Howard County 4-H shines at 34th Annual Spring Fair
Wed, 04/08/2026 - 3:41pm
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By:
Rachel Riley TPD News Editor
CRESCO — Howard County 4-H members filled the Cresco Community Chapel with talent, teamwork, and hometown pride on March 28 during the 34th Annual Spring Fair Event. From bright piano notes and steady drumlines to thoughtful educational talks and confident clothing challenges, youth from clubs across the county shared their skills before family, friends, and judges—reminding everyone why 4-H is such a beloved part of life here in Howard County.
The day felt as much like a reunion as a competition. Neighbors caught up over a hearty lunch served by the Howard County Alumni Committee. Younger members leaned on older role models, and alumni swapped stories about “their” Spring Fairs of years past. It was an all-ages celebration of learning by doing—and a snapshot of what makes small-town communities strong.
Why it matters
here at home
For more than a century, 4-H has helped young people develop skills that last a lifetime—public speaking, problem-solving, leadership, and community service—guided by the four H’s: Head, Heart, Hands, and Health. In Iowa, 4-H is delivered through Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, connecting classroom lessons with real-world projects in agriculture, STEM, creative arts, healthy living, and civic engagement. When a 4-H’er steps on stage, into the kitchen, behind a camera, or up to a judge’s table, they’re practicing the confidence and character that keep rural communities like ours thriving.
The road to fair season
Spring Fair is just the beginning. Members will model, perform, and present their exhibits at the Howard County Fair this summer, and those advancing from Spring Fair will represent Howard County at the Iowa State Fair in Des Moines this August. Let’s pack the stands, fill the exhibit halls, and make sure every Howard County 4-H’er feels the cheers behind them.
Five ways to show your support
- Put the fair on your calendar. Bring the whole family to a presentation, and stay to visit the exhibit buildings.
- Ask and appreciate. Stop by a display and ask a 4-H’er what they learned. Your interest means the world to a young exhibitor.
- Cheer loudly, clap often. Whether it’s a first-time presenter or a seasoned senior, applause builds confidence.
- Thank a volunteer. Leaders, alumni, judges, and parents make these opportunities possible through countless hours of service.
- Partner as a business or civic group. Sponsor an award, host a club visit, offer a behind-the-scenes tour, or post a congratulatory sign for our State Fair qualifiers.
Congratulations to all who participated, and a heartfelt thank-you from Howard County 4-H to the many volunteers, alumni, sponsors, judges, and families who keep this tradition vibrant. When our kids step up, our whole county shines.
Results
Educational Presentations
- Claire Kach, Gr 10, Sr, Flying Hoofs, "The History of Norwegian Fjords in America" – State Fair
- Cora Kach, Gr 5, Jr, Flying Hoofs, "Canada" – State Fair Alternate
- Lincoln Manske, Gr 7, Int, Flying Hoofs, "The Power of Smoothies" – State Fair Alternate
- Caroline Friedges, Gr 6, Jr, Saratoga, "Fueling Up Before the Big Game" – State Fair Alternate
- Ella Dennler, Gr 11, Sr, Flying Hoofs, "The Growth of Women’s College Basketball" – State Fair
- Lindsey Johnson, Gr 10, Sr, Diligent 4-H, "Social Media Algorithms" – State Fair
- Campbell Reis, Gr 5, Jr, Flying Hoofs, "How to Make Whipped Cream" – Super Blue
- Emma Burns, Gr 9, Sr, Saratoga, and Alli Burns, Gr 6, Jr, Saratoga, "National Parks" – State Fair
- Beckett Swestka, Gr 5, Jr, Space Age, "Chick Chick Hurray!" – Super Blue
Share the Fun
- Becca Pickar, Gr 8, Int, Afton Aces, "Snare Drum Solo" – Blue
- Neva Dohlman, Gr 5, Jr, Saratoga, "Comedy Skit" – State Fair
- Caroline Friedges, Gr 6, Jr, Saratoga, "In the Hall of the Mountain King" (Piano Solo) – Blue
- Gabbie Gardner, Gr 4, Jr, Saratoga, "Colors of the Wind (Pocahontas)" (Piano Solo) – Super Blue
- Carver Munkel, Gr 11, Sr, Space Age, "Guitar Solo" – State Fair
- Claire Kach, Gr 10, Sr, Flying Hoofs, "Kiss the Girl (Little Mermaid)" (Piano Solo) – State Fair
- Cora Kach, Gr 5, Jr, Flying Hoofs, "We Are Off to See the Wizard" (Piano Solo) – State Fair Alternate
- Lincoln Manske, Gr 7, Int, "Piano Solo" – State Fair Alternate
- 4-H County Council, "Lasso Your Legacy" – State Fair Alternate
Council members: Clara Keller, Hope Ludwig, Kennedy Linkenmyer, Walker Dohlman, Nolan Schatz, Lexus Dohlman, Kelsey Adams, Mackenzie Midthus, Avery Church, Livia McCabe, Alanna Schatz, Chandler Ludwig, Ella Dennler, Sam Church, Lindsey Johnson, Kallie Eastman, Claire Kach, Briana Burke, Kathleen Brannon, Mally Linkenmeyer
Working Exhibits
- Neva Dohlman, Gr 5, Jr, Saratoga, and Allie Burns, Gr 6, Jr, Saratoga, "Pollinator Pods" – State Fair
- Gabbie Gardner, Gr 4, Jr, Saratoga, "Pinecone Bird Feeders" – Super Blue
Clothing Selection
- Karli Speer, Gr 5, Jr, Saratoga 4-H – Blue
- Becca Pickar, Gr 6, Jr, Afton Aces – Blue
- Sayde Larson, Gr 7, Int, Afton Aces – Blue
- Ella Dennler, Gr 11, Sr, Flying Hoofs – State Fair
$20 Challenge
- Karli Speer, Gr 5, Jr, Saratoga 4-H – Blue
- Gabbie Gardner, Gr 4, Jr, Saratoga – Blue
- Adrienne Shimek, Gr 6, Jr, Space Age Farmers – Blue
- Claire Shimek, Gr 4, Jr, Space Age Farmers – Blue
- Becca Pickar, Gr 6, Jr, Afton Aces – Blue
- Sayde Larson, Gr 7, Int, Afton Aces – Blue
- Cora Johnson, Gr 8, Int, Diligent 4-Hers – Blue
Innovative Design
- Sayde Larson, Gr 7, Int, Afton Aces – Blue
