified version to allow flexibility in family schedules and to also allow families to pick and choose what works best for their family and interests! 

How: We plan to give each 4-H family a certificate that has specific organizations listed (hopefully yours!) that they can then spend their voucher at and then at the end of the time period you will be reimbursed for all the certificates your business has received.  

For more information and to submit your small business info, please access the Small Business Google form now through July 18th.

If you have any questions, please contact Danielle Gettelman at dgettelman@oz4hleaders.org

- Submitted by Danielle Gettelman, Ozaukee County 4-H Leaders Association Board & Volunteer Event Coordinator

Reminders & Mark Your Calendars!

Mr. & Miss Ozaukee 4-H 2025-2026 Application Deadline: July 12th. 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 at rondorpar@yahoo.com.

4-H Graduate Recognition Spotlight: July 31st. 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! Details can be found at 2025 4-H Graduate Recognition info. Deadline for recognition submittal is July 31, 2025.

Key Award Presentation: Sunday, August 3rd. You're invited to 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!

Tri-County Science Expedition Survey: Your Input Needed Soon. 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. Share your thoughts today and be a part of crafting this incredible opportunity! Please fill out this short survey: Science Expo Survey

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. 

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.

Thank you to everyone that participated in the 2025 Ozaukee 4-H Clothing Revue!

Clothing Revue was held on Tuesday, June 10th. Twenty-two 4-H youth participated in the Revue. Youth model their outfits and walk the runway stage. Judging is based on the total look, creative selection, fit, accessories and construction affecting appearance.

A junior honor court (grade 3-6) and senior honor court (grade 7 and up) are selected. Our Junior Honor Court members selected are Lilly S., Claire B. and River A.  Our Senior Honor Court members are Becca G., Johanna S., and Lilly Z. Congratulations!

Come see the members showcasing their clothing creations and modeling at the Ozaukee County Fair Style Show on Saturday, August 2, 6:00 pm on the Stage in the Expo Building.

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

Sample of some Clothing Revue Participants & Senior Court recipients

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 Judging Schedule Changes

There have been some significant changes in the 2025 4-H Youth Judging Schedule. All projects entered in Departments Y-10 Animal & Vet Science, Y-13 Cats, Y-14 Plant & Soil Science, Y-15 Flowers & Houseplants and Y-16 Natural Sciences will be judged on Thursday, July 24, 2025. This is a change, as these projects are typically judged on the Friday before Fair. Please note this important change. This includes projects entered in Vet Science, Pet Project, Cavy Project, Self Determined Animal Sciences, Crops, Vegetables, Fruit, Herbs, Horticulture, Self Determined Plant & Soil Sciences, Houseplants, Flowers, Home Grounds, Astronomy, Fishing, Insects, Trees/Forestry, Wildflowers/Native Plants, Wildlife & Environmental Ecology, Recycling, Archery & All Shooting Sports, Adventures, Reptiles, Birds, Motor Adventures, Taxidermy, Weather, Science-Wisconsin Agriculture, Self Determined Environmental Education and Bees. 

Click here to view the 2025 Judging Schedules: https://www.ozaukeecountyfair.com/judging-schedule 

4-H Exhibitors Absent from Face-to-Face Judging

4-H Face-to-Face Judging is an important component to the “Learn By Doing” process. The 2024 policy regarding absent exhibitors still applies for the 2025 Fair. 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. Please complete all required exhibitor fields on the form and drop off (or have someone drop them off with your tagged entry) on July 24 from 1-6pm. A form must accompany each entry (hard copies only): Absent Exhibitor Form

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 your name and email address and you will be contacted with training information: exhibits@ozaukeecountyfair.com 

- Submitted by Jody Brzezinski, Ozaukee County Fair 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 at 10:00 am.  

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: Stuffed Animal Registration 

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.