Dunn County 4-H News: August 2026

Meat Animal Project Members at the Dunn County Fair | Photo by Paula Powers

It hardly needs to be said that there is an immense amount of work that goes into organizing the Dunn County Fair.  Equally so, there is loads of effort that goes into preparing the animals and the projects for fair entries. Even though it might have been a bit daunting, the Dunn 4-H Youths were fully up to the task. Because of the dedication that the leaders have shown, the 4-H Youths were not lacking in knowledge or abilities. Many looked like seasoned professionals as they worked with their animals.

For the last few years, the Dunn County Educator, Zachary Rozmiarek, has brought to the Dunn County Fair the Stuffed Animal Show.  The Stuffed Animal Show has been a gentle way to introduce younger children to show in the fair.  They are given opportunities to become accustomed to being in a fair atmosphere and to learn how to show animals without the factors of working with a live animal.  The Stuffed Animal Show has been so successful that Rozmiarek has shared the idea with 4-H Educator colleagues from other counties who have gone on to hold Stuffed Animal Shows of their own.

Molly Beyrer with Dunn County 4-H Educator, Zachary Rozmiarek as she introduces her stuffed horse at the Stuffed Animal Show at the Dunn County Fair | Photo by Jennifer Rozmiarek

New this year at the Dunn County Fair was the Rabbit Hopping Competition.  Rabbit Hopping is an official animal sport where domestic rabbits are led through a course by their owners and encouraged to jump over small hurdles. Many 4-H Youths trained with their rabbits preparing them to compete.

According to Alyssa Casper, the 4-H Leader for the Rabbit Hopping Project, Rabbit Hopping is a great way for the 4-H members to bond with their rabbit. It is good exercise for the rabbit and a good learning experience for the 4-H’er. She continued, “We have a great group of kids that love working with their rabbits.”  If you missed seeing the Rabbit Hopping Competition this year, be sure to watch it at next year’s Dunn County Fair. Not to jump to conclusions, but because of its popularity, more obstacles may be added to the rabbit hopping course.

Shania Casper encouraging her rabbit to jump over the hurdle at the Rabbit Hopping Competition at the Dunn County Fair | Photo by Sam Stephens

The Woodland Makers and Explorers Program is a new event being introduced by Dunn County and Pepin County 4-H.  It is being held at Caddie Woodlawn Park on August 10 from 9:00-11:30 a.m. This event is geared towards Kindergarten-Third graders who will explore nature, make pinecone bird feeders, and learn how to make butter the pioneer way. 

“By experiencing how to make such foods like the pioneers did long ago, it will give the youths a new perspective on where their food comes from,” said Sam Stephens, the Dunn County 4-H Summer Intern.

The Woodland Makers and Explorers Program provides a chance for children to learn history and new skills while enjoying the natural beauty of Caddie Woodlawn Park.

If you live in Dunn County and don’t want to miss out on 4-H activities like these, join Dunn County 4-H today! For more information about these events, call Zachary Rozmiarek at 715-232-1636 or visit our Facebook page.

Leaders aren’t born.  They’re grown.

4-H – For You – For Me – For Fun – For Life

Ann Lee

Dunn County 4-H Assistant Educator