A SusanvilleStuff Feature
by Melissa Blosser, Assistant Editor
photos taken by Claira Schwab
There is something about food that gets kids excited and at the first annual 4-H Favorite Foods Day there was plenty of excitement and an abundence of mouth watering food on display.
Lassen County 4-H Favorite Foods day was recently held at Jensen Hall at the Lassen County Fairgrounds. Richmond 4-H hosted the event with Nathan Egan, the club President, and Nadia Reid, Lassen County All Star, presiding over the ceremonies. This year’s theme was “The Wild Wild West.”
“I wanted a new event for the County and this event just really seemed like it would be a lot of fun for the kids,” said Chairman Sandy Fortin.
According to Fortin, Favorite Foods Day was designed to be an enjoyable, well-rounded educational experience. The purpose of the Favorite Foods Day is to give 4-H members a chance to exhibit a favorite food, plan a balanced menu around the food, and develop an appreciation of the relationship between good health and good nutrition.
Volunteer judges were Kim Brooks, Ashley Grove, Rhonda Lavacot, K.C. Mesloh, Lisa Park, Nadia Reid, and Nancy Satica.
4-H members from throughout the county participated in this event which tested their skills in nutrition, menu planning, and food preparation. The “favorite food” entries were judged on appearance, flavor, and texture. Each member prepared a table setting that coordinated with the menu. The aesthetic and nutritional value of the menu was also judged, as well as the exhibitor’s knowledge of food on the menu. The 4-H members participated in categories that included salad, main dish, dessert, and a special category of “beef”. The Lassen County Cattlewomen sponsored $100 in cash awards for the “beef” category. Also offered was an educational quiz that challenged members of pasta and a community service activity.
The results were as follows:
Primary members: Olivia Carlson and Ezabella Strength from Richmond 4-H received special participation awards as primary members cannot be judged for awards.
Junior members: Rylee Friddle, Grace Heimbigner and Jessica Meyer ; Richmond 4-H, gold seals
Intermediate members: Valerie Carriere, Cade Lile, Jared Lile, Emma Newton, Kyla Reid,Dallen Schwab, Richmond 4-H, golds; Madee Cluck, Thompson Peak, gold;
Senior members: Heather Brooks, Standish 4-H, gold; Holly Fortin, C.J. Karper, and Nadia Reid, Richmond 4-H, golds
Cash Award Theme Category -Beef:
1st place- Dyllan Bond, Standish 4-H, Tri-Tip
2nd place-Hannah Heimbigner, Richmond 4-H , Stuffed mushrooms ,
3rd place-Abbey Carlson- Richmond 4-H, Swedish meatballs
4th place, Carlene Simpson-Lake 4-H, Beef Empanadas
5th place, Angela Bell-Standish 4-H, Hobo Dinner
All the members received a kitchen towel and a recipe book containing all of the participants’ recipes and those receiving a gold seal were awarded “Favorite Foods” medals for their 4-H hats.
Following the judging, everyone was invited to stay and enjoy baked potatoes and the many excellent dishes that were prepared for this event.
“The event was a huge success and Richmond 4-H looks forward to hosting this annual event next year,” said Fortin.
