Hopkins County 4-H Prepare for Contest Season By Johanna Hicks

Hopkins County 4-H Prepare for Contest Season

The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office is abuzz with activity this time of year!  Not only are some of our 4-H members preparing for the Junior Market Show, but many others are beginning preparations for the 4-H Fashion Show, Food Show, Educational Presentations, Public Speaking, Share-the-Fun, Food Challenge, Consumer Decision Making Contest, and 4-H Photography Contest.

This week’s column will highlight the 4-H Photography Contest.  If you have ever been in our office, you will notice a photo displayed on our wall with the caption, “These ARE my good dance shoes.”  The picture depicts a young girl dressed in a white tutu wearing pink ad brown cowboy boots, standing in front of a white-washed fence.  The photo, taken by former 4-H member Kaitlynn George, and won the state 4-H contest for Best of Show – Artistic Quality.  Photography is a popular project in Hopkins County, and we offer three events throughout the year in which 4-H members can participate.

Registration for the District 4-H photography contest is open until midnight, February 6, on the  4-H Connect link.  When registering, the first photo is $10, and only .50 for each additional photo.  The three age divisions are:  Seniors (grades 9-12), Intermediates (grades 6-8); and Juniors (grades 3-5).  Photo categories are:

  • Animals – Domestic
  • Animals – Wildlife
  • Catch-all
  • Details & Macro
  • Digital Darkroom
  • Dominant Color
  • Elements of Design
  • Food
  • Marine/Aquatic
  • Nature/Landscape
  • Night Photography
  • People
  • Plant/Flora
  • Storyboard
  • Theme “Reflections.”

All photos must have been taken by the 4-H member within one year prior to the entry deadline.  Photos may be submitted only one time and in only category.  Each member may enter one photo per category for a maximum of 15 photos.

Actual photos must be received in the District Office or the Morris County Extension Office on or before March 17.  (Note:  I have a conference in February and can hand deliver them to the District Extension Office in Dallas, but I must have the photos by February 13th in order to do so.)  All photos must be permanently mounted on photographic mount board or a board of like thickness (foam board is acceptable.)  Photos must be no larger than 8 X 10”, suitable for hanging without additional framing.  Masonite, photo folders, corrugated cardboard and poster board are not acceptable.

For a full description of each category and the required label to be attached to each photo, go to the District 4 website  http://d44-h.tamu.edu/event/photography.  You will find all the information you need for a successful journey into the 4-H Photography Contest!

 

4-H Food Show and Fashion Show

These two contests have been around for years, and even though they have seen some changes in entry categories, they remain to be tried and true!  In the 4-H Food Show, the 4-H member selects a category (protein, grains, fruits & vegetables, or dairy) and furnishes an entry form which includes the recipe and a brief description of their involvement in food and nutrition.  On the day of the contest, the member brings the prepared dish and is interviewed by a pair of judges about the dish.  After all judging is complete, the dishes are set out for display, and awards are given.  Those who receive 1st place in their age division and category will advance to the District 4-H Food Show.  Our county 4-H Food Show is scheduled for Tuesday, February 28, as part of the Bobby McDonald Memorial County 4-H Roundup.  Also taking place that same day will be the 4-H Fashion Show, Food Challenge, and Fashion Storyboard.

The 4-H Fashion Show is another popular contest.  There are actually two choices for participation – construction (the 4-H’er makes his or her outfit) or consumer buying (the 4-H’er purchases his or her outfit).  A registration form is required, which includes project activities, as well as information about the garment.  On the day of the contest, the 4-H member actually wears their outfit during an interview by a pair of judges.  Following all judging, 4-H’ers participate in a fashion show where they model their outfit for parents, guests, and other 4-H’ers in attendance during the awards presentation.  Again, those who place 1st in their age division and category advance to district competition.

Entry forms for both of these contests will be mailed to 4-H members who signed up for Foods & Nutrition, and Clothing & Textiles when they registered for 4-H.  We are hoping for a good turnout!  If you have any questions, please contact our office at 903-885-3443.

 

Closing Thought

Nothing nurtures success like a steadiness of purpose – unknown

Johanna Hicks
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension
Family & Consumer Sciences
1200-B W. Houston
P.O.Box 518
Sulphur springs, TX 75483
903-885-3443 – phone
903-439-4909 – Fax
[email protected]

Author: Staff Reporter

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