By Mike Donahue

Moapa Valley Progress

Lori Leas, UNCE 4-H coordinator, center, instructs members of the Moapa Valley Target Hunters 4-H club. Photo by Mike Donahue.

The 4-H program in northeast Clark County is inviting anyone interested in joining or already connected with a 4-H club to a cupcake bake-off and barbeque at the Clark County fairgrounds on Tuesday, October 25.

Lori Leas, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension (UNCE) 4-H coordinator, said the events next week from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the fine arts building will kick off a new year for the area 4-H program.

“We’ll be welcoming back existing members as well as inviting new ones,” Leas said. “Kids from 5 to 19 years old can come out and see what 4-H is all about. We’re encouraging prospective adult volunteers to attend as well.”

The 4-H program is a nationwide youth development organization empowering young people to reach their full potential, according to the 4-H website.

Locally there are more than a dozen different clubs, many of which will have demonstration booths at the Logandale event.

The highlight of this year’s kick-off is a cupcake baking competition, open to kids and adults, in which entrants will be judged on taste, texture, eye appeal and originality, Leas said.

“You don’t have to be a 4-H member to enter the bake off,” Leas said. “The theme this year is ‘Harvest Time or Halloween,’ and entries must be home made.Two decorated cup cakes must be entered for judging with five to 10 more from the same recipe to share.”

Those interested in entering the bake off must fill out an entry form by tomorrow (Thursday, Oct. 20) mailed or faxed to UNCE, P.O. Box 126, Logandale, NV 89021, fax, 702-397-8301. The entry form can be picked up at the UNCE office, 1897 N. Moapa Valley Blvd.

Cupcake entries will be accepted at the fine arts building between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. with a brief description of the product on a 3X5 index card.

In addition to the bake off and barbeque, hosted by the Moapa Valley 4-H Council, the Clark County Junior Livestock Association will have a table so kids can get information about this year’s livestock show held in connection with the Clark County Fair next April, Leas said.

There will also be an indoor archery shoot and 4-H science projects on display.

For more information or for a bake off entry form contact Leas at the UNCE office on Moapa Valley Boulevard or call 702-397-2604.