Extension in Anoka County

• 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

We are looking forward to a summer of celebrating 4-H project learning! These local showcases will begin in June with the Food Revue and conclude in late July with the Dog show. The Anoka County Fair will be happening this year and will take place during the week of Tuesday, July 20 - Sunday, July 25.

4-H Summer Showcase Schedule

Wristband sales
4-H members, parents and screened volunteers may purchase a reduced rate wristband which will allow entrance to the fairgrounds during the week of the fair. Wristbands may be purchased Monday, July 19 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. or Tuesday, July 20 from Noon - 8 p.m. in the 4-H building. It is wise to purchase wristbands Monday to avoid paying gate admission fees on Tuesday. There will be no exception for 4-H families. All wristbands will be put on at the time of sale. Cost is $6 per 4-H member and $20 per adult. 

Anoka County Fair 4-H Premium Book, 2021

This document contains all information needed to register to exhibit in a class at the 4-H Anoka County Fair including any requirements for each project area. Please read carefully and contact the 4-H office with any questions.

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). Club projects accepted: Banner, Community Pride, Scrapbook.

This event will be held at the Anoka County fairgrounds from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. There will be an absentee judging option available for those who choose not to be in-person or have a major conflict with the July 10 event date. Contact Anna Gilberston at annag@umn.edu for more information.

Register to exhibit. Your project registration must be completed by Wednesday, June 23.

Other important date updates!

• Static exhibit drop of (if project taken home after July 10), Monday, July 19, 10 a.m. -5 p.m.
• Small Pet and Cat show will now be held on Thursday, July 22
• Exhibit pick up, Sunday, July 25, 6 p.m. or Monday, July 26 between 10 a.m. and noon

County Fair Showcase Events 

Check out the Anoka  County Fair 4-H Premium Book, 2021 for Animal Show dates and information about participating during the County Fair week.

Horse Project Events

• Saturday, July 17 for Training Project
• Thursday & Friday, July 22 and 23 for 6-13^th graders
• Saturday, July 24 for Kindergarten-5th graders, Novice and Horseless Horse
• Sunday, July 25 for grades 3+ including Novice

Annual 4-H Horse Program/County Fair Meeting on YouTube
Anoka County 4-H Horse Handbook
Camping unit measuring and Electrical FAQ

County Arts-In

Fashion Revue

Food Revue

Public Presentation Day

Performing Arts

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

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 Anoka County 4-H 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 Anoka County Master Gardeners 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.

Minnesota is a great place to explore, understand and conserve the natural landscape. Extension education, volunteer and community science programs encourage people to become stewards of Minnesota’s public and private lands.

Volunteer. Natural resources volunteers track invasive species, detect forest pests and count native bees, among many other activities. You can also study to become a Minnesota Master Naturalist.

Extension's Regional Sustainable Development Partnerships (RSDP) connect Greater Minnesota communities and University of Minnesota knowledge and resources to support local sustainability projects. Working in partnership, RSDP supports community-driven projects in four focus areas: agriculture and food systems, clean energy, natural resources and resilient communities. Projects are supported by boards made up of local community members and University faculty and staff. Learn more about RSDP’s recent work neighboring communities and how to submit a project idea.