05/27/2026
Ottawa County 4-H members recently put their cooking, teamwork, and creativity to the test during the exciting Ottawa County 4-H Food Showdown and Cupcake Wars contests. Youth participants demonstrated valuable life skills while preparing dishes, solving challenges, and presenting their creations to judges. The 4-H Food Showdown challenged teams to work together under time limits to create a dish using four mystery ingredients and a shared common pantry. Participants practiced important skills, including communication, critical thinking, food safety, kitchen organization, nutrition knowledge, and public speaking as they explained their recipes and cooking process to judges.
The Cupcake Wars contest allowed members to showcase their decorating talents by designing creative cupcakes with themed decorations and unique flavor combinations. Youth learned time management, teamwork, nutritional substitutes, and artistic presentation while having fun in the kitchen.
“These contests give youth the opportunity to build confidence and develop real-life skills in a hands-on environment,” said Jamie Foster, FRTEP FCS/4-H Educator. “Through cooking activities, 4-H members learn teamwork, leadership, decision-making, and responsibility while exploring healthy foods and creativity.”
Food Showdown Teams: Grace Anderson, Kaylyn & Molly Wise-Fairland 4-H. Layson Johnson-Miami 4-H, Addison Dry & Chloe Merit-Fairland 4-H. Josiah Dorey, Jace Riggs-Austin, & Braydon Johnson-Miami 4-H.
Cupcake Wars Teams: Addison Dry & Josiah Dorey. Grace Anerson, Kaylyn & Molly Wise. Chloe Merit. Jace Riggs-Austin & Braydon Johnson. Madi Goforth-Wyandotte 4-H & Layson Johnson.
The events encouraged enrolled 4-H youth to step outside their comfort zones, work collaboratively, and gain experience presenting in front of others. Family members, volunteers, and community supporters helped make the contests a success by assisting with the cost of supplies. “We are hosting several 4-H Day Camps this Summer for enrolled 4-H members, “ Foster said. “ Watch our page for updates, OSU Ottawa County Extension.”
Oklahoma 4-H Youth Development programs focus on helping young people gain knowledge and life skills through hands-on learning experiences. Programs such as Food Showdown and Cupcake Wars help youth discover interests in nutrition, culinary arts, communication, and leadership.
For more information about Ottawa County 4-H programs and upcoming activities, contact the Ottawa County OSU Extension Office 918-542-1688 or email [email protected].
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