Sand Volleyball Tournament at Burt County Fair
July 15, 2016 Leave a comment
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Help Needed for Fairgrounds Clean-Up!
July 13, 2016 Leave a comment
Help needed for Fairgrounds Clean-Up!
Sunday, July 24th @ 1 PM
All 4-H families as well as any BCF supporters are being asked to help clean up the fairgrounds as the fair is around the corner! It is a fun time to get together one last time before the big week! There will be grilled hot dogs and hamburgers along with the fixings provided by the Burt County Ag Society and Marty and Jean Peterson. All you have to bring is a broom, a side dish and something to drink! Hope to see you there! Please share and help spread the word!
Fremont and Burt County Fair Information
July 7, 2016 Leave a comment
Fremont 4-H Fair This Week
Don’t miss out on this great opportunity to show your 4-H exhibits at what I call the “Pre-Fair”! The Fremont 4-H Fair will be held July 6-9 at Christensen Field in Fremont. Livestock as well as static exhibits will be on display. If you made a static exhibit for last year’s Burt County Fair, but didn’t get it done in time to exhibit at the Fremont Fair you are welcome to show your skills and exhibit it this year.
I always told my 4-H members if they are baking for county fair to put their four best cookies (for example) in the freezer for the Burt County Fair, then pick the four next best ones for Fremont Fair and the third best ones to save for Open Class entry. The only trick is making sure no one EATS them before any of the fairs! I’ve seen pictures of signs on food saying “Eat this and you DIE!” as 4-H members try to protect their exhibits from hungry family members.
Check out all the exhibit options by going online to: http://dodge.unl.edu/frfourhexhguide for the Fremont 4-H Fair Book.
Fremont Fair Entry Deadlines and Information:
4-H Static Exhibits (Citizenship & Civic Education, Clover buds Exhibits, Communications & Expressive Arts, Consumer & Family Science, Environmental Education/Earth Science, Healthy Lifestyles, Personal Development & Leadership, Plant Science, Science & Technology – Home Economics) will be entered at the Fremont 4-H Fair during Entry/Check-in Day Wednesday, July 6 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. AND/OR Thursday, July 7 from 7:30–8:30 a.m. at the Christensen Field Multi-Purpose Building. Enter on the South side for easiest access.
4-H Animal Exhibits will be entered at the specified in the Fairbook. For check-in of the particular department/species refer to “Schedule of Events” and/or to the specific department/species information in this premium list.
Hope to see you there!
Burt County 4-H Bicycle Rodeo
The 4-H Bicycle Rodeo will be held July 12 at the St. Patrick’s Catholic Church Parking Lot, on Hwy 32 on the West edge of Tekamah, beginning at 6:30 p.m. All 4-H members are encouraged to participate including Clover Kids.
Participants must be signed up by NOON the day of the contest so materials are prepared for them. Helmets are always a good idea!
The contest will include a safety quiz as well as the 4 riding events…control, balance, figure 8 and slalom.
If you have any questions about this event please call the Nebraska Extension Office at 402-374-2929.
Pie Day I – July 14
The 4-H Kitchen Pie Day I will be held Thursday, July 14 in Methodist Church Basement in Tekamah. Pie making preparations will begin at 8:00 am and will run until approximately 2:00.
Everyone welcome to help and the Burt County 4-H Council will provide lunch. All volunteers and pie lovers are welcome to help – 4-H related or not! Bring your apron and favorite peeler, knife or rolling pin (well-marked please) and come join this fun group of pie makers.
4-H Rocket Launch – July 14
Attention all 4-H rocketeers…the 4-H Rocket Launch Contest will again be held at Rogers Sod Farm on Hwy 75 just south of Decatur in their wonderful wide open spaced grassy area. The contest will begin at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 14th and if it is still light after the contest 4-H members are welcome to do any additional launches needed to complete their launch record for fair entry for the rocket.
Please call the Extension Office at 402-374-2929 by noon the day of the contest so we can plan for you.
If you’d just like to come watch you are most welcome, just bring a lawn chair or blanket and maybe bug spray! It’s a really fun contest so don’t miss out!
