Lydia Stobel, a 4-H Clover child, brought a teddy bear with her when she modeled pajama pants.
NICOLE HELDT, Gering Courier
Excitement was in the air at the Panhandle Research and Extension Center on July 23 as 4-H’ers put on a modeling show for family and friends.
4-H’ers wear the clothes they made as part of their projects this year. The Scotts Bluff County 4-H Dress Up, Styling and Building Contest featured a day of judging that also included fashion show and table setting contests.
As the busy day came to a close, the children paraded across the stage in the 4-H Style Revue displaying outfits ranging from cozy pajamas to brightly colored casual outfits.
“I think (modeling) is a lot of fun; sometimes it’s a little scary,” said Brooklyn Creech, 10. “When it’s not scary, it’s crazy because it’s running around; it’s a lot of running down the hall and it’s a long day because I think we left here at about 4 o’clock.”
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As Brooklyn made her way to the lineup backstage, she said, “That’s the chaotic part. Let the run begin.”
Jessica Wilkinson models the plaid wool coat.
NICOLE HELDT, Gering Courier
Nathan Rice, a Scotts Bluff County Extension educator, welcomed the crowd to the 4-H Style Revue by recognizing staff, supervisors, volunteers and parents on stage decorated in an “Out of This World” space theme.
“The kids who are going to be on stage don’t know what ribbon they got, so they’re going to find out, right here on stage,” Rice said.
While screams and laughter could be heard from the girl’s dressing room, the boy’s room had a different look in the evening.
“For all the boys, it’s the best day of the year because they’re all playing on the floor in the room, making a fort,” Hunter Creech said.
“It’s not like we’re being judged now, this part is just for the public and the public is less threatening than the judges,” Justine Wilkinson, 15, said. “We did the judging part earlier today and that can be intimidating, so that’s the fun part.”
Justine, in her eighth year competing in the 4-H dressage classes, made a dress for modeling, printed a design on a shirt beyond the needlepoint competition and crocheted a sweater. She will enter many projects during the week of the fair, but considers dressmaking to be one of her favorites, which she says teaches lifelong skills.
“I love sewing and crocheting because it helps me be more creative and I really enjoyed making my two piece outfit,” Justine said. “And being able to use color properly, and just learning how to do it better or do my wardrobe. It suits me better for later in life and for now too.”
Jessica Wilkinson, also in her eighth year competing in 4-H dressage, enters many projects at the county fair and prefers the animal events.
Justine Wilkinson, proudly modeled a 4-H club t-shirt.
NICOLE HELDT, Gering Courier
“I like animal things more, but my sister really likes clothes. “She likes it, and I like it, but not as much as she does,” she said. “I like sewing the best because I can make my own clothes and help fit into my wardrobe and make something unique that not everyone else has.”
Jessica built two looks, a fur coat and striped pants with a knitted shirt, in the Steam 3 division and participated in the shopping in the style class.
Sheridan Ferguson was first on stage modeling a shirt and vest at the 4-H Style Revue at the Panhandle Research and Extension Center on July 23.
Photos by NICOLE HELDT, Gering Courier
“The shopping and style part is where you buy an item of clothing and then show how economical that item is for your wardrobe,” she said. “That way, you realize not just buying right away, but buying things that you need and can use again.”
Phoebe Behnke, 10, has been competing in 4-H dressage events for two years. She made a simple finish in the Steam 1 division, iced a blouse beyond the needle and was the only entry to the attention of buyers.
“Making the clothes and stuff is probably the ‘fun’ part,” Behnke said. “It was really good (modeling for the judge) and it was kind of crazy because I had to change quickly for one of mine. As soon as I finished, I rushed to get it and then I rushed back and got there in time.”
4-H Clover Kid, Charlee Workman, shows off her skirt on stage.
NICOLE HELDT, Gering Courier
Event judges were Jamie Bright, Cathy Parker and Lynn Reutter.
All clothing, styling, construction and table setting will be on display at the Scotts Bluff County Fair, August 2-6.
For more information on 4-H and a complete list of results, contact the Scotts Bluff County Extension Office at 308-632-1480 or visit extension.unl.edu/statewide/scottsbluff-morrill/scottsbluffcounty4h.
