THE CLOVER GAZETTE
4-H NEWSLETTER
4-H NEWSLETTER
FairEntry Opens May 15
FairEntry opens Friday, May 15. All 4‑H families must enter their projects, animals, and classes for the Boulder County Fair using this system.
What Families Need to Know:
FairEntry is the online system that tells the fair what each exhibitor plans to show. Every child in your family who is participating in the fair must be entered through your 4HOnline login. You’ll select each project, class, or animal for one exhibitor at a time, and if you have more than one child, you can easily add additional exhibitors before submitting.
All entries must be submitted by July 2, 2026. The system closes at midnight and no late entries are accepted.
We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help during Interview Judging on Thursday, July 30, 2026, at the Exhibit Building. This is a great way to be at the center of the action and make a positive impact on our members during the Fair.
Superintendents: We are looking for individuals to take on Superintendent roles and help lead the judging process. If you are ready to get involved, please reach out to Faith.
Teen Clerks: We need help from our youth members who are ages 13 and up. This is a fun way to see the judging process firsthand. Please email Jeannie to let her know you are interested.
Teen Clerk Deadline: Please volunteer by July 20.
Project Details: You can find detailed project information at the Colorado 4-H Projects website.
Calling all creative decorators! Whether you have been decorating for years or just finished your first project meeting, it is time to show off your skills at the Front Range Regional Cake Decorating Contest. This event is open to all 4-H youth, and we even have a special class available just for our Cloverbuds.
This regional contest is a wonderful place to start! You do not need to be an expert to participate. It is all about practicing what you have learned in your project and seeing the amazing work of other 4-H members from across the region.
Date: Saturday, May 30, 2026
Location: Boulder County Fairgrounds, Barn A
Check-In: 9:30 AM
Contest Starts: 10:00 AM
Registration Deadline: May 15, 2026
Entry Fee: $6.00 per entry
Registration: Use the link below to register by the May 15 deadline
Multiple Participants: Families with more than one person participating must complete a separate registration for each individual
Rules: Please review the complete contest rules and class information before signing up to see what you need to bring with you
Awards will be held following a brief break once all classes
District 2 is inviting all 4-H members ages 8 to 11 to a one-day leadership experience that is all about learning through fun! This is a great chance for our younger members to build new skills, meet friends from other counties, and participate in exciting activities centered around this year's theme.
Theme: Building a Better Tomorrow
When: Friday, June 12, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Where: McKee Building at the Ranch in Loveland (5280 Arena Circle, Loveland, CO 80538)
Cost: $25.00 per member
Deadline: Please register by June 1, 2026.
Payment: You can pay the registration fee directly through the online registration link.
We hope to see our Boulder County members there representing our community while they learn to build a better tomorrow!
All model rocketry project members are invited to participate in the 2026 Boulder County Contest. This is your chance to see your hard work take flight and qualify for the next level.
When: Sunday, May 17, 2026.
Check-In: Starts at 8:45 AM.
Launch Time: Rockets fly at 9:00 AM.
Registration Deadline: Thursday, May 14, 2026.
In Boulder County, we use a "closest to the pin" calculation. We average your results from two separate launches to determine the class winners. If we have a large group of five or more contestants in a class, we use additional contest elements to narrow down the top spots.
Juniors: Ages 8 to 13.
Seniors: Ages 14 and up.
Your safety is our top priority! Fly Day depends on local weather conditions and fire danger levels. As of May 1, 2026, the fire danger is HIGH (Stage 1 Restrictions). If we need to postpone due to wind or fire risk, we will email all registered participants at least 24 hours in advance.
For more details on rocket requirements and project rules, check out the state resources below.
Whether you are working with a 1,000lb steer or a 2lb cavy, March is a busy month for training! To keep things simple, we have consolidated all project-specific dates into the Calendar. You can also find information on your Project webpage. Click on your animal photo to get to that project page.
How to find your project on our calendar:
The "Magic Wand" (Sidebar): On a computer, look at the left side. On a phone, tap the "double arrow" icon on the left top part of the screen. Click the eye to see a specific project and to hide everything else, then click on the eye again to go back to view all.