Come to the Burt County Fair Promotion, August 6-8
Youth ages 5-18 can receive 5 ride coupons by completing a county fair scavenger hunt!
The contest will be available Saturday and Sunday 10-10 and Monday 10:00 a.m.-5:00 pm at the Burt County Fairgrounds. Sign up and get started at the 4-H Building. Note: Youth may only participate and receive prizes in the scavenger hunt ONCE during the fair.
PLUS participants get to spin the giant 4-H Prize Wheel to win an extra prize, like trinkets, more ride tickets, 4-H Kitchen coupons or even a 4-H t-shirt!
Make plans NOW to bring your family and friends to the Burt County Fair to take part in the County Fair Scavenger Hunt and see what the Burt County Fair holds for you and your family!
This fun activity is sponsored by the Burt County 4-H Council and funded by the America’s Farmers Grow Communities Grant from Monsanto, Corporation donated to the Burt County 4-H Council by grant winner, Rosie Gregerson of Tekamah.
Mary Loftis,
Extension Associate
UNL Extension – Burt County
111 North 13th Street, Suite 6
Tekamah, NE 68061
Phone: (402) 374-2929
Fax: (402) 374-2930
Internet: mloftis2@unl.edu
Kats’ Korner: It is summer time!
June 21, 2016 Leave a comment
It is officially summer, my favorite season.
I love the heat! I will even admit I am getting a little tired of it. The humidity bothers me. I have allergy and sinus problems and humidity doesn’t help.
We are working on a new landscaping project in our yard, but with the heat, we haven’t been able to work outside for any great length of time.
We bought a new pool this year. Our other one lasted about nine years, than it started leaking. We managed to patch some of the leaks, but it got out of hand. It isn’t cheap to fill up the pool every week or so.
I certainly enjoy the pool! So do our grandkids. If this one lasts nine years, I will be happy. I may not get another one. Time will tell.
We also bought a hot tub. It is so relaxing. Jeff has back problems, and the hot tub is a big help for him. It is our bit of enjoyment in life. It also takes away the stress and tension from a tough day, and makes for a very restful sleep.
Kats’ Korner
The heat and humidity have been good for our garden. It seems to be growing by leaps and bounds!
We planted potatoes, green beans, cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers, zucchini and onions. We had some wild pumpkin plants growing. Jeff planted one in the potatoes, but I am not sure it is still there. The potatoes are so tall, if it is there, I won’t know until the pumpkins are growing!
Jeff also bought 10 strawberry plants this year. He was a little late in getting them, so we won’t have strawberries this year. I can’t wait to have some next year!
We also have two apple trees and a peach tree. We bought another peach tree and a cherry tree this year.
We should live on a farm. I know Jeff would love that!
Kats’ Korner
With the arrival of summer, there are a couple of dates to remember! Summer seems to fly by, so keep these dates in mind.
One is coming up on us rather quickly! July 3rd is the annual Party in the Park! There will be games for the kids, food and refreshments and fireworks. Please come out and enjoy a fun filled evening in the beautiful Oakland Park celebrating the freedom of our country.
The next event is the Burt County Fair! Mark your calendars for August 5th-9th. There will be many events to enjoy. Kat Country Hub will be sharing further information as it becomes available.
Thought for the Day: Don’t be in such a hurry. Life is precious. Enjoy each moment God has given you.
Have a great week!
Our garden. It is really thriving! Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.
Kats’ Korner: The Beauty Around Us, the Beauty in Us
September 18, 2015 Leave a comment
The sun, moon and stars are reflectors for the beauty hidden in all of us.-Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.
I, like many people, enjoy the beauty around me. Fall is just around the corner, bringing many beautiful colors to the trees, and fall decorations into homes.
I also enjoy the beauty of sunrises, sunsets, the many different colors of the moon, and the twinkling stars.
I have been pursuing the field of photography. The sky has provided me with some beautiful pictures while practicing and learning more and more about photography.
I entered many pictures in the Burt County Fair photography exhibit. I received several first, second and third place ribbons. I didn’t achieve the honor of a purple ribbon. But, I have already begun taking and printing pictures for next year. I saw many beautiful photos, inspiring me to improve and become a better photographer. My belief is everyone has room for improvement in whatever their career or hobby is.
