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4-H changes over the years, but pride is still strong

Alicia Wicklund
Roseau County has always been known to have an outstanding fair. But even though numbers have declined in some areas over the years, other areas have grown. However, one thing that hasn’t changed is the pride that Roseau County 4-Her’s put into their projects.
One club that has a history for their outstanding dairy animals is the Green Acres 4-H club. Years ago, Ray and Lillian Christianson and Merton and Annette Kirkeide started this club with the help of Deloris Andol.
“The Green Acres 4-H club would never be what it is today without the help that Deloris Andol put in,” Robby Christianson commented.
As soon as Ray and Lillian’s children were old enough, they became enrolled in the Valley Builders 4-H club; they later belonged to the Green Acres 4-H club. All five of Ray and Lillian Christianson’s children were in 4-H and the two that reside in the Greenbush area, Corena Green and Robby Christianson, continue the 4-H program with their kids.
“4-H really draws the family together and creates many memories. Once in awhile we would have an animal that wouldn’t lead, and that would make it interesting when we had to hook it up behind the tractor,” Ray said.
When Ray was around 10 years old, he was in 4-H for one year. His parents Rudy and Myrtle Christianson, said it was too much running for the family. However, he did say he led his dairy calf through the parade. “That’s what they all use to do; you don’t see that occurring anymore.”
When Robby and Corena were in 4-H they remembered playing on 4-H softball teams and attending Norris 4-H camp.
“Of everything I did in 4-H, I remember the camps the most! We were at camp for three or four days, and each night we practiced a skit with our group. On the last night we would perform the skit for everyone,” Robby said, “but you don’t see kids doing things like this anymore.”
Corena commented, “The dairy show in Roseau County has really changed as there used to be several dairy farms in our county and now there is only a handful. We had so many numbers that we had two show rings with one inside of the other for some of our classes. Now we only have a few kids showing, but they still put their heart into it and have fun!”
Growing up in 4-H, many memories were created at the Christianson household. A fond memory that Corena remembers was when Robby and she were preparing their animals for the fair and they were using Hi-lex to get them whiter, when Robby tossed the jug to her. “The top broke off and my pants became totally shredded!”
Ray’s son Robby Christianson says 4-H is changing, but it’s not all for the better. According to both Corena and Robby, the family farm is disappearing, and schools are pushing sports more than ever.
“Some kids need to make the choice nowadays. I told my son Cole that he had to be in 4-H until he experienced one state fair trip. Three years ago, Cole made the decision to quit 4-H and become more dedicated to playing football and summer rec baseball,” Robby said.
However, just because Cole is not in 4-H, it doesn’t mean he’s not active at the fair. Younger sister Caprice is now a second year cloverbud and is taking a quarter horse named Princess to the fair. “Both my dad and my brother Cole help me get her ready to ride,” Caprice said.
Often times you’ll find Cole helping out his grandpa Ray with his miniature ponies, or alongside his cousins Monica, Matthew, Michele, or Michael Green.
Many trips down to the state fair have been earned by the Green family, and Michael, still not old enough, looks ahead with excitement.
Even though this is Monica Green’s last year in 4-H, she still plans on being active and guiding her younger siblings on how to do things such as toplines and getting ready.
But when it comes to competition, Monica, Matthew, Michele, and Michael all agree that they will help each other out, and there is to some extent competition amongst them, but they also support each other! And for youngest brother Michael, learning is the key; what more could he ask for but to have the older siblings that he has to look up to. But who does Michael look up to the most? “My mom,” he responded.
Being a mom who has experienced the state fair thrill, Corena replied, “It is rewarding and gives great satisfaction when showing is over. The kids realize hard work pays off as they win a trip to the Minnesota State Fair.”
Times have changed, but pride is alive! Twenty years ago, Roseau County would be represented at the State Fair with 12 to 14 dairy animals and about six beef, two sheep, and two hogs.
“Roseau County was known for their dairy. We also worked very hard to earn our spot in front of the barn for having the best herdsmanship,” Robby Christianson said.
Currently, Roseau County may not have as many dairy trips as previous years, but the kids who represent Roseau County at the State Fair level do so very professionally and take an abundance of pride in herdsmanship, whether it is dairy, beef, swine, chickens, horses, or sheep.
Monica Green, Roseau-Kittson County Dairy Princess, commented, “For the past seven years that I’ve attended the state fair, six of those we’ve received first place in herdsmanship.”
One thing that Monica, Matthew, Michele, Corena, and Robby all agree on is the idea of taking part at the state fair. It’s definitely an experience you want to take advantage of.
Come out the week of July 20-25 and show your support to the Roseau County 4-Her’s who have put so much time, hardwork, and effort into their 4-H projects. A complete list of events can be found on the Roseau County Fair’s website at http://www.roseaucountyfair.com/fair-schedule.html.

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