In vogue: 4-H fashion show participant numbers grow

4-H is always busy getting the youth involved. It believes in the power of young people, that every child has strengths and an ability to improve the world around us. The 4-H involvement in the Cheyenne County Fair proves this.

Each year at the Cheyenne County Fair members of 4-H are busy challenging themselves with multiple projects, be it sewing or showing livestock. Since partnering with local Cool Kids Club, the Cheyenne County 4-H has seen the number of youth participating increase, specifically in the 4-H Fashion Show.

The 4-H Fashion Show is held every year at the county fair. Members who sign up to participate in the show must select the category they wish to participate in, model their outfit and then present their outfit for inspection by judges.

This year's fashion show allowed participants two options: either make their own garments and model them, or "Shop in Style."

Shopping in style required participants to purchase an outfit, describe the look and why they chose the garments, and then model the outfit for spectators and judges alike. The purpose of the Shopping in Style category is to help the older youth learn smarter consumer skills when purchasing clothing. They must consider when a garment would be worn, how it can be paired with other items, and the overall quality of the garment.

Being forced to make their own garments presents the youth with different challenges all together: They must start with the basics and envision the final product. Participants first select the fabric they wish to use-the pattern or color that catches their eye-and must then utilize sewing and stitching techniques to make their concept a reality.

After the challenge of constructing clothing, participants must then summon courage, get over their nerves, and brave the "cat-walk."

Fortunately, 4H is all about encouragement. Participants gave each other pep-talks as they waited backstage and even helped each other practice their walks and poses.

Competitors Jayden Shoemaker and Anja Nguyen, while busy waiting for their age groups to compete, calmed their nerves by practicing together.

"It's my first year," Shoemaker said. "I really want to learn all I can. My friends did it and said it was really fun, so I thought I'd try it."

Shoemaker picked the right partner to help her practice. This year marked Nguyen's fifth year of participating in the fashion show. She was introduced to the show by a friend and has been joining in since, always looking for ways to improve her composure and poses.

The fashion show is broken down into age groups to keep the competition and skill-set fair. Once Shopping in Style finished, the Juniors group (ages 8-10) modeled their handmade garments, followed by the Intermediate group (11-13), followed by the Seniors (14-18).

This year's fashion show brought many newcomers, including first time 4-Hers who became interested in the program after learning about the 4-H curriculum through Cool Kids.

Cool Kids and members of 4-H will be busy at the fairgrounds as they prepare for fair and help out with the many activities during fair. Should you find yourself out at fair this year, stop by and say hi. Don't be afraid to ask 4H members about their projects.

For information visit 4-H.org.