The "Shopping List" View: If the month view looks like a mess of dots, look at the top right corner and click on the down arrow, then click on "List." This turns the calendar into a simple list of dates that is much easier to read on a phone.
The "Secret Details": Don't just read the name of the event. Tap on the event name. A window will pop up telling you all the details for that event.
Whether you already have a heifer in the barn or are just curious about the project, we have a great lineup of events for you! This year, we are excited to highlight our Barnyard Buddies program, where you can partner with an experienced dairy member to learn the ropes and even exhibit at the fair.
Our workshops are a fun way to learn about judging, nutrition, and healthcare while getting your animal used to new places and group settings. Come check out the Dairy project, including the Market and Replacement Heifer programs!
Key Dates to Remember
Workshops: Hands-on sessions start March 20 and April 17 at Pohlmann’s (6:30 PM).
Dairy Shows: The season kicks off with the Little American Royal on May 1 and 2.
Judging Practices: Live animal judging begins on June 18 at various dairies.
For a full list of workshop locations, show dates, and judging times, please click the button below to view the complete schedule.
Market Lamb & Market Goat Tagging – Monday- May 4th, 2026
Where: Boulder County Fairgrounds, Barn C
When: Monday, May 4, 2026 | 5:00 – 7:00 PM (Time spots reserved—see signup below)
We will be using a drive-through process in Barn C, with traffic flowing east to west. Please be prepared before arrival.
Requirements:
Male market animals must be castrated or banded
All animals must have scrapie tags (Sale Committee Rule)
Market goats must be dehorned or have horns “tipped” before exhibition
Premises ID must be provided
Paperwork must be completed
$5 per tag – cash or check only
Reminder: Take a photo of your paperwork before turning it in. It is your responsibility to ensure your animals are identified, tagged, and all forms are completed correctly.
Questions? Contact us. See you at tagging!
We have some important updates for our dog project members regarding the state contest and a great opportunity for a fun match this spring!
The State 4-H Dog Trials are moving! After many years in Pueblo, the trials will have a new home starting in 2026. Please take note of these location and date changes:
State 4-H Dog Trials: Held at the Douglas County Fairgrounds in Castle Rock inside the Indoor Arena.
Dates: Saturday, August 29 and Sunday, August 30, 2026.
State 4-H Agility Contest: No changes here! This contest will still be held at the El Paso County Fairgrounds in Calhan on the weekend of September 26 and 27.
For full details and requirements, you can view the official Colorado 4-H announcement below.
Looking for a way to practice? The Arapahoe County 4-H Dog Fun Match is a fantastic event for all project members and is a perfect "first match" for those who are new to the project this year.
When: Saturday, May 9, 2026.
Where: Arapahoe County Fairgrounds in Aurora.
Time: Registration opens at 8:30 AM with judging starting at 9:00 AM.
Cost: $20 if you pre-register by May 5, or $25 at the door.
Check out the event flyer included in this newsletter for more information on how to sign up!
For the 2026 season, Market Swine identification will be completed by the exhibitor through a self-tagging process. Please note the following steps and deadlines to ensure your project is eligible for the fair.
May 1: Deadline to upload your completed Market Swine ID sheet and photos to 4-H Online.
May 4: In-person tagging assistance is available by appointment only for those who need help. IF NEEDED: Sign up for a time slot by May 1st via this link.
Pick Up Supplies: Visit the Extension Office to to collect your official tags and paperwork. Available Available starting April 1.
Tag Your Animal: Follow the provided instructions to safely tag your swine.
Take Photos: You must take clear photos of your animal as specified on the ID sheet.
Upload to 4-H Online: Submit all forms and photos through your 4-H Online profile by the May 1 deadline.
If you are uncomfortable tagging your own animal or have questions about the process, please contact the office to schedule an appointment for Monday, May 4.
The State 4-H Horse Work Team is offering a brand new series of free online webinars for our members! These sessions are designed to help you dive deeper into your horse projects from the comfort of home.
Whether you are in Horse, Miniature Horse, Horseless Horse, or any other horse related project, these sessions are for you. Parents and volunteers are welcome to join in too.
