USU Extension 4-H Sponsors Wasatch Front Cooking Contests and Fair

Utah State University Extension 4-H sponsors cooking contests on Saturday, Jan. 28, for youth from Weber, Davis, Salt Lake and Utah counties. Held at the Legacy Events Center in Davis County, the contests will provide youth the opportunity to showcase cooking, food safety and nutrition knowledge and skills as they represent their counties and cities. Registration deadline has been extended for participants to Jan. 14.

In addition, a free health and nutrition fair will be held to allow contestants, their families and the public to learn, have fun and take home tips for a healthy new year. Included are booths, workshops, demos and family activities. Both events run from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The contests will be held in Building 1 of the Legacy Events Center, and the fair will be held in Building 2. An awards celebration will be held at the end of the day.

According to Zuri Garcia, USU Extension assistant professor and event chair,

the contests will also prepare youth to compete in the 4-H State Contests held at USU each summer.

“It is important for youth to develop and feel confident in their nutrition knowledge and cooking abilities,” she said. “These contests will help youth as young as 8 become assured enough in their skills that they can compete at the state level when they are older. Through this event and others like it, we hope to help youth develop important life skills.”

The contests include two categories: favorite foods and healthy cuisine. The favorite foods category is for third through 12th graders, and contestants will be judged on the selection, knowledge and presentation of their favorite food. Healthy cuisine is for fifth through 12th graders who will use their talents in planning and preparing a quick, nutritious meal in 1 hour, including preparation and cleanup. Contestants can register for this category as an individual or team.

Registration fee for the contest is $20 for one or both categories. Previous 4-H membership is not required, but participants must register for 4-H at the time of the contests for an additional fee of $10. This covers a 1-year 4-H membership.

To register for the contests, contact Susan Adams at susan.adams@usu.edu or 801-451-3423. For further information, visit extension.usu.edu/wasatchfront. Though the fair is free, registration is requested at http://tinyurl.com/WFcookingcontestsfair-rsvp.

 

Writer: Julene Reese, 435-757-6418, julene.reese@usu.edu

Contact:  Zuri Garcia, 801-451-3410, zuri.garcia@usu.edu