Need projects for your kids to work on during the upcoming winter and spring breaks? Sign up for Monroe County’s 4-H program for free.
The local program has hundreds of projects, ranging from animal projects to crafts, science and culinary arts. Two projects are new for 2026: pull-apart cupcakes and shoebox floats. One project, Consumer Education Clothing, was discontinued this year.
Ribbons, trophies and cash prizes are awarded when projects are entered in the 2026 Monroe County Fair, Aug. 2-8. Project details and instructions are announced in the Fair Premium catalog. The 2026 catalog will be posted here.
Monroe County 4-H has about 70 clubs and is open to all local youth, ages 5-19.
“1,044 youths are currently enrolled. You have until April 1 to enroll and still be eligible to show at the 2026 fair. Those interested in enrolling in 4-H can reach out to the Extension office,” said Jean Genaw, Monroe County 4-H program coordinator.
The Extension office is at 963 S. Raisinville Road in Monroe. It can be reached at 734-240-3170 and msue.monroe@county.msu.edu.
New 4-H projects for 2026
Genaw said project changes are made annually at the county level.
“The Monroe County Fair Advisory Board governs new and sunset project areas. This board is made up of general and assistant general superintendents,” Genaw said.
One of this year’s new projects embraces a current trend: pull-apart cupcakes. Kids can assemble cupcakes into a shape and then frost them all together. In addition to ribbons, one trophy will be awarded.
“These types of cakes have become very popular over the past few years,” said Brenda Chandonnet, a 4-H superintendent. “We hope for good participation and look forward to seeing how creative our 4-H’ers can get.” The other new 2026 project, shoebox floats, is returning. It was discontinued in 2014. Ribbons and one trophy will be awarded.
4-H members use a shoebox and its lid to create a mini parade float.
“The shoebox float project area was added this year because the of many requests,” Chandonnet said. “This was a project area years ago that dwindled in participation and was eliminated. It had been offered for approximately 15 years. The 4-H’er may use the items of their choice to create their float. The rules do however exclude the use of Legos or other building toys.”
One project was discontinued for the 2026 fair: Consumer Education Clothing. In this project, 4-H members purchased garments and accessories and then put together a complete outfit. It aimed to teach ethical consumer decisions.
“(It) was discontinued due to lack of participation,” said Jacqueline Manwell, a 4-H superintendent.
The 4-H program in Michigan is run by Michigan State University. Michigan 4-H said each year more than 100,000 Michigan youths are involved in 4-H programs across the state.
— Contact reporter Suzanne Nolan Wisler at swisler@monroenews.com.
This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: Kids need something to work on this winter? Join Monroe Co. 4-H for free
Reporting by Suzanne Nolan Wisler, The Monroe News / The Monroe News
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