Mecosta County MSU Extension

🌟 Meet the Staff Monday! 🌟
Get to know Kara Lynch, MSU Extension Food Safety Educator, who is making an impact through hands-on education that supports community health and safe food practices.https://www.canr.msu.edu/people/kara_lynch?roleURL=kara_lynch&language_id=.

Calling all young entrepreneurs!
Submit your business pitch to the Michigan State Fair 4-H & Youth Virtual Showcase. Youth ages 8–19 can enter with a product, service, or community impact idea—whether it’s already launched or still in development. Entries accepted through August 7, 2026.
✅ 3 age divisions: 8–11, 12–15, 16–19 as of Jan 1, 2026 (4-H membership not required)
✅ Up to 2-minute video pitch (uploaded to YouTube as unlisted)
✅ Must include the youth presenting on camera
Judging will focus on creativity, clear communication, audience understanding, and strong business ideas.
🏆 Top entries earn gift card prizes in each division, thanks to our sponsor, MSUFCU!
View the Fair Book (Dept 73) and registration link at: https://www.canr.msu.edu/virtual-showcase/State-Fair-Virtual-Showcase/

🌟 Staff Spotlight 🌟Meet Karen Ripke, Mecosta County’s 4-H Program Coordinator! For more about Karen: https://www.canr.msu.edu/people/karen-ripke?roleURL=karen-ripke&language_id=

The Michigan 4-H License Plate Promotion Contest is a chance for youth to design something that inspires others to support Michigan 4-H!

✔️ Open to Michigan youth ages 8–19
✔️ Choose video (90 seconds or less) AND/OR non-video (poster, flyer, graphic)
✔️ Focus on promoting the Michigan 4-H license plate

Entries are judged on creativity, originality, and promotional impact
Enter through Department 73 in the Michigan State Fair 4-H and Youth Virtual Showcase
Winners earn prizes AND recognition on Michigan 4-H channels

Your ideas could help drive support for 4-H across the state-literally! 🚗
Find out more and enter at: https://www.canr.msu.edu/virtual-showcase/State-Fair-Virtual-Showcase/

Got a business idea? Let’s hear your pitch!
Enter the Michigan State Fair 4-H & Youth Virtual Showcase and share your entrepreneurial skills in a 2-minute video! Whether your business is already running, just getting started, or still an idea-you can compete.
Open to any youth ages 8–19 (as of Jan 1, 2026); entry deadline of August 7, 2026
Product, service, or community impact ideas welcome
Submit a short video pitching your business directly to the audience
🏆 Win gift cards ($75, $50, $25) thanks to MSU Federal Credit Union!
Show your creativity, confidence, and innovation—start planning your pitch today!
Check out the Fair Book (Dept 73) and registration link at: https://www.canr.msu.edu/virtual-showcase/State-Fair-Virtual-Showcase/

💚 Show your 4-H pride on the road AND online!
Michigan youth ages 8–19 are invited to enter the MI 4-H License Plate Promotion Contest as part of the Michigan State Fair 4-H & Youth Virtual Showcase!
Create a short video (90 seconds max) and/or design a poster, flyer, or graphic
Your goal: Encourage others to purchase the Michigan 4-H license plate!

Prizes will be awarded, and winners will be featured on Michigan 4-H social media channels.
Put your creativity to work and help spread the word about 4-H across Michigan!

The License Plate Contest is in Department 73 in the Michigan State Fair 4-H and Youth Virtual Showcase
👉 Learn more and enter:
https://www.canr.msu.edu/virtual-showcase/State-Fair-Virtual-Showcase/