Carrie Nelson inducted into Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame

Carrie Nelson, of Clay County, was inducted into the 2023 Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame during a ceremony at the Iowa State Fair 4-H Exhibits Building on Sunday, Aug. 20.

Ninety-one Iowa counties participated this year and selected 127 inductees for their outstanding service and dedication to 4-H. Inductees or their surviving family members were presented a certificate by Iowa 4 H Foundation President David Bolte and Interim State 4-H Program Leader Mitchell Hoyer, as they were introduced on stage.

It is no secret that Nelson is an avid Iowa State fan. Every September at the Clay County Fair you will find her in the 4-H Exhibit Building alongside her husband, Rick, in their cardinal and gold. While her love for the Cyclones runs deep, her love for 4-H may be even stronger. For more than 15 years Nelson has been an integral part of 4-H in Clay County.

While never a 4-H'er herself, she took the founding principles of the organization to heart. As a 4-H mom, she quickly recognized the value that 4-H added to her boys' lives, and she was quick to come alongside club leaders and other volunteers to step in and help wherever needed. From there, her love of 4-H and her willingness to lend her time and talents has continued to grow.

Nelson currently serves as an active member of the Clay County 4-H non-livestock committee. She assists with communications events and project workshops, and has served as a static project judge, sharing insightful tips and tricks with countless 4-H members. In her role as a Clay County Master Gardener, Nelson has judged dozens of Posies in a Pail projects. She mans the information and help desk in the 4-H building all nine days of the Clay County Fair. Whether she is answering questions about 4-H, helping grandparents find their grandkids' 4-H projects or checking in district communication presenters, Nelson is there and ready to help.

Many 4-H Hall of Fame inductees serve as club leaders, youth mentors, fair superintendents or fair board members, county Extension council members, county youth council members, fair judges, financial supporters, chaperones or Extension staff members. Inductees have demonstrated dedication, encouragement, commitment, and guidance to Iowa's 4-H'ers through the years.