Essex Junction—Although the 2024 Champlain Valley Fair recently ended its 10-day run, the 4-H’ers who earned ribbons and premiums in the 4-H contests will have bragging rights for months to come. 

The annual fair, held August 23-September 1 in Essex Junction, included several opportunities for 4-H club members to demonstrate what they’ve learned in 4-H through their tabletop displays, posters, photographs and other exhibits, which were on display for the duration of the fair in the 4-H Hall. Several 4-H’ers also took part in the inaugural Extreme Milkshake Contest on August 24 and marched in the fair parade on 4-H Day, August 25.

For the milkshake contest, two-member teams were tasked with creating a milkshake using dairy and Vermont products. Entries were evaluated on creativity, taste and presentation.

The winning team of Kobe Rooney, Fairfax, and her cousin, Whitney Dunklee, Vernon, made a Verminty, combining peppermint ice cream and brownies and topping each glass with white chocolate and sprinkles. For winning the contest, they are eligible to compete in a regional milkshake contest at Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield, Massachusetts, in September.

Coming in second were Harper Cole, Swanton, and Lanie Howrigan, Sheldon, whose maple milkshake incorporated maple cream and maple syrup with a dollop of maple cotton candy, a maple crème frosted doughnut and maple candy on top.

Williston siblings Bristol and Remington Card combined Oreo cookies and cream with a chocolate drizzle inside the glass to place third. The fourth-place finishers, Averil Beaupre, Shelburne, and John Belter, South Burlington, also featured maple in their milkshake, mixing milk with maple syrup and maple doughnuts.

Judges for the contest were Chittenden County Maple Sugar Makers Association Director Mike Guillemette; Vermont Assistant 4-H Director Amy Miller; “Milkshake Afficionado” Eric Thomas, South Burlington; and Vermont Secretary of Agriculture Anson Tebbets.

Winning Best of Show rosette ribbons for their exhibits were: 

  • CLUB SCRAPBOOK:  Whispering Pines 4-H Club, Westford 
  • EXPRESSIVE ART:  Jane Curry, Burlington (framed drawing, “Loyal Doberman”)
  • PHOTOGRAPHY:  Chloe Bouchard, Franklin (“Sunset Tractor”)
  • POSTER: Grace Peterson, Essex (“History of the Morgan Horse Farm”)
  • TABLETOP DISPLAY: Grace Peterson, Essex (exhibit about types of horseshoes, “When to Use Your Shoes”)
  • UPCYCLE CLOTHING:  Amelia Peterson, Essex (denim earrings)

Visitors to the 4-H Hall on August 25 also were treated to a stage presentation by members of the Whispering Pines 4-H Club of Westford. They performed a Philippine folk dance called “Tinikling.”

Assisting 4-H Fair Superintendent Mary Fay of Westford in the 4-H Hall were Lori Blades, Jericho; Pam Senesac, Colchester; and University of Vermont Extension 4-H Educator Martha Manning.