People gathered around the fire to cook maple sap until it turns to syrup.

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 24 & 25

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.

Flower Craft Mail Project

Who: All Vernon County 4-H Members

Where: At your home, via the mail!

When: June & July

Sign up to receive materials in the mail to complete your very own flower craft projects. Each month, you’ll be mailed instructions (possibly some supplies) on several types of crafts centered around flowers. You will be learning how to dry, arrange, and press flowers!

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!

Registration Will Open Later

Youth eats a piece of watermelon in a contest.

Includes two photos, a youth poses behind his themed chocolate strawberry mouse cups. A youth wears a skirt and holds a merit ribbon she received for it.

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.

Registration Will Open Later

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

Tag Pickup

All youth that are planning on exhibiting beef, sheep, and swine must come and get fair tags to put in ears on Saturday, May 2nd. Go to the Vernon County Fairgrounds and committee members will be there from 8:00 to Noon only. If you cannot make it at this time, please arrange for someone else to grab your tags that day or call Lloyd Hardy (608)-606-1301. We will not have tags in the office.

Swine Updates

The Vernon County Meat Animal Sale Committee has announced a change in its policies.

The swine show will now no longer be a terminal show. Exhibitors are now able to take their extra pigs home if they so wish. If you have questions, please contact Lloyd Hardy (608)-606-1301

Project Enrollment Deadline: June 1

All youth must be enrolled in the projects on 4HOnline that they wish to enter in fair.

For example, if your youth wants to exhibit art at the fair, they must enroll in the art project. Please review all your youth’s projects on 4HOnline. Remember, this is NOT enrolling for fair classes. That process takes place later in the year on a completely different system. Also check with your leaders regarding your attendance and that you’re in compliance with 4-H’s 50% rule.