University of Minnesota Extension, Aitkin County 4-H

06/17/2026

Hello all!

As you all know the Aitkin County Fair is right around the corner! As we draw near we will be highlighting events and vendors that happen throughout the fair!

First up is the Blue Ribbon Auction!

The Blue Ribbon Auction is an event created to give community members and local business's the opportunity to support our 4-Her's with their livestock projects. Over the last few years it has grown immensely in support for all. The information about when and where is provided in the photos below.

We cannot forget the bidders (and 4-Her's) favorite part, the reception which follows the completion of the auction. We serve brats along with chips, refreshments, and a dessert. Last years meal was donated by Double D's!

Please spread the word throughout the community to come out Friday July 10th of the Fair at 5:30 to participate in the fun!

If you have any questions regarding the Blue Ribbon Auction do not hesitate to reach out via email or this post!

06/08/2026

If you are bringing poultry to the fair this year and need it tested we are hosting a Poultry Testing day on Friday June, 26th. We will be there from 5:00pm to 7:00pm. Using the link below you can sign up for a time slot!

Sign up for testing here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1-g_z_O8DeO8MXnMyFvDHGqD-ehWUhasdOMtT44RmKoA/edit?usp=sharing

We look forward to seeing you there!

05/13/2026

‼ Are you, or your family, planning on exhibiting an animal at a 4-H event this year?

The deadline to identify animals in 4-H Online is Friday, May 15th, just 2 days away - don't miss it!

Questions about IDs? Visit z.umn.edu/MN4HAnimalID

05/09/2026

Be sure to join the Shooting Sports and Wildlife webinar on Tuesday, May 12th to learn more about the 2026 State Shoot event!

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05/08/2026

The animal ID deadline is in 7 days! Be sure to drop in to an animal ID help night to get assistance with your animal ID's. For alternate appointment dates, please contact Julianna at [email protected] or 218-927-2538.

05/07/2026

Minnesota 4-H Photography is excited to offer a statewide photography workshop on flower and foliage photography for youth in grades K-13. It will be held on Tuesday, May 12 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. via Zoom.

Learn from MN 4‑H Photography Committee members Cora, Michele, and MaryAnn as they guide you through creative, hands-on techniques to elevate your flower and foliage photography. Participants will explore ways to capture striking textures, vibrant colors, dramatic lighting, and unique perspectives that transform ordinary plants into captivating, eye‑catching images.

Find more information and how to register: https://extension.umn.edu/event/buds-and-blooms-4-h-photography-workshop

05/04/2026

Join the 4-H Video program at our in-person 4-H Video Editing Workshop for grades 7-13! This program will make your movies better. Youth learn how to turn raw footage into a polished story. Participants will practice cutting clips, adding sound and transitions, and building a cohesive final video using accessible editing tools. Perfect for beginners and growing filmmakers alike!

Date: Saturday, May 9
Time: 9:30 am to 3:30 pm
Location: FilmNorth, 2441 University Ave W Suite 100, St Paul, MN 55114.
Audience: 7th grade +
Registration deadline: Register in 4HOnline by Monday, April 20th
Cost: $40
Sign up is limited to 10 youth for this hands-on workshop.

Lunch provided.

More information and details on registration at: https://z.umn.edu/4HVideoEditing
Questions? Email Mindy Grant at [email protected]

05/01/2026

Join the Aitkin County 4-H Beef PDC for their second meeting! This meeting will expose youth to rate of gain. The meeting will cover what is rate of gain, how to use it within their projects, and future ideas for challenges with a guest speaker. Be sure to register at z.umn.edu/AitkinBeefPDC26-2.

04/30/2026

Calling all youth in grades 6 and up! Are you planning to exhibit an animal at the county fair? Would you like to advance to the Minnesota State Fair or Northeast Livestock Show? If you answered yes to any of these questions, be sure your LQA&E certifications are up to date! For those that need to recertify, join us on Monday, June 1st for our 3 hour in-person certification event. Register to attend at z.unm.edu/AitkinLQAE26.

04/29/2026

Calling all 7th-grade leaders! 🌟🌲

You asked, and we listened! Many of you told us you wanted more leadership opportunities at camp, and NEW this year, NE 4-H Camp is excited to offer the Camp Counselor in Training (CIT) Program at Long Lake Conservation Center in Palisade, Minnesota.

Join us for a 3-day, 2-night experience from July 22 to 24, 2026, where you’ll enjoy all the fun of camp through outdoor adventures, hands-on activities, and camp games, with an added leadership boost. As a CIT, you’ll participate in leadership-focused workshops, build confidence and teamwork skills, and get a behind-the-scenes look at what it’s like to lead at camp. This experience offers the opportunity to grow as a role model, practice leadership in a supportive environment, and explore whether becoming a future camp counselor is right for you.

Registration opens February 16 and closes May 31, 2026, in 4-H Online. Questions or need help registering? Contact Cassie Girling at [email protected] or 218-838-2142.