Extension in Anoka County

There are several ways to join or re-enroll in 4-H.

• Interested in joining Anoka County 4-H? Read on!
• Re-enroll for the 2020-2021 4-H year
• Anoka County 4-H membership dues need to be paid to complete your enrollment
• Join 4-H for the first time or re-enroll

Anoka County 4-H Summer Showcase Announcements 

At this time we are unsure if the Anoka County Fairboard will be hosting a traditional county fair.  If held, the Anoka County Fair would run from Tuesday, July 20 - Sunday, July 25. This communication announces the information and dates that are currently set. These dates will not change, even if a traditional in-person county fair is held.   

General Static Exhibit Judging Event- Saturday July 10

Included in this judging day: Judging for all STATIC exhibits, Performing Arts (groups of three or less performers), & Small Pet and Cat. Club projects accepted: Banner, Community Pride, Scrapbook.

This event will be held at the Anoka County fairgrounds from 10 am - 4 pm. There will be a virtual judging option available for those who choose not to be in-person. This one day judging event will replace the exhibit judging days that typically occur Monday and Tuesday of fair week. 

Registration for all showcase events including the General Static Exhibit Judging Event will be available late May. Your project registration must be completed by Wednesday, June 23.

For more on the Static Judging Event. 

Other important dates if there is an in-person fair: 

• Monday, July 19– Static exhibit drop off, if project taken home after July 10
• Sunday, July 25 or Monday, July 26 (preferred)– Exhibit pick up 

Animal ID

• Animal ID's are due by Monday, May 17.

Horse Project Events

• Saturday, July 17 for Training Project
• Thursday & Friday, July 22 and 23 for 6-13^th graders
• Saturday & Sunday, July 24-25 for Kindergarten-5^th graders and Horseless Horse

Other Animal Shows

• Monday, July 19- Beef, Sheep, Swine, Dairy, Dairy Goat, Meat Goat Shows–Indoor Arena or Red Barn, 10 am start
• Monday, July 19- Rabbit Show–  Indoor Ring, Noon
• Tuesday, July 20– Poultry Show- time tbd
• Wednesday, July 21– Dog Agility, Outdoor Arena, 9 am
• Lama Show- tbd

More information on Fashion Revue, Food Revue and Public Presentation day coming soon!

Walk or run to support this fundraiser for Anoka County 4-H! Funds will support healthy living programs, community service projects and scholarships for youth. We are thrilled to celebrate our 10-year anniversary this spring and you’re invited to participate in the way you feel most comfortable. You may run a route of your choosing, come to Bunker Hills Regional Park and run our marked route, or run an identified route at another Anoka County Park. This is a “fun run” and will not be timed.

On Saturday, April 24, our traditional 5K route will be marked at Bunker Hills Activities Center from 9 am to noon for you to run or walk in your own time. We will also provide maps for you to run the same distance at another Anoka County Park at a time that is convenient for you.

If you are unable to participate but still want to support this Anoka County 4-H fundraiser, donations can be made online to the Anoka County 4-H Program Fund. Please select "Add Special Instructions" and write "4-H Clover Dash" before submitting.

Sponsorship and race information.

4-H Youth Development is a hands-on learning program for Minnesota youth. We offer online, small group and independent learning experiences for youth of all ages. In 4-H, youth choose the topic they find interesting and caring adults support their learning and leadership. From agronomy to space exploration and creative arts to outdoor adventures, 4-H has just the right learning experience for young people.

There are many ways to participate in 4-H!

Gifts support 4-H youth development in Anoka County, and local programming coordinated by the Anoka County 4-H Council. 

Give today

4-H contacts

Anna Gilbertson, Extension educator, 4-H Youth Development
annag@umn.edu or 763-324-3497

Layne Vermeulen, Extension educator, 4-H Youth Development
trall005@umn.edu or 763-324-3493

Mamadou Toure, 4-H Program associate
toure034@umn.edu or 763-324-3494

Kim Ferguson, Administrative Services Assistant
fergu029@umn.edu or 763-324-3499

Visit us on social media:

• Facebook
• Instagram
• YouTube

• Visit the Anoka County Master Gardeners website for gardening information along with a complete list of upcoming events.
• Follow us on Facebook.

• Become a Master Gardener volunteer
• Master Naturalist volunteers work in your community

Lia Spaniolo, Master Gardener program coordinator
spaniolo@umn.edu or 763-324-3498

Kim Ferguson, Administrative services assistant
fergu029@umn.edu or 763-324-3499

Kim Ferguson, Administrative services assistant
fergu029@umn.edu or 763-324-3499

Anna Gilbertson, Extension educator, 4-H Youth Development
annag@umn.edu or 763-324-3497

Lia Spaniolo, Master Gardener program coordinator
spaniolo@umn.edu or 763-324-3498

Mamadou Toure, 4-H program associate
toure034@umn.edu or 763-324-3494

Layne Vermeulen, Extension educator, 4-H Youth Development
trall005@umn.edu or 763-324-3493

Extension brings Minnesotans together to build a better future through University science-based knowledge, expertise and training. Learn more about Extension by visiting our about page and by browsing this website. 

Extension offers a variety of educational programs about nutrition and health in Anoka County. These programs are open to families and individuals of all ages who are eligible for benefits through the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or who meet Extension’s program income guidelines.

Programs are offered in community settings such as food shelves, schools, community centers and public housing sites. The programs are free to all individuals and families who meet income guidelines, and may be offered in multiple languages, depending on the audience needs and availability of educators.

Use the Real Life, Good Food website to find recipes, cooking tips and physical activity ideas for a healthier life.