Models walked a green carpet in celebration of St. Patrick's Day Wednesday when 16 competitors in the annual Lamar County 4-H Fashion Show took to the runway at Crazy House Western Wear in Reno. The number of entries more than doubled those in 2009, a sign showing interest in 4-H continues to increase, Lamar County Family and Consumer Services Agent Jill Conway said about this year's show.
"Matt (Preston) does such a good job with the kids," Conway said, speaking about the Lamar County 4-H agent. "He really relates to kids and makes things fun."
Preston served as master of ceremonies as the young ladies modeled clothing after meeting with contest judges.
Ten of the 16 participants now advance to the District IV Fashion Show, scheduled Saturday, April 24 at Texas A&M University — Commerce.
Wednesday's show included four age divisions including the Clover Kids (6-9) who participated but were not judged. Included are Harmony Edwards and Melody Edwards, both 9, along with Audrey Gooding, 7, and Grace Preston, 6.
Competitors entered either a buying or construction division in one of four categories — casual, dressy, formal and specialty. Winners were named in three divisions — junior, intermediate and senior.
Advancing to district in the junior division are Beth Ann Dougherty, 10; Madelyn Gooding, 11; Kylee Sue Scudder, 10; and Kelly VanDerSchaaf, 11. Intermediate winners include Amelia Preston, 13, and Andi Willis, 12. Senior division winners are Andrea Duke, 16; Dalton Milligan, 18; Lauren Milligan, 17; and Kayla VanDerSchaaf, 17. Abigail Gooding, 11, and Presley Edwards, 13 also placed but will not compete at district.
Judges Meko Miller, the Red River County Family and Consumer Services agent, and Betty Hutchings, office assistant at the Lamar County AgriLife Extension Service, questioned contestants about their garment selections.
Contestants are required to do comparison shopping before making selections, visiting three different stores. In addition to garment and accessory costs, contestants must be familiar with fiber content and care requirements.
"This is teaching young shoppers the importance of comparing prices and finding the outfit that is best for the money," Conway said. "Girls learn about different fabrics; about how they wear; and about how to take care of various types of fabrics."
