4-H Floriculture and Horticulture Bring Colorful Displays to the Logan County Fair

[July 31, 2024]   An unseasonably cool morning greeted 4-H floriculturists and horticulturalists on Monday at the Logan County Fairgrounds. Members of local 4-H clubs brought cut flowers, arrangements, and houseplants for judging at the 2024 Logan County Fair.

Judge Betty Moser, 4-H floriculture judge of 50 years, was assisted by her daughter Judy, and Superintendents of 29 years Jason and Beth Steffens were on-hand to keep the event running smoothly.

4-H participants brought their flowers before the judges and engaged in conversation about the plants, how they grew them, and what they had learned. Judges inquired “Where are they planted? Did you start them from seed? Do you have any thoughts about what you would do differently? What have you learned? Did you have any challenges?”

Other 4-H participants fielded questions such as “Is this your first year exhibiting? Did you have a lot of flowers to choose from? Do you see a lot of pollinators around these?” After discussing their exhibits with the judges, the judges filled out forms to help entrants assess and improve their entries and assigned a grade. Judges awarded plaques for Best of Show in the various categories and chose 4-H delegates for the Illinois State Fair.

Best of Show for Fresh Cut Flowers went to Ellie Wrage for her limelight hydrangea. Best Floriculture Display and State Fair Delegate went to Kennedy Dare for her Autumn Beauty sunflowers. Best House Plant and State Fair Delegate went to Shelby Heyen. Best Annual went to Ellie Wrage for her wave petunias. Best Horticulture Display and State Fair Delegate went to Oliver White. Best Perennial and State Fair Delegate went to Carly Zelhart for her black-eyed Susans. Olivia Wrage won the Betty Moser Book Award.

[Stephanie Hall]