Youth demonstrate creativity in 4-H Favorite Foods Contest
HARTINGTON — Cedar County 4-H members showed off their creativity and food science knowledge May 28 during the 2024 4-H Favorite Foods Contest, with 13 youth gathering at the Hartington City Auditorium to display their mastery in food. Each prepared a themed table setting complete with a centerpiece. Contestants presented a single serving of their favorite food for the judge and were then judged on food preparation and appearance, menu planning, meal management, nutrition, table setting, and overall display and presentation.
In the Clover Kid Division (ages 5-7), receiving a rainbow participation ribbon was Emily Erwin, daughter of Carol and Josh Erwin, Laurel; Emily Feilmeier, daughter of Kacie and Dave Feilmeier, Hartington; Brooklyn Heimes, daughter of Julie and Steve Heimes, Wynot; and Ashley Schmit, daughter of Jessica and Nick Schmit, Coleridge; Lane & Halley Lewon, son and daughter of Brooke and Mitch Lewon, Newcastle; and Levi Mann, son of Kayla and Austin Mann, Hartington.
In the Junior Division (ages 8-11), receiving blue ribbons were Brady Heimes, son of Julie and Steve Heimes; and Eliza Feilmeier, daughter of Kacie and Dave Feilmeier. Receiving a purple ribbon and the Junior Division Top Exhibit rosette was Heidi Lewon, daughter of Brooke and Mitch Lewon.
In the Intermediate Division (ages 11-13), receiving a purple ribbon was Tenley Schmit, daughter of Jessica and Nick Schmit. Luke Schmit, son of Jessica and Nick Schmit, received a purple ribbon and the Intermediate Division Top Exhibit rosette.
In the Senior Division (ages 14-18), Kendra Schmit, daughter of Jessica and Nick Schmit, received a purple ribbon, the Senior Division Top Exhibit rosette, and was awarded as the Overall Favorite Food Top Exhibitor.
Most contestants also brought sample sized portions of their favorite food for the other exhibitors and their families to try, and copies of their recipes to share.
Kim Bearnes, Laurel, judged the event and provided excellent comments and encouragement to all the participants.
Burnell’s Foodtown sponsored a Gift Card for the Overall Favorite Food Top Exhibit Award.