The past ten days have seen lots of fun, events, and successes for 4-H members participating at the Kansas State Fair.

For 4-H youth who achieve a purple ribbon, which notes exemplary standards, during the county fair or 4-H Club Day, most have the opportunity to exhibit at the State Fair. In Barton County, we had 52 4-H members qualify to exhibit and most did. 

Several members received top placings on photos, visual arts, sewing & textiles, and many other areas. Brantley Edgerton of the Cow Creek 4-H Club had a photo selected for display by the Kansas 4-H Foundation. Samantha Negaard of the Busy Buzzers 4-H Club received a purple ribbon on her Illustrated Talk. 

In addition to the items entered, several judging contests are held. The 4-H Photography Judging team of Melody Braddy, Jonas Kern, Samantha Negaard, and Willow Braddy placed second of 19 teams. Jonas had a 4th individual placing to strongly lead the team.

While red ribbons aren’t anyone’s goal as they reflect average project results, they are often the best learning experiences. Youth receive written feedback on most of their exhibits with ways to improve in that project. This might include utilizing a thermometer to verify the internal temperature of a baked good or using a different finishing technique for a woodworking project or a different way to finish a cross-stitch project. Each of these give youth ways to practice different skills or refine ones they have already learned and the lessons are much more than the project-specific skill as they include patience, perseverance, and the ability to receive critical feedback. 

If you made a trip to the Kansas State Fair, I hope that you made time to walk through the two 4-H display buildings: Centennial Hall and the 4-H Showcase Building. Both were filled to the brim with the results of project learning and 4-H members who are beyond ready to continue building their leadership, communication, and teamwork skills for a lifetime.

Keep learning. Keep showing grace and kindness!

Michelle Beran is the 4-H and Youth Development Agent for the Cottonwood District, Barton County office. For more information on this article or other 4-H Youth and Development related questions email Michelle at mberan@ksu.edu or call 620-793-1910.