News: Clark Co – 4-H Performing Arts Festival (4 Mar 2023)

Transcriber: Stan

Surnames: Turnquist, Dorwaldt, Smith, Elmer

----Source: TRG (Abbotsford, Clark Co., Wis.) 15 Mar 2023

The Rock Creek Rangers 4-H club participated in the Clark County 4-H Performing Arts Festival held in Neillsville on March 4.

This was the first time the club participated in the festival. The Rock Creek Rangers were formed in 2018 and are led by Candy Turnquist and Rebekah Dorwaldt, with more than 50 members currently participating in club events.

Sign up for drama was held in January with 11 kids under fifth grade participating. Jo Elmer volunteered to direct the plays after a 10-year hiatus, previously directing the Greenwood Satellites 4-H club. Practices were held after school and on a few weekends. This was the first time any of the kids had ever been on stage, let alone performed in front of an audience.

The Rock Creek Rangers had two productions. One being a mini drama called “It Could Always Be Worse.” This told the story of a man whose house was too noisy, so he asked a wise man for advice and was told to bring in animals, one by one, which made his house more noisy. He was to remove the animals and his house wasn’t noisy anymore. Moral of the story... it could always be worse. The second production was a skit called “Ma and the Kids,” which told the story of a dysfunctional household, being late for school, forgetting things and then realizing that it was Saturday. There was no school.

The Rock Creek Rangers had a successful festival, earning a red for “It Could Always Be Worse,” and a blue on “Ma and the Kids.” Additionally, awards were presented for Best Actress and Best Actor. The Rock Creek Rangers won both awards, with Sawyer Turnquist winning for his portrayal of the man in “It Could Always Be Worse,” and Luci Smith won for her portrayal of Ma in “Ma and the Kids.” The Rock Creek Rangers also won the award for best makeup, which director Jo Elmer credits to the parents and family members who helped get the kids ready.

The skit “Ma and the Kids” scored a perfect 40/40 and the kids were chosen to perform at the State Fair in Milwaukee (although this has been on hiatus since COVID and not confirmed to continue).

It was a successful festival for the Rock Creek Rangers 4-H club and the kids had a great time.