Iowa 4-H Announces Awardrobe Clothing Event Winners

One hundred forty-nine youth from 73 counties participated in the 2022 Awardrobe Clothing Event held at the Iowa State Fair on Aug. 11. This event provides 4-H members in grades 9-12 the opportunity to showcase their apparel design and production knowledge, as well as creative skills. As a part of the showcasing experience, youth complete a comprehensive report and participate in conference judging. The event concludes with a runway show for all participants.

Marli Backhaus, Gabrielle Kustes, Sasha McCoy and Mallory Mulligan served on the youth leadership team for the event. This spring the four were named state clothing project area award winners, an award opportunity offered through State 4-H Recognition Day. They worked throughout the summer to plan the runway show theme, workshops, music, decorations and program.

Bonnie Dalager, 4-H youth program specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, has been organizing the event for the past six years. "Our planning team and volunteers focus on creating a positive experience for meaningful recognition for our youth participants. This event offers our members an opportunity to showcase their project area knowledge, learn clothing-related skills, and network with others from around the state who share their interests," Dalager said.

Workshops this year featured hands-on opportunities in fabric and textile topics.

The event has three categories: clothing selection -- participants select or purchase an outfit for a specific occasion; fashion revue -- the garment is constructed, hand-knitted, machine-knitted, or crocheted by the participant; and the $15 challenge -- the participant purchases an outfit for $15 or less from garage sales, consignment shops or clothing resale stores.

"For the Awardrobe Clothing Event, 4-H members are evaluated on their verbal and written communication skills, project goals, choice of clothing, record keeping on costs, and knowledge of their garments," said Dalager.

State fair participants are nominated for the Awardrobe Clothing Event within their county 4-H program.