Around 137 young handlers reportedly competed at the Wisconsin State 4‑H Dog Obedience, Rally & Showmanship Show at the Langlade County Fairgrounds in Antigo, Wis., with events on Saturday, September 27 (9:00 a.m. start for obedience and rally) and Sunday, September 28 (8:00-10:00 a.m. registration, noon drawing).

The event brought multiple classes under one roof, easing logistics for families and judges and allowing the state 4‑H program to stage five rings of competition inside a single building, organizers said. This arrangement not only streamlined the event but also fostered a vibrant community atmosphere where participants could connect. Jennifer Kressin, owner of Jenny’s House of Dogs, was central to the planning and coordination of the weekend.

“We had a meeting and we all agreed to have it here, so it’s been in the works since then. So yeah, it takes a lot of time and a lot of work,” Kressin said, describing the preparations that preceded the show. The dedication shown by Kressin and her team resonates with the broader goals of 4-H programs, which aim to enhance youth development and encourage community engagement.

Wisconsin State 4‑H organized the obedience, rally and showmanship portions of the show, which ran in morning blocks. The schedule allotted three hours of competition per session, with rings set up so multiple classes could move in sequence without competing for space. Organizers used the venue’s size to run all five rings indoors; that arrangement, Kressin said, reduced stress for handlers and families. “I go and show all over, you cannot beat that. If you can have all the events in one building it takes a lot of stress off of watching those rings and parents having to watch those rings,” she said. This ease fosters a positive competitive spirit that aligns with the 4-H emphasis on building confidence and competence in youth.

Kressin also noted the cooperation that made the weekend possible. “It’s just a really fun weekend, and I just didn’t want to see it miss another year. I was really happy that Langlade worked so well with 4-H to bring the cost down so we can put on an event like this,” she said. Families interested in getting involved with local 4-H programs can contact their county Extension office to discover existing clubs or even start a new one.

The format emphasized efficiency: five simultaneously running rings inside one building, morning sessions from 9 a.m. to noon, and a concentrated schedule that allowed a large number of competitors to complete their classes in the allotted time. The compact scheduling mirrors how 4-H activities contribute positively to youth by encouraging academic success and healthier choices.

For many participants, the state show is an extension of local club work and season-long training. 4‑H programs historically emphasize hands-on learning and community engagement; for readers interested in broader youth development research and program aims, the University of Missouri Extension offers context on how 4-H activities support skill building and civic participation. Research indicates that 4-H participation boosts community engagement through higher rates of civic activity and contributions.

Officials and volunteers said the consolidated indoor setup eased the burden on families who might otherwise need to shuttle between rings or manage multiple schedules. The fairgrounds layout and cooperation between local partners were credited with keeping costs lower while offering a full slate of events.

Organizers scheduled classes in compact morning blocks so judges, volunteers and families could move through obedience, rally and showmanship without long gaps between runs. The planning team said that approach helped maintain momentum across rings and kept the event running on time.

The show drew competitors from across the state to the Langlade County Fairgrounds in Antigo for the weekend’s sessions, showcasing handlers and their dogs in a variety of obedience and showmanship classes.

Source

Original reporting: view the original article.