In 2024, the Manitowoc County 4-H Club will celebrate its 100th anniversary and the skills and experiences of its members will be fully showcased at the County Fair.

Each year, county fairs across the state showcase the achievements of hundreds of talented young 4-H members, and this year, a century of history can be experienced at the Manitowoc County Fair Exhibit Building.

The exhibit center features scrapbooks detailing the history of the Manitowoc County 4-H Club through the years.

It also showcases members’ projects, from Lego robotics to artwork to basket weaving and everything in between.

Ross Westphalen, a former 4-H member and current dairy judge at the fair, tells Sea Oats News:

“I like to walk through the exhibit building at least once or twice. I just want to see what the kids are doing.”

At the fair, Sea Oats News also had the opportunity to speak with Garrett Ullness, a member of the 4-H club who is studying dairy science and agricultural economics at UW-Madison.

He believes that 4-H is extremely valuable to its young members.

With a smile on his face he said: “I think the lessons we learn are hard work, dedication, teamwork and working with animals. I love being around animals the most.”

Ullness grew up on a farm, but stresses that this is not a requirement for membership in 4-H, as many may assume.

Although many 4-H members grow up on farms, the organization is open to any child. There are no restrictions on who can join or what projects children can work on in 4-H.

He elaborated further and said: “If you’re not that interested in animals, there are also arts and crafts, growing plants in your garden, or cookies and desserts. The possibilities in 4-H are endless.”

Many of the county’s 4-H members showcase their hard work in livestock shows, baked goods and more at the Manitowoc County Fair.

This weekend, all of their animals and other projects will be on display at the fairgrounds.