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HARTINGTON — Cedar County 4-H members showcased their creativity and food science expertise May 26 during the 2026 4-H Favorite Food Revue.
Held at the Hartington City Auditorium, 15 youth demonstrated their culinary skills by preparing themed table settings, complete with centerpieces to showcase their favorite food.
Contestants prepared a single serving of their favorite dish for the judge, who evaluated them on various criteria including food preparation and appearance, menu planning, meal management, nutrition, table setting, and overall display and presentation.
Most participants also brought sample-sized portions of their favorite food for other exhibitors and their families to experience, along with copies of their recipes to share.
This event highlighted the impressive talents and knowledge of the 4-H members in the realm of food science.
In the Clover Kid Division (ages 5-7), receiving a Clover Kid Rainbow Ribbon were Blakelee Fleming, daughter of Ashlee and Weston Fleming, Hartington; Brooklyn Heimes, daughter of Julie and Steve Heimes, Wynot; Ella Heine, daughter of Lyndsey and Greg Heine, St Helena; Ellie Kathol, daughter of Katrina and Tyler Kathol, Hartington Kella Koch, daughter of Mallorie and Chad Koch, Laurel; Levi Mann, son of Kayla and Austin Mann, Hartington; Rylee Mann, daughter of Kayla and Austin Mann; and Dani Schmit, daughter of Jessica and Nick Schmit, Coleridge.
In the Junior Division (ages 8-11), receiving blue ribbons were Vivia Becker, daughter of Lisa and Zach Becker, Hartington; Korbyn Gubbels, son of Kathi and Andy Gubbels, Hartington; and David Heine, son of Lyndsey and Greg Heine, St Helena. Receiving purple ribbons were Raegan Gubbels, daughter of Kathi and Andy Gubbels, Hartington; and Kaylin Kathol, daughter of Katrina and Tyler Kathol, Hartington. Ashley Schmit, daughter of Jessica and Nick Schmit, Coleridge, received a purple ribbon and the Reserve Champion rosette. Receiving a purple ribbon, the Junior Division Top Exhibit rosette, and the Overall Top Exhibit medal was Emily Erwin, daughter of Carol and Josh Erwin, Laurel.
Kim Bearnes and Mackenzie Sudbeck judged the event and provided excellent comments and encouragement to all the participants.
Security Bank sponsored the Overall Favorite Food Revue Top Exhibit Medal.
4-H members presenting in the 2026 Favorite Foods Revue include, (back) Emily Erwin, Ashley Schmit, Raegan Gubbels, Vivia Becker, Kaylin Kathol; (middle) David Heine, Ella Heine, Brooklyn Heimes, Ellie Kathol, Kella Koch; (front) Blakelee Fleming, Levi Mann, Rylee Mann, Korbyn Gubbels and Dani Schmit.
