“As a child, I was building with wood as soon as I could swing a hammer, whether it was kits I received for Christmas or projects around the farm,” said Colten Schultz, Columbus, Wis., youth exhibitor at the 2023 Dodge County Fair from the Cornerstone of Elba Club.
“In eighth grade, I started working at a carpentry shop sweeping floors; today, I’m building cabinets,” added Colten. “I like woodworking because no two projects are the same; I like to work with the wood, not against it.”
Colten’s county-fair woodworking project, this year, is a commissioned project. “The owner of Discovery Orchard in Columbus came to me with a rough picture of what he wanted for a new double-shelf cashier-counter cabinet, and I drew up the plans. It’s made of pine wood and galvanized ribbed steel with a one-piece rail-sliding barn doon.” A variety of tools were needed to complete the project. “I used a chop saw, table saw, router, jigsaw, Kreg Jig, drill, impact screw gun, and air nailer. I like the Kreg Jig the best because I can use it to hide all the screws.”
While Colten’s creation is commissioned, this year, the public has an opportunity to purchase other blue-ribbon projects from Dodge County’s fair-youth exhibitors. Colten is on the committee that created the new Youth Building Blue Ribbon Silent Auction.
“The silent auction allows kids with blue-ribbon home-and-garden-type projects to apply for the opportunity of selling their creations to the public. Project areas in the auction include woodworking, art, natural science, and junior open arts and crafts.” Those interested in bidding on these projects in order to support Dodge County’s very own talented youth should visit the youth building at the Dodge County Fair starting Thursday at 6 p.m. Bid winners will be contacted late Sunday to organize pick up.
The 2023 Dodge County Fair 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
