“He used to take his Hot Wheels apart, sand them down, and redesign them,” said Becky Hoefs, Horicon, Wis. “That’s how it all got started.” Andy Hoefs is Becky’s youngest son; he is a member of the Hyland Prairie 4-H Club and consistently has a “work in progress” lying about.

“If something piques his interest, like finding a treasure, he’ll just figure out how to make it, modify it, or finish it,” said Becky. “I got interested in small engines after a cousin gave me his old gas-powered motorized bike,” said Andy. “Things break on it, a lot; I spend hours fixing it and less than that riding it. So, that’s how I got interested in small engines and exhibiting small-engine projects through 4-H.” Like many 16-year-olds, Andy enjoys good music, and his natural mechanical and engineering skills carry over into that hobby, as well. “I’ve built a few guitars from kits; some things I just figure out, and others I watch YouTube videos to learn what needs to be done.”

Andy has a particular passion for remote-control projects, those with four wheels and others with wings. “I brought home a remote-controlled airplane from the Dodge County Antique Power Show one time, and a neighbor helped me get it started,” said Andy. “He’s a member of the Beaver Dam Radio Control Flyers and got me involved with that group.” “Andy is one of the few youth in the goup, so several members have gifted him planes to fly, as well as supplies,” added Becky.

In recent months, a family from Walworth County stepped forward looking for youth interested in remote-control airplanes to take over a deceased relative’s plane and supply collection. They wanted to see it get used by the younger generation, and in stepped Andy and his remote-control experience in the 4-H project and with the Beaver Dam Radio Control Flyers. “I’m using this donation to try and get other youth interested in flying remote-control planes; I’m willing to teach,” said Andy.

Over the years, Andy has exhibited several types of 4-H projects: scale-model cars, remote-control items, bicycles, small engines, archery, and more. With all the “work in progress” projects he has lying around, you’ll have to attend the Dodge County Fair in Beaver Dam, Wis., to see what he gets finished for exhibition.

The 2023 Dodge County Fair starts Aug. 16 and continues through Aug. 20. Learn more about fair activities at www.dodgecountyfairgrounds.com.

Written by Dori Lichty — farm wife, 4-H Mom, and full-time communicator