4H kicks off annual sale

SANDERS COUNTY - The Sanders County 4-H clubs are kicking off their first county-wide activity of the 4-H year, selling fruit and flower bulbs to the community in hopes of raising money for the group.

“4-Hers,” as they are called, from the seven different county teams will be selling fruit and bulbs to people in the community. They will be offering flower bulbs as well as quarter, half and full size cases of grapefruits and oranges.

This year the sale features more bulb options because of the company the 4-H program is working with, Flower Power Fundraising.

MSU Extension agent Meghan Phillippi said the money raised is an investment in the youth of Sanders County.

4-H is a self-funded program and much of the money raised comes from fundraisers like this.

Phillippi explains that the money raised goes to a variety of different causes, from sending 4-H participants to camp or statewide events such as the 4-H Congress. The money also goes to buy curriculum materials for members and helps support other activities like Leader Training.

The sale will began on Feb. 10 and run through Feb. 20.

“Typically we make about $1,600 on bulb sales and almost $4,700 on the citrus,” said Phillippi.

The flower bulbs were added six years ago, but according to Phillippi the selling of the citrus has been going on for many more.

“We like that we can go through local grocery stores,” said Phillippi, explaining they work with Harvest Foods in Thompson Falls and Bucks Grocery in Hot Springs to get the fruit.

The money raised will also go towards sending the top two junior demonstrators to 4-H camp.

The 4-H speech and demonstration days are on March 9 in Thompson Falls and March 10 in Hot Springs.

“Most of our members compete in demonstrations and occasional speeches. It is their introduction to public speaking, helping to build skills that will help them in the future,” said Phillippi.

The thirty judges that participate in this competition evaluate the demonstrations by comparing them to a standard, whether it be a blue ribbon demonstration or a purple ribbon and so on.

“They aren’t compared to each other. It’s a nice, safe environment to begin that public speaking introduction,” said Phillippi.

The finals of the demonstration will take place on March 17 in Plains.