Mark Your Calendars The State team will host these sessions on Thursday evenings at 6 pm. The series runs from March 26 through May 7.
Topics to Look Forward To The State team has gathered a fantastic group of speakers to cover these topics:
Exploring Opportunities in the 4-H Miniature Horse Program
How to Manage and Run a 4-H Horse Show
Bits & Bridles
Horse Hauling/Trailering Safety
Navigating Lease Horses
Equine Careers
How to Join: You can access every session through this Zoom Link. For a full list of which topic is happening on which Thursday, keep an eye on our 4-H Calendar as we update it with the specific schedule!
Master your frosting skills! Whether you are a beginner or looking to learn advanced techniques, join us for our March workshop. You can view all dates on our calendar.
When: Monday, April 13
Time: 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Where: Conference Room, Extension Office
What to Bring: A baked cake, frosting, and your favorite toppings for your masterpiece.
Join us for our March workshops as we shift our focus to project work and skill building! Whether you are stitching a garment or starting a new crochet pattern, these sessions are the perfect time to get hands-on help.
What to Bring: We have 4 sewing machines available to use, but you must bring your own notions (thread, scissors, fabric, patterns, hooks, yarn, etc.).
Important Note: Some dates may have limited times specifically for crochet or sewing. Check the calendar for specific time slots.
Did you know you can support Boulder County 4-H Shooting Sports just by buying groceries? Through the King Soopers Community Rewards program, a portion of what you spend is donated back to our council at no extra cost to you. You even get to keep all your fuel points.
How to sign up:
Log in to your King Soopers Account.
Go to Account Settings and select Community Rewards.
Search for our group to enroll.
Organization Name: Boulder County 4-H Shooting Sports Council
Organization Number: GU624
To keep everyone safe and ready for the County Shoot Off in July, all Shooting Sports members must have a Colorado Hunter Safety Education Card. Please remember to bring your card with you to the event.
Need to get your card? We have a special 4-H class coming up May 8 through May 10 at the Green Mill Sportsman Club. If you missed the email with the sign-up link, please contact Lisa Wallace to get registered.
Other ways to complete your safety training:
In-Person Classes: Find a local $10 class through Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
Online + Conclusion Class: You can start online and finish with an in-person "Conclusion Class." We are hosting one on June 14 at Green Mill. Watch your email for that special invitation soon.
New Shooters: If you have not finished a safety class yet, please reach out to Lisa before the end of April so you can begin practicing with us.
It is time to get out on the range! Whether you are aiming for County or State competitions, practicing with your club is the best way to get ready. Take a look at the requirements and dates below to make sure you are all set to shoot.
Safety Class: You must complete a 2026 Safety Class with a certified 4-H leader before you can join any practice.
Hunter Safety: To compete at County or State shoots, please upload a copy of your CO Hunter Safety Card to 4-H Online and send a copy to Lisa Wallace.
Fair Eligibility: You will need to complete and record at least 5 safe practices for each discipline to shoot at the County Fair.
Enrollment: April 30 is the last day to add or drop projects. Please make sure you are officially enrolled so you can participate.
If you need more info on 2026 Safety Classes or the Hunter Education course, just reach out to Lisa Wallace.
Our neighbors in Weld County are inviting Boulder County 4-H members to join their upcoming invitationals! This is a great chance to get some extra practice and meet other shooting sports families from across the region.
When: Saturday, June 6 & Sunday, June 7 Where: Fort Lupton (Saturday) and Eaton (Sunday) Divisions: Junior and Senior (Intermediate and Seniors for .22 Pistol)
Check out the flyer for full details on classes, times, and costs. Be sure to register by June 3 to avoid late fees!
Archery Practice Dates and Times
Archery (Green Mill Sportsman Club)
April 8 & 22: 5:15 PM to 7:15 PM
May 13 & 27: 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM
June 10 & 24: 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
July 8: 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Air Rifle and Air Pistol Practice Dates and Times
Air Rifle and Air Pistol (Fairgrounds Barn A) Practices are Mondays from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM:
April 13 & 27
May 11
June 8 & 22
July 13
.22 Rifle and .22 Pistol Practice Dates and Times
.22 Rifle and .22 Pistol Indoor practices are held at the LPD and BOCO Sheriff Range. Outdoor practices are at Green Mill Sportsman Club (weather permitting).
