Iowa 4-H Alumni & Friends

It’s only 16 days until my favorite time of the year- the Iowa State Fair. What is more fun than 4-H exhibits, people watching, the Giant Slide, chops on a stick and tons of free entertainment? The State Fair is jam-packed with fun and excitement. With over a million fair-goers each year from around the world, I know I am not alone. Do you remember your first year in 4-H? This past weekend I enjoyed watching my younger brother, Hank show at the county fair. It is his first year in 4-H and he had the time of his life showing his dog, poultry, doing an educational presentation, participating in the Pride of Iowa contest, and being involved with the clothing event. Though he isn’t old enough to show at the State Fair this year, he is excited to see the projects and animals that 4-Her’s will bring to Des Moines in just a couple of weeks. The Iowa 4-H staff has been busy for weeks and there’s no sign of slowing down ahead! Recently, I pulled the wedding dresses from the closet to take photo

Ahoy Mateys! Over 900 of Iowa's youth gathered together for the 2009 Iowa State 4-H Conference on Iowa State University's campus held June 30- July 2. This three day voyage was jam-packed with hands-on educational workshops, motivational speakers, exploring campus life, community service activities and making new friends. The Iowa State 4-H Conference was planned by the 2008-2009 State 4-H Council and the Iowa State University Extension State 4-H Youth Development staff. Check out the photos of the Voyage to Greatness below! If you would like to learn how to get involved with Conference next year as a delegate, presenter, chaperone or by donating prizes, food or supplies- e-mail me at dbohling@iastate.edu.

With the opportunity to tear apart wedding dresses and design new garments, Iowa teens are ready to Stitch This! Thirteen teams have been selected to compete in the Iowa 4-H “Stitch This!” fashion design event at the Iowa State Fair. The public can watch the action take place in the 4-H Exhibits Building from 3-9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 21 and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 22, said Shelly Greving, marketing coordinator for the Iowa 4-H Foundation. The event will culminate in a runway-style fashion show at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 22 on the 4-H Exhibits Building’s center stage. “We originally planned for nine teams because we had nine wedding dresses,” Greving said. “We were overwhelmed by the interest from teens who really wanted to participate, so we put out a call for more wedding dresses. Thanks to the additional donated gowns, we were able to expand to 13 teams.” During the two-day event, each team will be given a wedding dress. Each team must use the dress to create a new garment that will be w