Abbie 4-H wows judges at this year's Fair Abbie 4-H wows judges at this year's Fair (July 08, 2005)

Teddy Bear Tea Party wins two blue ribbons
by Carol Bogart

A white teddy bear on a swing sits perched above a field of colorful impatiens as other teddy bears seem ready to sip from teacups at a small table beside a playhouse with a pink door. The theme for the Junior Garden display was executed by seven members of Abbie 4-H, five of whom live in Pleasanton. Adviser Evvie Ueda says, "The kids were in charge."

The members, ages 8-14, first mapped out how the project would conform to Fair rules: It had to include teddy bears and dolls, could only be 20 percent sod and had to have 25 percent color. Plants within 10 feet of observers were identified with small tags for educational purposes.

The imaginative project garnered two blue ribbons, the first worth $350 and the other, $100. Ueda says the money will be used for the group's project at next year's Fair.

Abbie 4-H members can choose from various projects to take to the Fair, from farm animals to crafts to cooking. The club is open to anyone and will meet again the second Wednesday in October at 7 p.m. at Moore Elementary.

Contact community club leaders Susan Wacek at 426-1769 or Jane Onojafe at 462-3573 or visit the club's Web site, www.abbie4h.org, for more information. p

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