Macey Moore, a member of Pepper 4-H Club, is shown on her horse at the 2022 North Dakota State Fair. She will be at the fair again this year with her horses.

With the North Dakota State Fair lurking just around the corner, 4-H club members are swiftly gearing up for their showcases and presentations.

The State Fair opens July 21 and runs through July 29 in Minot.

Of the 4-H members taking part in this year’s State Fair, 10-year-old Sophia Carlton of Norwich, a member of the Surrey Mustangs 4-H Club, will be showing nine horses and participating in the 4-H Clothing Revue.

Sophia won a purple Grand Champion ribbon for her tote bag in the “Sew and Show” portion of the clothing revue at this year’s 4-H Achievement Days.

For the clothing revue, the 4-H members are asked to sew their own garment, model it and explain how it was made, with the purpose of encouraging confidence through public speaking.

“It helps build character and prepares kids for their future. It also serves as a chance for the kids to get to know their peers and interact with others that share similar interests, such as fashion and sewing,” said Sophia’s mom, Emily Carlton.

This will be Sophia’s second year taking part in the clothing revue at the State Fair. This year she will be modeling a dress that she and her grandmother picked out and bought together. For this portion of the show, 4-H members are instructed to go to a store, buy an outfit and present a speech on how to care for the garment and when to wear it.

“I’m going to be modeling a dress me and my grammy picked out. It’s a red and white dress that I’m going to be wearing for patriotic holidays such as the Fourth of July and Labor Day,” Sophia said.

The Carltons all go to the fair together as a family outing each year and are eagerly anticipating the other showcases and presentations. Sophia is particularly delighted her grandmother will be coming to see her.

“I’m so excited because one of the days at the fair my grammy will be coming to see me model the dress we bought together,” said Sophia.

Another 4-H member, Macey Moore of Berthold, a member of the Pepper 4-H Club, won senior high point horseman at 4-H Achievement Days this year.

She will be showing her horses and have static exhibits at the State Fair.

The Moores typically attend all nine days of the fair and see it as a time to get together with all their family members and enjoy the exhibits.