Vernon County 4-H – Newsletter
Transitions And New Opportunities
Welcome to spring! We have a few new announcements for you, namely, transitioning our newsletter to a website format!
Transitioning our newsletter to a website allows for our content to be accessible to folks who use screen readers (20% of total population). It will be a living website, meaning that when we find out about programming opportunities, changes, or have important information to share, you’ll get it right away. Still want to print? There is a button at the bottom of the webpage that says “Print This Page” and we will be offering small batches of it printed if absolutely necessary.
Another large transition this year is that Deb Primmer has announced that she will be stepping down as Food Stand Manager. We will be working hard to find two replacements for her, and we deeply thank her for all the hours and sacrifice she has given over the years she has served in this role. We ask for two things: patience, kindness, and support of the new managers as they take on this huge role, and if you see Deb, that you thank her!
4-H youth learn about making maple syrup from UW-EXT Crops and Soils Specialist, Sam Bibby
Upcoming Programming
4-H Science Camp: June 23 & 24
Who: Any Youth In Grades K-2 as of Jan. 1 of 2026, Only 10 Slots Open
Where: Readstown Public Library
When: 1 To 5 PM, Both Days
The Dinosaur Science Camp involves traveling back millions of years to the days when dinosaurs roamed the Earth. We will explore fossils that were left behind, learn about paleontologists, and dig up some dinosaur bones. The cost is free, snacks and t-shirts will be provided for participants. Youth must attend both days.
Summer Photography Workshop: July 18th
Who: All Vernon County 4-H Youth, Grades 3-13
Where: Second Nature at Reads Creek
When: 9-10:30 AM
Join our photography leaders outdoors! Learn tips and tricks to capture flowers, insects, and nature. Come prepped for the outdoors and bring either your phone or a camera!
Summer Social: July 19th
Who: All Vernon County 4-H Members
Where: Vernon County Fairgrounds, Building TBA
When: 4 To 6 PM
Join in on our annual Summer Social event, planned and hosted by our Youth Leadership Project. There will be fun carnival games, a dunk tank, dinner, club competitions and more!
Rubbish Revival: July 19th
Who: Groups of 4 youth, under age 18
Where: Summer Social at the Fairgrounds
When: 4-6 PM
Turn used tires into beautiful planters displayed during the Vernon County Fair! We are partnering with the Vernon County Fair to have this contest be a part of our annual summer social gathering held on July 19th.
Teams of 4 will need to register ahead of time by July 10th. Tires will be made available for groups at the summer social. We will provide approximately 1 hour for teams to get started with their builds.
Foods and Clothing Revue: July 25
Who: Foods Revue is Open to All Vernon County 4-H Youth, Clothing Revue is Open to any Youth Eligible to Show at the Vernon County Fair
Where: Westby Community Center
When: Foods Revue at 10 AM & Clothing Revue at 1 PM
Foods Revue is so much fun! Youth prepare fun dishes, table settings, and menus for our judge to evaluate! After everyone presents, all youth and families have a potluck consisting of the entries!
Clothing Revue is part of the Vernon County Fair. It involves sewing a garmet and wearing it, so that the judge can evaluate. Information the classes can be found under Class D, in the Department 26 – Clothing.
Note: Cloverbuds may enter the clothing revue, but will only receive a participation ribbon.
Requests for reasonable accommodations for disabilities or limitations should be made prior to the date of the program or activity for which it is needed. Please do so 10 days before the program activity so that proper arrangements can be made.
The University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming in compliance with state and federal law.
Updates – What You Need to Know
Dairy Project Announcements
It is already that time of year again for dairy judging! This year the 4-H Area Animal Science Days (AASD) will be on Friday June 19th in Grant County. All youth ages 8-19 are invited to be part of the Vernon County Dairy Judging Team!
Dairy Judging workouts are open to all who want to learn what dairy judging is all about and fine-tune their judging skills and oral reasons. To participate in the contest on June 19, you must be in 4-H. I would like to know who is interested in attending workouts only and who is interested/able to attend the contest June 19th.
The workout schedule is below, they last an hour.
Wednesday Jun 10th, 7:30 p.m. at Rob and Gail Klinkner Farm. Holsteins and Jerseys. S7304A State Highway 82 Viroqua, WI 54665
Wednesday June 17th, 7:30 p.m. at Cody and Arlisa Clements Farm. Holsteins. N897 County Rd. PI Coon Valley, WI 54623. Look for the Westby Creamery Farm Sign at the end of the driveway!
Friday June 19th is the 4-H Area Animal Science Days Dairy Judging Contest in Lancaster, WI!
Summer Dog Project Announcements
Time to prepare your annual registration paperwork!
Registration night to turn in paperwork will be Tuesday, May 19th from 5:30 to 6:30 at the Hanson Arena at the fairgrounds. Families can drop in during that time – no dogs.
-Summer obedience and agility classes will start Tuesday, June 2nd at 6:00 PM.
Shooting Sports Project Announcement
The season will be hosted at the Viola Sportsman’s Club: S64565 Sportsman Road, Viola, WI 54664
Sunday, July 26 @ 1 PM: 4-H Invitational Shoot Competition
Sunday, August 30: Vernon County Fair Premium Shoot
5 pm: Archery & Air Rifle
6 pm: Shotgun & .22
Food Stand Meeting
We will host a meeting for 4-H parents and volunteers to attend to help replace Debbie at the 4-H food stand on Tuesday, June 16th at 6:30 PM at the 4-H Office, Erlandson Building. Parents, please make it a priority to attend to lend your ideas, skills, and time.
