The arrival of summer means only one thing for our 4H crew: fair season! Excitement buzzed in the air as our kids prepared to showcase months of hard work and dedication.
This year’s fair week was a whirlwind of excitement, achievements, and unforgettable moments. Our talented kids shined in the show ring, proudly displaying their animals and celebrating hard-earned victories. Hailey and Aurora both took home impressive 5th place ribbons in swine showmanship, while our hogs dominated the market classes—Aurora’s hog snagged 2nd place, Hailey and Damon’s earned 3rd, and Ellee and Rin’s finished strong at 4th. Not a single one of our hogs placed below 6th, a testament to the kids’ dedication and the quality of their animals.
A special highlight this year was the Don Williams award nominations. Rin, Damon, and Ellee were all recognized by their peers and leaders for going above and beyond—an honor open to kids who show outstanding commitment and leadership. The excitement peaked when Ellee was announced as the winner, earning not only the award but also a well-deserved cash prize.
Our rabbit showmanship team also had a banner year! Alex wowed the judges, taking home first place, followed by Jude in 2nd, Charlotte in 3rd, Bri and Logan in 4th, Blake in 6th, and Justice in 7th. The celebrations didn’t stop there—Alex’s Dutch rabbit was awarded Best of Breed, bringing extra pride to our group.
Year after year, the 4H program proves to be so much more than a competition—it’s a launching pad for future leaders, a community where kids discover their strengths, and a place where lifelong dreams are born. The lessons learned in the show ring—commitment, teamwork, resilience—will guide these young people far beyond fair week. To everyone who has supported the 4H program at the VFW National Home: you aren’t just cheering from the sidelines, you’re helping to build brighter futures and inspire the next generation to reach even higher. Thank you for being part of this incredible journey.
