Washington County idea elevates 4-H food stands, pleases crowds
What lands in the mouths of Washington County fairgoers visiting the 4-H food stand in July starts with ideas born in January.
Take the Krunchy Kimchi Dog, created by 13-year-old Aemilia Wollak.
The all-beef hot dog topped with kimchi, gochujang mayo, cucumbers and potato chips was a 2023 Fair Foodie Challenge winner that returned for the 2024 Washington County Fair. It fits with challenge rules that 70% of the item must be something that was already part of the food stand repertoire, with 30% room to “play restaurant” and add a fun twist.
Aemilia’s mother, Andrea Hammel Wollak, is one of several volunteers, staff and youth leaders who came up with the Fair Foodie Challenge as a way to engage young people more in 4-H county fair food stands, which raise funds, defray costs for families, and offer a growth experience for 4-H’ers.
They conceive of and fine-tune recipes after discussions in January and are judged by a committee in February.
“I wanted the kids to understand how to develop a recipe where you can get 50 out the door during a mad rush,” says Hammel Wollak. “They learn how to participate in a meeting with adults and not be timid. They learn math skills, food safety skills, production factors like making sure the lettuce won’t wilt, plus finding a role that fits them. I learned a lot of skills in 4-H and wanted these kids to do the same.”
Aemilia added a blueberry Belgian banger and grilled chicken miso salad to her wins for 2024. “We learn about ordering the ingredients, pricing, how to lay everything out and get the equipment set up. It’s very exciting,” she says. “I also just love to be able to serve people.”
Other Fair Foodie Challenge winners for 2024 included a maple-pepper bacon sammie by Roxi Vassar and cheeseburger salad by Audrey Delaney.
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