Youth Shine at 2025 Falls County Youth Fair

The 2025 Falls County Youth Fair showcased the impressive talents and hard work of local 4-H members in the Home Economics Division, with youth from clubs across the county taking top honors in a variety of contests ranging from arts and crafts to sewing, food, and horticulture.

The Roger Drews Pavilion buzzed with excitement as judges reviewed hundreds of entries. This year’s fair also marked the debut of the newly renovated men’s and women’s restrooms inside the pavilion — a welcome upgrade completed just days before the fair opened.

In the Junior Food Division, Lane Wagner of Westphalia 4-H claimed Grand Champion, while Reserve Champion went to Cooper Hering, also from Westphalia 4-H.

Junior Arts & Crafts winners included Reese Marek (Grand Champion, Westphalia 4-H) and Bentley Burks (Reserve Champion, Rocky Hill 4-H). Marek also took top honors in Junior Sewing, with Jentry Moeller (Westphalia 4H) earning Reserve.

In Junior Horticulture, Hunter Burks of Rocky Hill 4-H earned Grand Champion, with Bentley Burks securing another Reserve Champion title.

The Senior Food Division was led by Makenna Douglas (Grand Champion, Rocky Hill 4-H), followed by Rylan Stein (Reserve Champion, Otto 4-H).

In Senior Arts & Crafts, Sadie Coker of Westphalia 4-H was named Grand Champion, and Lillie Lehmann from Rocky Hill 4-H took Reserve Champion. Coker also led in Senior Sewing, with Salem Coker (Westphalia 4-H) placing second.

The Senior Horticulture division saw a sweep by Tayvin Kluck of Otto 4-H, who earned both Grand and Reserve Champion titles.

This year’s Overall High Point Individual in the Junior Department was awarded to Bentley Burks, while Lillie Lehmann was named Overall High Point Individual in the Senior Department.

Fairgoers enjoyed browsing the diverse displays of homegrown produce, handmade crafts, sewn garments, and homemade goods, many of which were photographed throughout the week to highlight the creativity and dedication of Falls County youth.

The Falls County Youth Fair Association expressed its appreciation for the continued community support and noted the importance of providing a safe and modern facility for participants and guests — with special thanks to those involved in the recent renovation of the Roger Drews Pavilion restrooms.

The Youth Fair continues to serve as a cornerstone event for the county, encouraging education, responsibility, and pride among the next generation of leaders.