COVID-19 sidelined just about everything connected with the Fremont 4-H Expo in 2020, but the event is back with a full slate in 2021.
The pandemic canceled everything last year, except the crowning of the king and queen that was done remotely. Kevin Prinz, vice president of the Dodge County 4-H Agricultural Society Board and the grand marshal for this year’s event, said he is glad exhibitors will get to show off the results of their hard work.
“We had the issues in the last year-and-a-half and through those whole issues whether the kids got to show their livestock or show their exhibits or not … they had to work right on through,” he said. “Just like they’ve always done, but they didn’t get to reap the benefits.”
The expo is scheduled to run Wednesday through Saturday at Christensen Field. The four-day event will bring in 4-H and FFA exhibitors from a nine-county region, including: Burt, Butler, Colfax, Cuming, Dodge, Douglas, Sarpy, Saunders and Washington.
Jay Schroeder, the fair manager, said the expo is unique.
“This is the only show like this in the state that is a precursor to the county (fair) where they bring static exhibits — the culinary challenges, the livestock shows and dairy shows,” he said. “It has everything. It has all the exhibits that they’ll show at their county and state fairs, but it brings it all together. It is a precursor and they can make changes and things like that.”
Prinz agreed that is a good warm-up for the county fairs.
“It really is,” he said. “I think years ago that is probably what it was designed for. I think Colfax County goes almost right into its county fair when they leave here so county fair season is definitely coming upon us.”
Schroeder said many people help make the annual event a success.
“Two ladies who help us coordinate, set up the judges and get the awards and things like that are Kali Bohling and Jamie Poppe,” he said. “They are the coordinators and things like that. Our main responsibility is to make sure the facilities are available and things are set up. We work with the city. The luncheon is another big responsibility for the group. Kalie and Jamie do an awful lot of work, including all the background work to get things set up.”
The luncheon is set for 11:30 a.m. Friday. Tickets may be purchased at the door for $10 each. The highlight of the luncheon is the crowning of the king and queen.
Alex Miller, the son of Lisa Miller, and Emily Brodd, the daughter of Daryl and Ann Brodd, were the king and queen in 2020.
For a complete schedule, go to: https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/dodge/frfourhexhguide/
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