Central Minnesota youths and adults gathered June 4 for their Fifth Annual Benton County 4-H Showcase & Performing Arts Evening at the Benton County Fairgrounds.

Questions such as: So, what exactly is 4-H? What does Performing Arts involve within the 4-H program? What kinds of exciting projects can I participate in this year? Is it possible to join if I don’t have an animal? were thoughtfully addressed at the event.

The evening featured a rich array of engaging activities, showcasing everything from adorable live animals to impressive project exhibits, attracting over 100 enthusiastic attendees. The event served as a welcoming platform for new 4-H families, allowing them to connect with experienced members and learn about getting involved in the program.

The program was kicked off with a warm welcome from Ann Olson, Benton County 4-H Extension Educator, who greeted the new families with open arms and infectious enthusiasm. The highlight of the evening was undoubtedly the “Share the Fun Acts & Performing Arts” showcase, which featured over 20 talented 4-H members. These young performers captivated the audience with their diverse skills, including instrumental performances, energetic dance routines, graceful gymnastics, and singing.

The evening began with a lively performance from the Granite Clouds 4-H Club, who presented their creative “Share the Fun” act. They enchanted the audience with their skit titled “It Could Always Be Worse,” adapted from a whimsical Yiddish folk tale. Their engaging performance earned them a well-deserved blue ribbon, celebrating their hard work and creativity. 

Results of the Performing Arts Judging for Cloverbuds: Stella Mielke, first grader from Sauk Rapids, did a Hip-Hop Dance and received a cloverbud ribbon, and Joelle Laudenbach, second Grader from Rice, did a gymnastics routine and received a cloverbud ribbon. Ages 3- 5th grade: Hailey Mielke, a 3rd grader from Sauk Rapids, did a Hip Hop Dance and received a blue ribbon; Rayna Eichers, a fourth grader from Sauk Rapids, played two piano pieces, “The Dragon Hunt” and “A Day at the Carnival,” and received blue ribbons for both entries. 

Avery Laudenbach, a fourth grader from Rice, did a presentation “Faces of history on Perpetua a Christian Martyr” and received a blue ribbon; Mason Bengtson, a fifth grader from S. Cloud, played two piano pieces, “Ecossaine” and “Mists of Kilimanjaro” and received blue ribbons for both performances. 

Age 6-8th grade: Mackenzie Bengtson, sixth grader from St. Cloud, played two piano pieces, “Jungle Fever” and “Into Forever,” and received blue ribbons for each; Kenzie Manea, eighth grader from Sauk Rapids, played “Rattlin’ Bog” and received a blue ribbon. Mist Schlough, an eighth grader from St. Cloud, played her saxophone and received a blue ribbon and Champion; Austynn McKay, a seventh grader from Becker, and Jaycie Johnson, a seventh grader from Clear Lake, sang a duet “Butterfly Fly Away” from Hannah Montana and received blue ribbons and Reserve Champion. Sophia Beauchamp, an eighth grader from Rice, did a demonstration on “Creating a Strawberry Acai Refresher” and received a blue ribbon. 

Share the Fun: Granite Clouds 4-H Club performed a skit “It Could Always be Worse” (Adapted from a Yiddish Folk Tale and received a blue Ribbon.

As the families ate pizza and desserts, they visited with Ambassadors and club leaders to get questions answered and ideas for the upcoming fair season. Families also viewed a display of projects in various areas to provide the 4-H’ers with ideas for their fair projects this year, heard from a large group of 4-H ambassadors about their involvement in 4-H, and learned about different project areas.

To learn more about how your family can participate in Benton County 4-H, contact the Extension Office at 320.968.5077.