Indoor Practice: April 12 (5:00 PM to 7:00 PM)
Outdoor Practices: April 18, May 3 and 16, June 13 and 28, July 12
Outdoor Times: 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM or 10:00 AM to Noon
The Boulder County Fair is right around the corner and there are plenty of ways for your family and clubs to get involved. Check out these exciting updates and head over to the Fair website to get started!
Parade entries are officially open! This community tradition is open to all groups and local businesses. This year, the parade is being hosted in collaboration with the Kiwanis of Longmont. It is a wonderful way to showcase your club or business to the entire community during the first Saturday of the Fair in downtown Longmont.
Do you know a family that goes above and beyond for our community? Applications for the Fair Family are now live. This tradition has been a part of the Fair since 1956.
The Fair Board chooses a family based on their contributions to the Fair, 4-H/FFA, and the local community. The selected Fair Family will represent us in the Fair Parade and may be recognized at exciting Grandstand events like the rodeos and the Demolition Derby.
Get ready for some high energy fun! Tickets for our 2026 Grandstand events go on sale March 31. We are thrilled to confirm this year's lineup:
CPRA Rodeo
Tractor Pull
Demolition Derby
Mexican Rodeo Fiesta
We are continuing our all in pricing model for 2026. This means the price you see is exactly what you pay with no hidden fees.
Click the button below to submit your parade entry, nominate a family, or grab your event tickets!
Does your pig love to ham it up for the camera? Do you have a goat that gobbles up applause, a pony that loves the limelight, or a dog that knows a few tricks? Whether it is a guinea pig, cat, cow, chicken, horse, sheep, or duck, we want to see your animals with royal potential!
All project members are invited to enter their favorite animals in the Boulder County Fair Royal Critter Contest. This is a fun way to showcase the personality of your animals and celebrate the spirit of the fair.
Finalists will compete in person on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, where one lucky critter will be crowned the official Critter King or Queen of the Boulder County Fair.
You can find more information and the entry form by clicking the button below to visit the Fair website.
The Boulder County Fair Product Sale committee is looking for volunteers to help make this year's sale a huge success! With the new changes and more projects included than ever before, we need extra hands to help everything run smoothly for our members.
If you enjoy community outreach, organizing events, or just want to support our hard-working youth, we have a spot for you.
Promotion and Outreach: Help spread the word by visiting local 4-H clubs to introduce the sale or promoting it at the Farmers Market.
Digital Support: Assist with creating and managing social media posts to get the community excited.
Logistics: Help with getting materials like fliers and catalogs printed, including drop-offs and pick-ups.
Event Day Support: We will need plenty of extra hands on deck for both set up and take down on the day of the sale.
If you are interested in helping with any of the tasks listed above, or if you know someone who would be a great fit, please reach out to the committee.
Contact Information:
AJ: agurga@bouldercountyfair.org
Tina: runrunnerrun@aol.com
If you are enrolled in a General Project this year, this may be of interest to you! The Boulder County 4-H Product Sale is expanding, and new rules will be coming out very soon. We are excited to offer more than just food projects in the sale this year!
The Product Sale will be held on Saturday, August 1, 2026, in the Exhibit Building. While you may nominate multiple projects, you can only sell one eligible project from the list below.
The "Double" Rule: The selling product must be an additional item. It cannot be your 2026 Fair Exhibit item.
Interview and Records: You must bring the selling product (an additional item) in for interview judging as well as your project fair exhibit (except where noted). The selling item must be included somewhere in your project record book.
FairEntry: Project nominations must be fully completed in FairEntry when entering your fair entries this year.
