Members of Barton County 4-H clubs showed off their consumer skills Wednesday during pre-fair events for the Barton County Fair.
While the fair itself takes place July 11-15, 4-H clothing, fiber arts and banners were judged in the morning at Trinity Lutheran Church, and in the evening students modeled their ensembles at the annual Fashion Revue at the Crest Theater.
Jessica Taliaferro, an intern at the Barton County Extension Office, monitored 4-Hers who took a test on family and consumer science skills. “It’s a life skills contest that has questions and a range of choices from best to worst,” she said.
Today’s 4-Hers can still learn how to use a sewing machine. Molly Kaiser, 11, sewed a blouse using the Singer machine at her parents’ home and a serger at the TLC Twisters 4-H Club. Her sister Morgan, 13, made a skirt.
Other 4-Hers learn “buymanship,” gaining skills for putting together an ensemble within a budget. Dakota Peterson, 18, a member of South Bend Jolly Workers 4-H Club, bought a senior prom dress at Paules in Great Bend, and she could tell the 4-H judges something about how to care for the garment. She was able to wear it again at the Mr. Perfect Panther event at Great Bend High School and would wear it Wednesday evening at the Fashion Revue.
Students in 4-H learn a variety of skills and can show off their know-how during the Barton County Fair. There are also open class events. Complete information can be found at the fair’s website, www.bartoncountyfair.com.