4-H youth participate in 2023 Favorite Food Contest

HARTINGTON — Cedar County 4-H members showed off their creativity and food science knowledge May 25 during the 2023 4-H Favorite Foods Contest, with 12 youth who gathered at the Hartington City Auditorium to display their mastery in food by preparing a themed table setting complete with a centerpiece. Contestants prepared 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 participation ribbon was Emily Erwin, daughter of Carol and Josh Erwin, Laurel; Eliza and Emily Feilmeier, daughters of Kacie and Dave Feilmeier, Hartington; Korbyn Gubbels, son of Kathi and Andy Gubbels, Hartington; Reagan Gubbels, daughter of Kathi and Andy Gubbels; Brady Heimes, son of Julie and Steve Heimes, Wynot; and Ashley Schmit, daughter of Jessica and Nick Schmit, Coleridge.

In the Junior Division (ages 8-11), receiving purple ribbons were Heidi Lewon, daughter of Brooke and Mitch, Newcastle; Tenley Schmit, daughter of Jessica and Nick Schmit; Levi Steffen, son of Jackie and Brad Steffen, Hartington; and Clara Wuebben, daughter of Anne and Craig Wuebben, Fordyce. Heidi also received the Junior Division Class Winner rosette.

In the Intermediate Division (ages 11-13), receiving purple ribbons were Stella Graham, daughter of Melissa and Jonathan Graham, Laurel; Kendra Schmit, daughter of Jessica and Nick Schmit; Kynlee Steffen, daughter of Brad and Jackie Steffen. Kendra also received the Intermediate Division Class Winner rosette.

In the Senior Division (ages 14-18), Breah Steffen, daughter of Jackie and Brad Steffen, received a purple ribbon, the Senior Division Class Winner rosette, and was awarded as the Overall Favorite Food Top Exhibitor.

Kim Bearnes and Aurora Urwiler, both of Laurel, judged the event and provided excellent comments and encouragement to all the participants.

Burnell’s Foodtown, Hartington, sponsored a Gift Card for the Overall Favorite Food Top Exhibit Award.