Entrepreneurship is an important factor in creating a strong economy for the 21st century.
Entrepreneurs have the innovation and creativity skills to turn challenges into opportunities. These opportunities can enhance the economic viability of our communities. Educating our youths in entrepreneurial literacy plays a key role for a prosperous future.
This summer, a group of excited 4-H members took part in a program called 4-H Marketplace. The program focused on entrepreneurship education and effective working demonstrations. These youths explored topics in business start-up, strategic planning, marketing, advertising, product pricing and money management. The curriculum provided fun activities for learning. Critical thinking, acquiring and evaluating information, public speaking, thinking creatively and making decisions were all important life skills we practiced.
Our young entrepreneurs will show off their creativity and hard work at the La Plata County Fair. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 10 the 4-H Marketplace will be on display in the corridor between the Extension Building and Exhibit Hall. Our members will have items for sale related to their projects.
Wyatt and Colwyn Griego of the Pine River 4-H Club in Bayfield will be displaying their hats, scarves and dishwasher labels. They call their business “Homemade from the Heart” with the slogan “from start to finish, made with care.”
Also from the Pine River 4-H Club, Amanda and Tayler Ludwig will be launching “Wicked Sisters Creations.” They will have “wickedly good sweet treats” such as chocolate lava meltdowns, doughnuts on a stick, sweet tarts and more tasty items at their booth.
Oakley Felker, a member of the St. Columba 4-H Club, will be selling earrings, buttons and hair ties through her business, “Rock Wear for Hip Chicks.” Oakley has incorporated her poultry project, by using chicken feathers in her earring designs.
Florida Four Leaf 4-H Club member Vinny Lopez will be at his “Spa Specialties” booth. He will have handmade soaps, scrubs and oils for sale. Vinny’s products support his slogan “natural nourishment for your skin.”
Halle Moore of the Bayfield Riders 4-H Club invites you to “dazzle up your day” by visiting her “Hazzle Dazzle” booth. She will sell earrings, necklaces and bracelets. She has some pretty nifty farm-animal earrings.
Tommie Knox of the Bayfield Riders 4-H Club is excited to bring you “Blingin’ Collars.” Tommie makes unique goat collars. She will have some on display and also has the ability to take orders for customizable collars. Her slogan is “if you dream it, we can bling it.”
Finally, Katie and Cara Kallaher of the Animas Valley 4-H Club will have a booth called “River Rock Goods.” These sisters will have goat-milk soap, chicken feathers, river rocks and possibly some food items for sale. Their fair-related slogan is “Maa. Cluck. You’re in luck.”
The final schedule of times for each booth is being determined. However, if you contact the Extension Office next week, we will have the times posted. Thanks so much for your support of our young entrepreneurs.
felsengh@co.laplata.co.us or 382-6463. Greg Felsen is La Plata County 4-H youth development agent.
