The youngsters took to the stage in the Manhattan Catholic Schools gymnasium, dressed in clothing ranging from traditional collared shirts to more unusual shorts.
About 100 participants from several Riley County 4-H clubs competed in this year's fashion contest Thursday night. Earlier in the day, they were judged on the quality of their clothing.
In clothing construction, 4-H members learn the basics, such as sewing a shirt or putting a zipper on a pair of pants. However, shopping skills give them an edge in knowing their wardrobe, planning a budget for an outfit, choosing between different shades of color and analyzing clothing advertisements.
“We have a lot of young talent in our 4-H kids and they work very hard and put a lot of time into their projects,” said Megan Dougherty, Riley County Extension agent for Family and Consumer Sciences. “This is just one of many projects they have going on right now, they show up and do their best on each project.”
Dougherty said all of the clothing will be on display at the Riley County Fair, which begins next week.
Alexzandra Anderson, left, and Genayla Warnken, members of the Leonardville Hustlers 4-H Club, smile for a photo Thursday night after being named Riley County Fair Royalty at the Manhattan Catholic Schools Fashion Show.
At the end of the show, two members of the Leonardville Hustlers 4-H Club, Alexzandra Anderson and Genayla Warnken, were named 2024 Riley County Fair Royalty. As royalty, some of the responsibilities of the future Riley County High School juniors include presenting ribbons at animal shows during the fair and serving as youth representatives on the county fair board.
Anderson, 16, has been a member of the Hustlers for eight years and is their treasurer, 4-H council reporter and Riley County ambassador. She is involved in a variety of projects, including shooting sports, geology, photography and beef.
“I feel like it’s a really good opportunity and a really good experience,” Anderson said of his coronation. “I didn’t really expect it because all the candidates were really good and any of them that got chosen would have done an incredible job.”
For those new to 4-H, Anderson said they should get involved and won't regret it.
Have fun doing it, she said.
Warnken, 16, started working with the Hustlers six years ago and enjoys working with the younger 4-H members. Two of his favorite projects are the ox and the horse.
She encouraged young 4-H members to ask questions.
Whether you're scared or not, maybe it's your first time trying a new project, definitely ask those older leaders about 4-H, Warnken said.
Pre-fair events continue with horse show judging at 8:30 a.m. Saturday at CiCo Parks Wells Arena.
