This October, the annual North Carolina State Fair hosted contests open to all North Carolina County 4-H programs. Wake County’s Poultry Pack and Growing Minds 4-H Clubs designed a First Place Prize-winning entry in the Hay Bale Decorating contest.

A 5 ft by 4 ft round bale was provided for each participating county, and entries were judged on eye appeal, construction, use of materials, and creativity. Wake County 4-H leaders, Kate Brown-Kenner and Dr. Mary Fosnaught led their club members and parents in a collaborative effort. Working late into the evening, the team transformed a simple haystack into a colorful, lively display of flowers.

“Once we decided on a flowerpot as our inspiration, we started thinking, what kind of material can we make flowers out of that are weather-proof?” said Dr. Fosnaught, “Kate started folding feed sacks into flower shapes, and the 4-H members started spray painting them to life. After that, it was clockwork. We came together in a collective team effort – everyone who participated added something to the display.”

Wake County 4-H learned by doing this fall season; teamwork does make the dream work! All materials used to create the garden were repurposed or reused items provided by members. Old feed sacks, toys, throw blankets, pool noodles, egg cartons and more were used to create a large pot with flowers, leaves, critters, and flags.

“We participated last year, and we knew we needed to incorporate more of the 4-H message this year,” explained Dr. Fosnaught, “So we fashioned ‘seed markers’ to represent opportunities in 4-H!”

Members provided lights, pictures, and informational signage to accurately spotlight the impact and breadth of 4-H in Wake County. The huge team collaboration continued into the night, and by the end, every member had made an individual contribution to the final picture.

“Two of our youngest members, Annalis and Aishah, created a sign to commemorate our collaboration on this project,” informed Dr. Fosnaught. All participants signed their names on the creation (pictured above), proud of the team effort that produced a stellar final product.

In addition to the successful hay bale, several Wake County 4Hers participated in the state fair craft contest, and 4-H member Ezra Wredberg won 1^st in the Junior Age category of Natural Materials with his depiction of Oceanana Pier at Atlantic Beach.

Congratulations, Wake County 4-H members! Your dedication and creativity represent the wide knowledge and skills of our 4-H programs in Wake County.