Creative Arts and Photography
Ceramics: Units 1 to 7 (1 item)
Leathercraft: Units 1 to 8 (1 item)
4-H Photography: Units 1 to 5 ONLY (1 Framed 8x10, not from Digital contest)
Scrapbooking: Min set of 4 (Unit Tags or Unit Cards)
Visual Arts: Drawing, Painting, Fiber, and Sculpture (1 piece of art, ready to hang)
Clothing and Heritage Arts
Artistic Clothing: Stitched, Applied, Combo, Recycled, and Creative (1 item)
Clothing Construction: Steam Units 1 to 4 (1 item)
Heritage Arts (HA): (1 item) Crochet Units 1 to 3, Misc Fiber, Non-Fiber, Knitting Units 1 to 3, or Quilting Units 1 to 4
Home Design and Decor: Units 1 and 2 (1 item)
Foods and Cake Decorating
Cake Decorating: Units 1 to 6 and Unit 8, using real cakes only.
Units 1 to 4 (1 decorated cake)
Unit 5 (Decorated treats: at least 6 cupcakes or 1 dozen cookies)
Unit 6 (1 decorated cut up cake)
Unit 8 (1 cake decorated and covered in fondant)
Foods and Nutrition: Units 1 to 4
Unit 101 (At least 1 dozen bar cookies or no bake cookies)
Unit 201 (At least 1 dozen muffins, 1 batch of scones, or 1 Quick Bread)
Unit 301 (1 Yeast bread, at least 6 rolls, or 1 shortened cake)
Unit 401 (1 double crust pie or 1 flatbread)
Food Preservation: * Unit 2 (At least 3 different product items)
Unit 3 (Due to food safety: at least 2 jars of Jams/jelly, 2 jars pickles, 2 jars relishes, or 2 jars any combination of these only)
STEM and Outdoors
Beekeeping: Stand Alone Units 2 and 3 (Extract or Chunk)
Metalworking: Units 1 to 3 (1 item)
Rockets: Units 1 to 4 (1 item)
Woodworking: Units 1 to 4 (1 item)
Shooting Sports: (1 item with NO prohibited items allowed) Decorative Item or Stand Alone classes
Sportfishing: Stand Alone only (1 item, fly tying min of 4 flies)
Wildlife: Stand Alone only (1 item, house, feeder, or bath)
The Fair Board is putting together a Products Sale Committee and they are seeking much needed help. Please contact Tina Pohlmann at 303-828-3789 to find out where you can help to make this a larger and bigger event for 4-H members. Keep your eyes open as the full rules will become available very soon!
All 4-H volunteers, parents, and Extension professionals are invited to join us for an engaging workshop titled "Livestock Show Ethical GPS". This session will be presented by Jeff Goodwin from the University of Hawaii and is designed specifically for the adults in our community.
Who: 4-H volunteers, parents, and staff.
When: Thursday, May 14, 2026, at 4:00 PM.
Focus: Navigating ethics in livestock showing.
This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with other leaders and parents while gaining valuable insights into the ethical side of animal science projects.
We have an exciting opportunity for all our creative 4-H members! The 4-H Horse Project Manual and the 4-H Horse Show Rule Book are getting a fresh look for the 2026/2027 year, and we want your artwork to be on the cover.
Every time these books are revised, we hold a contest to find the perfect cover art. This is your chance to have your drawings seen by 4-H members all across the state!
Who Can Enter: Any 4-H member is welcome to participate.
Subject Matter: Your artwork should be horse related.
Format: Please submit black and white drawings.
Consideration: Remember to think about the cover size of a manual or rule book when creating your design.
The winner will have their registration fee waived for one of our statewide camps or conferences! This includes options like CLC, LDC, YouthFest, or the State 4-H Conference. The waived fee should be used within one calendar year of being awarded.
Deadline: Please submit your artwork by May 7, 2026.
Contact: Send your entries to Jonathan Vrabec.
We can't wait to see the amazing talent our members have to offer!
Are you interested in traveling the world from the comfort of your own home? IFYE USA (formerly known as the International Farm Youth Exchange) is looking for local families to participate in an unforgettable cultural experience.
In 2026, Colorado will welcome an international delegate from June 8 through August 14. We are currently seeking four to five host families to open their homes for two to three weeks during this period.
While the specific delegate has not been identified yet, we anticipate hosting a young adult aged 19 to 29 from one of the following countries: Chile, Estonia, Germany, Kenya, Norway, South Korea, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, or Zambia.