I thrill in learning and growing in anything I choose to pursue. I discovered writing later in my life, which led me to a career and degree in journalism. To be an effective journalist, one must take pictures. I have been studying, taking classes and learning all that I can about photography. I have to say, it is fun!
I also take many pictures of my grandchildren, of course. They are fun to photograph! I have many, many pictures of them! Recently, we attended the Nebraska State Fair, watching our grandchildren Grayce and Grayhm show cattle. My camera was busy that day!
Nature provides gorgeous scenery for photographers as well. I have taken several pictures of flowers, trees in the fall, blooming bushes and vegetable gardens. I also have taken pictures of all types of birds, including hummingbirds. They are absolutely fascinating. We have two feeders that attract many hummingbirds of all different colors. They are hard to snap a picture of. I bring my camera out on the porch, line up my photo and wait. It is true. Beauty is in a camera lens!
The beauty of the world and the sky is ours to view and revel in, bringing out the beauty in all of us.
I know I do my best to “shine” every day, doing a job I love, pursuing adventures in life every day. Also serving on the city council, serving the taxpayers of Oakland, a community I am proud to live in.
Reminds me of a song: “This Little Light of Mine, I’m gonna let it Shine.”
Let your light shine, reflecting your beauty.
Foosball Table Eye Catching Exhibit
August 24, 2015 Leave a comment
By Mary Loftis, Extension Assistant
Burt County 4-H member Brent Miller of Lyons took his woodworking skills to an even higher level this year as he made a Mission Foosball Table.
This project was no kit. Brent searched the internet and found the parts online from four different websites. Pieces for the table came from Omaha, Georgia, Wisconsin and Canada.
There are 90 pieces in the body with a total of 130 pieces on the table. The table is solid oak with a walnut and oak play top. The legs are 3” x 3” solid oak. To say the table is heavy would be an understatement as it’s estimated at 400-500 lbs. It caught the appreciative eye of every woodworker walking through the 4-H building.
Jens Andersen of Andersen Wood Floors in Lyons provided the multi-colored wood for the play field. Miller covered the play top with ¼” Plexiglas.
Brent was told when the table entered the 4-H Building on entry day that the Burt County Extension staff would not be able to take it to the state fair…there was no doubt it would be selected when judged. He was told if his family and other strong individuals wanted to take it to and from Grand Island they were welcome to do that and it sounds like that is the case and it will be at the state fair!
The future home of the foosball table is in the family basement. When asked what project is next…he slyly smiles and “Maybe a full size pool table…with a slate top.” This will likely be another beautiful piece only Burt County fair-goers will have the privilege to see, unless the family plans another early trip to the State Fair to enter it!
Help needed…
It has come to our attention that a hit and run accident occurred on the fairgrounds on Tuesday afternoon, August 11 just east of the hog barn sometime between 2:00-3:00 during the livestock auction. A 2015 Red Equinox received damage to the front of the driver’s side of the vehicle. If you happened to see anything that might help find the other driver please call the Burt County Sheriff’s Department at: 402-374-2900. Thanks!
4-H Kitchen $100 Worker Winner!
After the fair wrapped up, the names of all the individuals who worked a full shift in the 4-H Kitchen were thrown in the hat and this year the winners of the $100 is Chad and Julie Brehmer of Lyons. Congratulations and as they say…the check is in the mail!
Join the Fun at the State Fair as a Volunteer!
The Nebraska 4-H program is seeking volunteers to help with exhibit entry day, judging, and serving as 4-H exhibit building hosts and greeters. Volunteers will be needed for educational activities in the 4-H building, serving as the Lil’ Green Mascot being part of the “Green Team” as building hosts answering questions from the visitors. Of course there is a need for assistance with all 4-H contests and events throughout the fair. State Fair 4-H volunteers will receive a fair pass for the day(s) they volunteer. Volunteers can sign-up by visiting http://4h.unl.edu/nebraskastatefairvolunteerinformation.
