Alexander County 4-H Newsletter

Alexander County Celebrates National 4-H Week 2026

Alexander County 4-H is joining millions of 4-H members, families, volunteers, alumni and supporters across the country in celebrating National 4-H Week, October 4–10, 2026.

As the nation’s largest youth development organization, 4-H empowers 6 million young people nationwide with hands-on learning experiences through clubs, camps, school programs, and community events. 4‑H programs are grounded in the belief that young people learn best by doing, creating an environment for them to explore their interests and develop life skills. Through the Beyond Ready initiative, 4-H will help prepare 10 million youth for work and life by 2030.

“National 4-H Week is always one of my favorite times of the year because it gives us a chance to celebrate the remarkable achievements of our youth and the dedicated parents, leaders, staff, and volunteers who support them every single step of the way,” said Dr. Shannon McCollum, interim state 4-H program leader. “I hope you'll join in all of our celebration activities throughout the week! To our members, alumni, parents, staff, and volunteers, head over to our Facebook or Instagram pages, give us a shout-out, tag us in your photos, and help us celebrate the power of 4-H.”

In Alexander County, the impact of 4-H takes shape through “develop public speaking skills, lead community service projects, practice financial literacy, learn to use Artificial Intelligence responsibly, raise livestock, compete in STEM challenges and more.

Two nationwide days offer special ways to join in during National 4-H Week.

Monday, October 5 GO GREEN Show your 4-H spirit by going green! Wear green and join 4-H supporters across the country in showing 4-H pride. From clothing and accessories to decorations, there are plenty of ways to take part. Anything green goes!
Thursday, October 8 THANKFUL THURSDAY Take time to recognize the people and experiences that make 4-H possible! Thank someone who has made a difference in your 4-H journey, share a favorite memory or highlight something you are thankful for because of 4-H.

Let’s paint the nation GREEN, on Monday, October 5! Share who you’re thankful for on Thursday, October 8

ALL 4-H members and volunteers MUST be enrolled in 4-H Online to participate in any programs or clubs that are provided by Alexander County 4-H.

For more information and to start the enrollment process please visit the following link:

https://alexander.ces.ncsu.edu/2022/01/time-to-enroll-in-4-h/

If you have any questions regarding enrollment or need help with enrollment please contact DJ Salyer at 828-632-3125. Again, no child or volunteer can participate in 4-H events without being enrolled.

A new way to complete 4-H project records is here!

Beginning this year, North Carolina 4-H members can complete project records online through Kaleidoscope. This new option provides a more flexible, accessible way to document 4-H experiences while helping prepare youth for the digital tools they'll encounter in scholarships, college applications, internships and future careers.

During the 2026 transition year, members may choose between the new Kaleidoscope system, or the traditional document format. If you are planning to do a project book and need assistance please reach out to DJ for help.

Tickets are on sale now for the 8th annual Pickin’ in the Pines benefit concert at Millstone 4-H Camp!

Join us on October 17 for an evening of live bluegrass music, BBQ, a silent auction and more — all while supporting an important cause. Proceeds from Pickin’ in the Pines provide scholarships that help underserved youth experience summer camp at Millstone.

Since the event began, support from sponsors and attendees has helped send more than 75 youth to camp!

October 17, 2026 | 3:00 - 8:15 p.m.
Millstone 4-H Camp
Tickets and sponsorships are available now.

What is Farm City Week?

The first Farm City Week was born in 1955 when Charles Dana Bennett, businessman from Vermont and Merle H. Tucker, Chairman of Kiwanis International Agriculture and Conservation Committee, were seated together on a train headed from Chicago to Washington, D.C. In 1955, the net farm income was declining. Farm costs, debts and property taxes were on the rise. Charles and Merle were having discussions about the poor public image of agriculture, the strong urban influence on ag policies and a growing population with no direct ties to agriculture. To them, it seemed that farm and city people were drifting farther and farther apart and they felt that positive public relations between farm and city dwellers must be improved. Mr. Bennett made these issues public and soon after that the National Farm-City Committee was created and coordinated by Kiwanis International. The Kiwanis coordinated Farm-City until 1988 when the American Farm Bureau Federation assumed the responsibility. These same efforts continue today by trying to establish a better understanding between the agriculture community and urban dwellers. Across the entire country Farm-City events are planned by Cooperative Extension, Agri-Businesses, Farmers, Youth Groups, Civic Groups and other organizations to educate the public about the interdependence of agriculture and industry. Each year National Farm City Week is proclaimed by the President as being the week leading up to and including Thanksgiving Day.

This year Alexander County will celebrate Farm-City Week with a banquet on Thursday, October 22, 2026 at The Emerald Hill located in Hiddenite, NC. A meal will be served as well as a live auction to benefit programs of Alexander 4-H and ACHS FFA. Special entertainment will be provided. Tickets are $8.00 per person and will be available through Friday, October 16th to purchase.

Below is the schedule for the Alexander 4-H Garden Club:

October 8th - Autumn Activities
November - NO Meeting
December - Holiday Wreath How-To
January - No Meeting
February - No Meeting
March 11th - Migration and Plants for Birds
April 8th - Spring Veggies & Re-Grow Veggies
May 13th - Terrariums
June 10th - Bug Out!
July - No Meeting (Summer Fun Schedule)
August - No Meeting (Summer Fun Schedule)

For more information please contact our 4-H Center at 828-632-4451 or email cari_rosenbalm@ncsu.edu.

National Days in October

October 4 – National Taco Day: Celebrate by enjoying one of America’s favorite foods and maybe trying a new taco recipe!

October 5–11 – National 4-H Week: Celebrate the impact of 4-H and recognize the members, volunteers, families, and communities that make 4-H possible!
October 21 – National Apple Day: Celebrate the delicious and nutritious apple by enjoying one as a snack or trying a new apple recipe.
October 29 – National Cat Day: Take a moment to appreciate our furry feline friends and the joy they bring to our lives.
October 31 – Halloween: Have fun celebrating Halloween with costumes, decorations, games, and plenty of spooky fun!

From the 4-H Agent

October is here, and Alexander County 4-H is staying busy! This month, we are especially excited to celebrate National 4-H Week, October 5–11, and recognize the impact 4-H has on youth and communities across the country. National 4-H Week is a great opportunity to celebrate our members, volunteers, families, and everyone who helps make 4-H possible.

Several of our 4-H clubs are meeting again this month and providing youth with opportunities to learn, have fun, build new skills, and get involved. Be sure to check out the full newsletter and follow Alexander County 4-H on Facebook for upcoming programs, events, and registration information.

Thank you to all of our 4-H members, families, volunteers, and club leaders for helping make Alexander County 4-H such a great place for youth to learn and grow. Happy National 4-H Week!

DJ Salyer
4-H Agent, Alexander County