As a host family, you help a delegate experience the American way of life firsthand while they share their own unique culture with your family in meaningful and memorable ways.
Hosting: Families provide housing, meals, and transportation during the stay.
Support: Delegates bring their own spending money and are fully covered by health and liability insurance.
The Goal: Build international friendships and share cultures right from your own home.
If you are interested in hosting or have questions about the program, please contact our state IFYE inbound coordinator, Beth Roren, at mbroren@ifyeusa.org.
Please take note of some important changes for the 2026 State Fair 4-H Dog Trials. The state rules have been updated, and the event has moved to a new location to help everyone plan ahead.
The trials will now be held at the Indoor Arena at the Douglas County Fairgrounds: 500 Fairgrounds Road Castle Rock, CO 80104
Saturday, August 29: All Obedience classes.
Saturday, August 29: Rally classes including Intermediate, Advanced, Excellent, RAE, Masters, and Team Rally.
Sunday, August 30: All Showmanship classes.
Sunday, August 30: Novice Rally classes.
The Colorado 4-H State Fair Event Page now has the most recent document reflecting these changes. You can also find updated links there for the 4-H Dress Code and the Dog Trials score sheets to make sure you are ready for the ring.
Be sure to check the Dog Project Page on the state website for the full list of updated rules.
We want to hear from our youth members! Colorado 4-H is participating in the 2026 National 4-H Index Study to help us understand how well we are preparing young people for the future. This is part of the "Beyond Ready" initiative, which focuses on making sure our members are ready for both work and life.
By taking this survey, you help us:
Improve Our Programs: We use your feedback to measure the quality of the 4-H experience.
Track Trends: This helps us understand what matters most to Gen Z today.
Tell Our Story: Your honest opinions help us show the real impact 4-H has on the community.
If you are a 4-H member ages 13 and up, you should have received an invitation through 4-H Online. The survey is completely anonymous, and we encourage you to share your honest thoughts!
Who: Youth members ages 13 and up.
Where: Check your email for the 4-H Online invitation.
Deadline: Please complete the survey by July 15, 2026.
Are you ready to show off what you know about your favorite animals? We invite all 4-H members to join us for a day of hands-on learning and friendly competition at our upcoming Skill-a-thon!
Date: Tuesday, June 9, 2026
Location: Boulder County Fairgrounds, Barn A
Who Can Join: This event is open to all 4-H members.
Stay tuned for more details and registration information coming soon!
Quick Tip for New Families: A Skill-a-thon is a series of stations where you identify different animal breeds, equipment, and types of feed. It is a "learn by doing" event that is perfect for testing your project knowledge in a fun atmosphere!
04/18-Dog Project Workshop (Barn A)
04/20-MQA (Barn A)
04/30- Deadline Day (Animal ID, add/drop, Enrollment)
05/01- Swine ID due
05/04-Market Goat/Sheep Tag-In (Barn C)
05/17-Rocket Fly Day (N. Parking Lot)
07/02- Deadline- Fair Entry
07/15-Archery Shoot Off (Indoor Arena)
07/16-17-Shooting Sports Shoot Off (Barn A)
10/14-Achievement Night (Exhibit Building)
10/21-Open House (Exhibit Building)
11/18-Shooting Sports Banquet (Barn A)
4-H Youth Development/ Outreach County Specialist
4-H Youth Development/ Livestock & Animals County Specialist
4-H Project Assistant
4-H Communications and Engagement Coordinator
Boulder County Extensions Office
9595 Nelson Rd, Box B
Longmont, Colorado 80501
(303) 678-6238
Colorado State University Extension is an equal opportunity provider.
Colorado State University does not discriminate on the basis of disability and is committed to providing reasonable accommodations.
CSU’s Office of Engagement and Extension ensures meaningful access and equal opportunities to participate to individuals whose first language is not English.
Colorado State University Extension es un proveedor que ofrece igualdad de oportunidades.
Colorado State University no discrimina por motivos de discapacidad y se compromete a proporcionar adaptaciones razonables.
Office of Engagement and Extension de CSU garantiza acceso significativo e igualdad de oportunidades para participar a las personas quienes su primer idioma no es elinglés. Col.st/ll0t3