The annual 4-H Cloverbud Pumpkin Contest was held on Saturday, October 21, at UW Oshkosh Fond du Lac Campus. Cloverbud members, 4-H youth grades kindergarten to second, were able to enter a pumpkin in the contest.  The morning of the contest Teen Leaders and volunteers helped weigh, measure, and judge the pumpkins.  While pumpkins were being weighed and measured, the Cloverbuds participated in games and icebreakers to get to know each other. Belonging is an essential element of 4-H, so Cloverbuds began with name games to get to know other members from all over the county. The Cloverbuds were surprised by a special guest appearance from Makayla Stommel, 2024 Fond du Lac County Fairest of the Fair. Makayla spoke with each of the Cloverbuds about their pumpkins and announced all of the winners.

Entering the contest this year with their pumpkins were (14) Cloverbud members representing (9) 4-H clubs. Trophies and Certificates were awarded for winning categories which included smallest weight, tallest, shortest, most unusual shape, roundest, most colorful, best pumpkin color, scariest, funniest, most unique, and largest circumference. Wyatt F had the largest pumpkin in circumference at 66 inches around! Abijah H was the smallest in height at 5 ½ inches tall. Hattie F and her Pineapple Pumpkin won the funniest category. Aubree A created a witch with her bumpy textured pumpkin to win the scariest pumpkin category. To see a full list of the winners please visit the Fond du Lac County 4-H Facebook or Instagram pages.  This is typically one of the first events of the new 4-H year for Cloverbuds to participate in. If you are interested in 4-H, please contact the office at 920-929-3171 or register through 4-H online at https://v2.4honline.com/.  Registration is open now.