April 24, 2024

Strong tradition continues at fair with fashion show

By Jamee A

This year, a group of only girls competed in the fashion show Tuesday at the Jasper County Fair. The girls showed in three categories including the fashion revue, clothing selection and $15 challenge. (Jamee A)

The Fashion Show is a chance for 4-H kids to strut their stuff in the best outfits they could find or make.

Part of the Jasper County Fair for more than 50 years, it has evolved from only making the clothes in the revue to a $15 challenge that has kids searching for low cost pieces to make an ensemble. This year’s show was held Tuesday night in the 4-H building.

“It has changed a little through the years. When I was in 4-H, we had fashion revue and better grooming. Now, it is clothing selection and fashion revue,” coordinator Karna Ver Ploeg said. “The newest thing is the $15 challenge. Kids have to go to a garage sale, Goodwill, places like that and find an outfit for $15. They like that, they think it is a lot of fun and they have fun doing it.”

The kids are split up into four age categories with sprouts up to fourth grade, juniors fourth through sixth grade, Intermediates seventh and eighth grade and seniors ninth through twelfth grade. Seniors have the opportunity to move on to the state fair competition.

“The fashion revue is where they make their garment by sewing. Clothing selection is an outfit they buy. It can be at any cost but they still try to find a bargain,” Ver Ploeg said.

The $15 challenge, which began four or five year ago Ver Ploeg said, has participants working to buy an outfit for $15 or less. Shoes, accessories and undergarments are not included in that price. The challenge was by far the most popular category at this year’s fair.

Those participating were interviewed on Friday and modeled the clothes before a judge. They had to fill out a form about the garment and then discuss the project with the judge before an eventual winner was selected.

Jacqueline Michener was named the senior champion in the $15 challenge and has the ability to move on to the State Fair competition.

“This year the numbers are down a little bit, but it typically is very well attended,” Ver Ploeg said.

Also this year, the show only had girls participating, but boys are more than welcome to join in.

Along with the fashion show, the home economic winners were announced and the Hominy Ridge Independents were named the best building display winner.

Contact Jamee A. Pierson at 641-792-3121 ext. 6534 or jpierson@newtondailynews.com