AMES, Iowa – Former Iowa Governor Terry Branstad has joined the list of high profile individuals participating in the 4-H Celebrity Showcase event at the 2006 Iowa State Fair.
 
The showcase pairs celebrities with 4-H youth who have State Fair exhibits that match the expertise or interests of the celebrities. Through the event, 4-H demonstrates the evaluation process by which a 4-H’er has an exhibit selected for the fair.

During the event, celebrities ask the 4-H exhibitor four goal-related questions about his or her project as well as other questions.

“It’s an informal, fun and informational conversation,” said Mitchell Hoyer, program coordinator for Iowa State University (ISU) Extension 4-H Youth Development. “Being in front of a live audience and speaking with a recognized expert is a wonderful communication experience for the exhibitor.”

Showcase events take place on stage in the 4-H Exhibits Building at the Fairgrounds. The line-up of well-known personalities for 2006 includes:

Aug. 11, 11 a.m., Dan Young of Outdoors Dan (radio and TV)
Aug. 11, 3 p.m., Bill Fennelly, ISU women’s basketball coach
Aug. 12, 11 a.m., Speed Herrig, Cookies Food Products, Inc.
Aug. 14, 10:10 a.m., Van Harden and Bonnie Lucas, WHO Radio
Aug. 14, 2 p.m., John Gaps III, Des Moines Register
Aug. 15, 10 a.m., Sarah Grant-Hutchison, Sticks Inc.
Aug. 15, 3:30 p.m., Bryan Karrick, KCCI TV
Aug. 16, 2 p.m., Erin Kiernan, WHO TV
Aug. 18, 2 p.m., Jack Payne, ISU Extension and Outreach vice-provost
Aug. 18, 3 p.m., Terry Branstad, former Iowa governor
 
Jodi Tymeson, Iowa National Guard brigadier general and state of Iowa legislator, will also participate. The selection of 4-H exhibitors who will be showcased by the celebrities happens Aug. 8-9 when exhibits arrive at the fairgrounds.
 
Former Governor Robert Ray, included on the original 2006 list, had to decline due to scheduling difficulties.
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