Kane County youth show skills at 4-H Dog Show
Kane County 4-H youth demonstrated new skills with their dogs at the annual Kane County 4-H Dog Show on Wednesday, June 25, at the Kane County Fairgrounds in St. Charles.
"Nineteen 4-H members and their pets participated in various classes, including dog care, obedience and showmanship," said Doris Braddock, 4-H Youth Development Program coordinator. "Participants trained with their pets throughout the program year, and their hard work paid off during this fun event."
In Dog Care judging, the 4-H'ers shared knowledge about their dogs and showcased skills in caring for the animal. In Obedience and Showmanship classes, 4-H members demonstrate handling skills with their dogs, as well as commands, leash work, and off-leash work.
On June 25, two Grand Champions were named in the Dog Care project area. They are: Madde Klinkey of St. Charles for age 8 to 13, and Megan Mingl of Maple Park for age 14 to 18.
In the Obedience project category, Grand Champion honors went to the following youth in four classes: Paden Thompson of St. Charles, Beginner Novice; Hayden Simpson of Bartlett, Beginner Novice II; Megan Mingl, Pre-Novice; and Shianne Votava of St. Charles, Novice.
Reserve Grand Champions in obedience classes are: Sophia Layos of Geneva, Beginner Novice; Samantha Lind of Maple Park, Beginner Novice II; and Kelsi Marko of Maple Park, Pre-Novice.
Votava and Marko also took home Grand Champion Showmanship honors in the junior and senior classes, respectively.
In addition, four 4-H members earned the right to show at the Illinois State Fair Dog Show in August. They are: Samantha Lind, Beginner Novice II; Kelsi Marko, Pre-Novice and Senior Showmanship; Megan Mingl, Pre-Novice; and Shianne Votava, Novice and Junior Showmanship.
Overall, 17 blue ribbons, six red ribbons and 11 white ribbons also were awarded during the different classes.
There are more 4-H Shows coming soon to the Kane County Fairgrounds. Dog care, obedience and showmanship are just a few of the many 4-H projects youth may enroll in, Braddock said.
"There are hundreds of 4-H project areas, ranging from science and robotics to animals and livestock to arts and humanities, to name just a few," Braddock said. "While you are at the Kane County Fair this July, we welcome you to visit the 4-H project exhibits and animal shows to see more of the wonderful work of our 4-H youth."
The fair will be July 16-20. For more information on fair location, tickets and events, visit www.kanecountyfair.com.
Prior to the annual county fair, 4-H welcomes spectators to the 4-H Fashion Revue, a runway-style show of clothing projects, at 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 15. The free event is held at the Kane County Fairgrounds.
4-H Youth Development programs provide opportunities for youth to feel a sense of belonging, develop independence, practice generosity, and experience mastery.
For information on the 4-H program in Kane County, contact Program Coordinator Doris Braddock at dbraddoc@illinois.edu or visit web.extension.illinois.edu/dkk/.
University of Illinois Extension provides educational programs and research-based information to help Illinois residents improve their quality of life, develop skills and solve problems.