Seventh Annual 4-H & FFA Gala Helps Offset Costs For The Fair

4-H Clover

The seventh annual 4-H & FFA Gala event was held at the Mahaska County ISU Extension office on March 9. Around 150 people attended the event where a meal was available for free will donations. The Mahaska County Cattlemen grilled hamburgers and hot dogs, while 4-H provided sides, dessert, and drinks. The 4-H Teen Council offered $1 Shamrock Shakes. A silent auction was also held where participants could bid on things ranging from fresh baked cinnamon rolls and massage gift certificates to tickets to Iowa Cubs and Barnstormers games. This event was the kick-off for the annual 4-H & FFA Youth Shows Campaign. Funds raised at the Gala event and during the fundraising campaign will be used to cover the cost of 4-H & FFA expenses at the Southern Iowa Fair. This includes judges’ fees, member premiums, and ribbons, trophies, & awards for 4-H & FFA members. Each show at the Southern Iowa Fair has at least one judge and 4-H & FFA are responsible for covering the cost of time and travel for those judges. As members exhibit at the fair, they earn ribbons for their hard work, those ribbons equal premiums. Each 4-H & FFA member who exhibits will receive monetary premiums for each ribbon they earn. As members exhibit at the fair, they may earn trophies, banners, or plaques. The cost of those awards is covered by the 4-H & FFA Youth Shows Fair Fund. Each year, Mahaska County 4-H & FFA holds a Gala event and fundraising campaign. This year’s fundraising goal is $15,000 and the campaign will run until mid-June. Mahaska County 4-H & FFA members thank all who donated to and attended this event and who have sponsored the 4-H & FFA Youth Shows Fund. To learn more about the 4-H & FFA Youth Shows Fundraiser, please call 641-673-5841 or email Amy Brainard, Mahaska County Youth Coordinator at vermeerA@iastate.edu or visit www.extension.iastate.edu/mahaska.