Youth went up on a stage in the gymnasium at Manhattan Catholic Schools, donning clothing from traditional collared shirts to the more unusual “foodie shorts.”
About 100 participants from several of Riley County’s 4-H clubs took part in this year’s fashion revue Thursday night. Earlier in the day, they were judged for their clothing construction or buymanship.
In clothing construction, 4-H members are taught the basics like how to sew a a shirt or putting a zipper in a pair of pants. However, buymanship gives them an advantage on knowing their wardrobe, planning a budget for an outfit, choosing between different shades of colors and analyzing clothing advertisements.
“We have a lot of young talent in our 4-H kids and they work very hard and dedicate a lot of time to their projects,” said Megan Dougherty, Riley County extension agent for family and consumer sciences. “This is just one of many that they’ve got going on at this time … they show up and they do their absolute best at every project.”
Dougherty said all of the clothing will be displayed at the Riley County Fair, which starts next week.
Alexzandra Anderson, left, and Genayla Warnken, members of the Leonardville Hustlers 4-H Club, smile for a photo Thursday night after being named Riley County Fair Royalty during the fashion revue at Manhattan Catholic Schools.
At the end of the show, two members of the Leonardville Hustlers 4-H Club, Alexzandra Anderson and Genayla Warnken, were named 2024 Riley County Fair Royalty. As royalty, some of the soon-to-be Riley County High School juniors’ responsibilities include presenting ribbons at the animal shows during the fair and serving as youth representatives for the County Fair Board.
Anderson, 16, has been in the Hustlers for eight years and is their treasurer, 4-H council reporter and Riley County ambassador. She is involved in various projects including shooting sports, geology, photography and beef.
“I feel like it’s a very good opportunity and it’s a very good experience,” Anderson said of being crowned. “I wasn’t really expecting it, because all the candidates were really good and any of them that got picked would have done an amazing job.”
For those beginning in 4-H, Anderson said for them to “get involved” and they won’t regret it.
“Have fun while doing it,” she said.
Warnken, 16, started with the Hustlers six years ago and enjoys working with younger 4-H members. Two of her favorite projects are beef and horse.
She encouraged those younger 4-H members out there to ask questions.
“Whether you’re scared or not … maybe it’s your first time trying a new project, definitely ask those older leaders questions about 4-H,” Warnken said.
Pre-fair events continue with the judging of horse exhibits at 8:30 a.m. Saturday in CiCo Park’s Wells Arena.
