Posted: 7/5/06
Plans underway to build new 4-H cafeteria
 This will be the last year for the old 4-H food building on the county fairgrounds in Rush City. The building is in much need of costly repair. Plans are underway to build a replacement for the 2007 fair. |
By MaryHelen Swanson
If you have been a 4-H member in Chisago County, youíll remember at least one thing about the county fair - having to work in the cafeteria.
There may have been moans and groans and dramatic statements like, ìI have to work in the food building,î but there are fond memories too, and good lessons learned.
The old food building at the Chisago County Fairgrounds in Rush City, with its domed roof and white brick walls is about to see its last summer of use.
Built around 1945, the building, which has been used for a dormitory and exhibit hall besides food serving, is in need of a new roof and other costly improvements.
It has been determined that it would be better to put the money into a new building rather than repair the old one.
So what is planned now is a new 50-foot by 100-foot pole-type building located on the northwest part of the fairgrounds near the grandstand. In fact, it will be used as a barrier between the grandstand area and the midway.
It will be used for the 4-H kitchen, fairboard office and storage rental in the off season.
The building alone is expected to cost just under $163,000.
In addition, there will be the cost of kitchen equipment and furnishings.
Barb Piehl, an Extension director who has worked with the 4-H program for nearly 30 years, is also excited about the public handwashing station that is planned for the building. She feels it will be a good addition for the health of fairgoers.
When completed, the new 4-H food building will be the product of many minds and hands and hopefully, donations.
Currently there is a man who is sharing his expertise in kitchen design.
The Onanigozie RC & D is trying to find grant money for the project.
Others, such as 4-H families, are offering assistance in donations or discounts on materials.
The kids (4-Hers) are excited about it, too, Piehl said.
For years, 4-H members have benefitted from their working experiences in the cafeteria.
ìItís a learning, practicing, testing and trying place,î Piehl said.
Some kids have even learned about careers. Some have learned they like food service and others have learned that they absolutely donít.
Theyíve also learned about handling money, dealing with the public, and at the very lease, Piehl said, itís taught them about giving of themselves to the program.
Additionally, nearly 100 percent of the profit has gone back to the 4-Hers. The food building is the major fund-raiser for 4-H scholarships which have been fondly dubbed, ìHamburger Scholarships.î
That is why the 4-H members have been included in the planing process for the new building, she said.
Piehl said they all want something long-lasting, nice looking and suitable for food service purposes.
Right now the campaign is underway to find ways people can contribute to the project.
Piehl thought 4-H alumni might be interested in helping, either with a monetary donation, equipment donation, or perhaps by organizing a fund-raiser in the fall, or by offering a place to hold a fund-raiser.
The last dinner fund-raiser
The last big dinner in the food building is being planned for Saturday, July 15, during the county fair. It will be a fund-raiser for the new building.
A fried chicken dinner complete with all the trimmings will be served from 3 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Tickets are $8 for adults, $6 for children 12 and under. Tickets are available at the Extension office in North Branch or through 4-H members.
It would be helpful to let the Extension office know ahead of time if you plan to come for the dinner for ordering purposes.
In addition, Piehl noted, please let Extension know if you would be able to donate items for the menu.
This dinner might also be a good chance for Chisago County 4-H alumni to help out, she said, and enjoy one last good time together in the old food building.
The 4-H program and Chisago County Fairboard, which have been working together to plan the new building, would like very much to have it ready for use at the 2007 county fair.
Anyone who would like to make a donation can mail checks payable to ìChisago County 4-Hî to: Chisago County Extension Office, 38780 eighth Avenue, North Branch, MN 55056.
Call (651) 674-4417 for more information or to offer assistance in a fund-raising effort or for the project in any way.
©ECM Post Review
6448 Main Street
North Branch, MN 55056
Telephone: 651-674-7025
Fax: 651-674-7026
E-mail: editor.postreview@ecm-inc.com