100 Years Strong: Winneshiek County 4-H Youth are Beyond Ready to Lead, Learn and Serve

Your contribution today guarantees Decorah News is asking the questions tomorrow. Act now. WINNESHIEK COUNTY — National 4-H Week will be celebrated across the nation Oct. 5–11, 2025. During National 4-H Week, Winneshiek County 4-H members, alumni, volunteers and supporters are invited to "Go Green" on Monday, Oct. 6, to showcase their 4-H pride. Throughout the week, members will participate in community service projects, visit fourth-grade classrooms to share the opportunities 4-H provides, and take part in local radio interviews. In addition, 4-H families and clubs will join in the hay bale decorating contest, creating eye-catching displays for the community to enjoy. The year 2025 marks a milestone for Winneshiek County 4-H as it celebrates 100 years of empowering youth, fostering leadership and strengthening the community through a century of learning, service and growth. The centennial celebration officially kicked off at the 4-H Omelet Breakfast in March, where commemorative clothing, souvenirs and a special 4-H cookbook were introduced. More information about these projects is available at https://bit.ly/100Winn4-H. A highlight of the summer included a gathering at the Winneshiek County Fair, where 4-H members, alumni and both current and past volunteers joined together to capture a memorable snapshot of the 4-H family. The year will conclude in November with the annual 4-H Awards Program and Spaghetti Supper. The event will take place Sunday, Nov. 9, at the Community Building on the Winneshiek County Fairgrounds. The meal will begin at 5 p.m., followed by the awards program at 6 p.m. Tickets are $10 per person, with a reduced price of $5 for children ages 9 and under. Payment will be accepted at the door by cash or check. RSVP is required for the meal. A link to RSVP is available at https://bit.ly/100Winn4-H. In 1925, there were 26 boys and 24 girls "regularly enrolled" in club work. Clubs were listed by project area, including three nutrition clubs focused on bread, a newly organized farm record club, a pig club, and members in a four-county dairy calf club. That year, the county also had a 4-H dairy judging team and a grain judging team. A four-day camp for boys and an additional camp for girls were held. The 1925 Winneshiek County Annual Report noted: "One of the most important things which leads to the success of junior club camps is an ideal camp site. Such a site is found in the tourists' park in Decorah. A level expanse of ground surrounded by beautiful native shade trees, electric lighted and a hydrant of pure city water makes this an ideal camp site. In addition to these advantages, it is located in the midst of the beautiful city park which covers a tract of 42 acres which leads along the bluff overhanging the beautiful Upper Iowa River, and the fact that there are many points of beauty and interest in the immediate vicinity of Decorah that help in making this an ideal camp site." In 2025, Winneshiek County 4-H includes 255 members in grades 4–12 and 104 Clover Kid members in grades K–3, across 15 clubs. Current clubs include Bloomfield 4-H, Burr Oak, Blazing Builders, Calmar Clover Kids Afterschool, Co-Champions, Decorah Chiefs, Glenwood 4-H, Hesper Helpers, Lincoln Leaders, Madison 4-H, Prairie Shooting Stars, South County Innovators, South Winneshiek Clover Kids Afterschool, St. Teresa Clover Kids Afterschool, Turkey Valley Clovers and Washington Prairie Peppers. The Winneshiek County 4-H County Council includes 25 high school members who promote 4-H during National 4-H Week, complete community service projects, lead leadership initiatives, cook omelets at the annual 4-H Omelet Breakfast, and host events including the Ag Olympics and Bean Bag Tournament at the Winneshiek County Fair. The county also has an active Youth Development Committee, Endowment Board and Club Foundation (Pine Bluff) Board. Winneshiek County 4-H continues to thrive thanks to the dedication of volunteers and members. The program helps youth become productive citizens, outstanding communicators, effective leaders and successful learners through hands-on experiences in the community. To learn more about local 4-H programs or get involved, contact the Winneshiek County Extension Office at 563-382-2949 or visit https://www.extension.iastate.edu/winneshiek/. Become a part of the exclusive circle! Subscribe to the newsletter for free and gain access to special offers, bonus content and insider perks.