Hello, Minnesota 4-H!
Minnesota 4-H State Ambassador
My name is Ellianna, and I am honored to serve as a 2026–27 Minnesota 4-H State Ambassador representing Hennepin County.
We wrap up a bustling season with the arrival of October, as the State Dog Show, the State Horse Show, and the State Shooting Sports and Wildlife Invitational come to a close.
Showcasing project learning and hard work at the state fair
I hope you all had the chance to make it out to the Minnesota State Fair this year. A total of 1,923,325 people visited over its 12-day run. It was an absolutely amazing time and an incredible opportunity to meet the public, connect with fellow 4-H'ers and catch up with alumni.
For 14 days, the 4-H Building became my home. From theater performances through State Arts-In to general project exhibits, the 4-H Building highlights year-round youth work and learning. I loved walking through it. You can find everything from tractors to poster boards covering wildlife, nutrition and travel.
This year, I brought a 1952 camper that I refurbished. I spent all winter and spring getting it ready, including replacing the flooring, sanding and painting the cabinets. It was such a rewarding experience to share the hard work I put into it and talk about everything I learned along the way.
If you made the walk to the barns this year, you were able to see 4-H youth show their livestock during the first four days of the fair, including cattle, sheep, swine, poultry and rabbits. These youth work hard throughout the year taking on the daily responsibilities to care for and learn all about their animal.
4-H youth participate in September showcase events
While the Minnesota State Fair comes to an end on Labor Day, the 4-H fun doesn't stop there.
The following weekend was the State 4-H Shooting Sports and Wildlife Invitational, where 734 youth from 58 counties showcased their skills and knowledge about shooting sports and wildlife.
The State Horse Show was at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds, bringing around 700 4-H youth from all around Minnesota; these youth represent the months and years of hard work and dedication surrounding animals in 4-H.
The State Dog Show brought youth and their dogs from every part of Minnesota together to run agility courses and demonstrate in showmanship rings. Since I have competed at the State Dog Show for three years, I have experienced how much fun it is and how it teaches you about animal care, dedication and staying calm under pressure. Although I didn't compete this year, I loved cheering on all the participants who worked so hard to get there.
Here comes October full of activities
Now that many of our major state events have concluded, we have some activities right around the corner to look forward to!
First on the calendar is National 4-H Week, taking place Oct. 4-10. It is the perfect time to wear your green, dress up and represent 4-H in your schools and communities.
World Mental Health Day in on Oct. 10. As we transition into a new season, please remember to check in on your loved ones and take care of yourself. Maintaining a healthy balance between your physical and mental wellbeing is essential for overall success.
And to all the 4-H families and members who are getting ready for this year's harvest season, thank you. The daily work you do running equipment, hauling grain and caring for livestock keeps our communities going. We appreciate your dedication, and we know agricultural families are the heart of Minnesota.
Focus on helping communities thrive
As part of my 4-H State Ambassador responsibilities, I serve on the Service Team Committee. Our team works together to establish our statewide service theme and create opportunities for 4-H'ers to give back to communities in Minnesota.
This year, the service theme is on helping communities thrive. We are developing educational content and service project ideas that focus on supporting individuals and communities around issues such as food and housing security, education and literacy, and more. Our vision for this is that everyone in our communities has the opportunity they need to truly thrive rather than just get by.
Keep an eye out for the official announcement, youth input opportunities and project ideas!
Thank you to all 4-H youth, parents, volunteers, staff and everyone else who made the fairs and showcase events in 4-H possible. I am proud to be a part of Minnesota 4-H, and I'm ready for what the end of the year brings.
Take care and happy fall,
Ellianna, Hennepin County
Minnesota 4-H State Ambassador