A complete list of volunteer opportunities is also available on the site. If you have questions about being a 4-H volunteer at the Nebraska State Fair, please contact Cathy Johnston, Extension Educator, at (402) 472-1762 or cjohnston1@unl.edu
Nebraska State Fairbook and Schedule Online
The Nebraska State website has the 2015 Fairbook, including the schedule for the 4-H, FFA, and Open Class Livestock shows. The website is http://4h.unl.edu/nebraskastatefairfairbook and for all other State Fair information you can go to www.statefair.org
Brent Miller of Lyons with the foosball table he made and displayed at the Burt County Fair. Photo Credit/Mary Loftis, Extension Assistant.
Thanks for Making the Burt County Fair Such a Great Event!
August 19, 2015 Leave a comment
By Mary Loftis, Extension Assistant
Our thanks go to ALL our 4-H faithful and volunteers of all sorts for making the Burt County Fair such a great success. We hope you felt it was a successful fair for you too!
At the top of my county fair excitement list were the 61 individuals crossing the stage as they modeled their outfits during the 4-H Fashion Show Friday night. There were a few who were not able to attend, but that is a record number of models for many, many years!
Among those modeling were 14 Clover Kids (ages 5-7). Another important change-maker was the addition of the $15.00 Challenge category. 4-H members were challenged to purchase a complete outfit for $15 or less (not counting shoes or underwear.) This challenge got the 4-H members out of the name brand stores and into the thrift stores, Goodwill and even using coupons. One member found a skirt on sale at a retail store for $10 and then produced a $10 off coupon! That’s how I’d like to shop! There were 14 models in that category also.
Hopefully you had a chance to take in some of the great entertainment at the fair. The free shows under the Fair Foundation Pavilion were excellent as were the big name shows and bull riding in front of the grandstand. The value of this entertainment goes directly to the Entertainment Committee of the Burt County Fair Foundation and Ag Society. Many thousands of dollars were spent to make these shows available, so make sure you thank the Burt County Ag Society and the Fair Foundation for the Entertainment Committee’s efforts.
On the subject of “thanks” don’t forget to write those all-important thank you notes to award donors and auction buyers! We have some wonderfully generous supporters and if they don’t feel their efforts were appreciated they may not donate, buy or support 4-H in any way next year! Yes, it’s that important, so make it your goal before school starts to get those thank you notes mailed.
Good Luck to all our State Fair Exhibitors!
The 2015 Nebraska State Fair is August 28- September 7 in Grand Island, and many of our Burt County 4-H members will be showing animals, taking part in presentations, modeling, and public speaking contests. Many more 4-H members will also have their static exhibits judged. Jot down this webpage to help you plan your trip to the State Fair, sign up to volunteer at the fair or check fair results by going to the following webpage: 4h.unl.edu/nebraska-state-fair
State Fair Exhibits Due in Extension Office
Since the State Fair is in Grand Island, we need to get all the static exhibits packed and loaded early and efficiently and we need your help to get them in on time!
All non-perishable Static Exhibits are due in the Burt County Extension Office by Friday, August 21.
Perishable Exhibits including foods & gardening need to come in by Wednesday morning, August 26 before 8:30 a.m.! NO LATER!
We will open the Extension Office at 7:30 a.m. to help you get where you need to go that morning on time. If you have any challenges getting them here in the morning they can come in the day before so please plan ahead so your items make it to the state fair!
In order to make check in at the state fair as easy as possible, 4-H members taking any horticulture or flowers need to call the Burt County Extension Office by Monday, August 24 at 4:30 p.m. with the exhibit cultivars or varieties so these items can be pre-entered and have entry tags waiting for us in Grand Island. Standing in line for an hour and a half waiting for them last year was NO FUN!
Remember, your 4-H exhibits may be picked up again September 8-11.
Too cute not to share:
Sometimes the value of a good 4-H project isn’t as easy to appreciate as at other times:
I was told about a little girl who met a friend at the Burt County Fair this year. The friend said to the girl: “Let’s go see the cows! Let’s go see the cows!” So the girl and her mother went up the hill to the beef barn. As they were walking down the beef aisle the little girl turned to her mom and asked “Why are we looking at cow butts?”
Some of the simplest questions are the hardest to answer!
Kat Country Hub 
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