August 15, 2009
Audio clip (mp3)

Twelve-year-old Alex Engeman  presented the first 4-H demonstration of the 2009 Missouri State Fair.

From the 4-H Building’s main demonstration stage, Engeman showed his audience how to combine peppers, sweet peas, ham and pasta to make a pasta salad.

He said he chose the recipe from an Aldi’s magazine.

“I love pasta and veggies,” he said. “I also love sweet peppers.”

Engeman received a purple ribbon for his demonstration. His polished performance was the result of practice; he has given this demonstration at achievement day and the Henry County Fair. He also attributed his success to his experiences in 4-H.

“I’ve learned how to speak in front of people without getting nervous,” he said.

Engeman was one of 300 young people selected to give a demonstration in the 4-H building at the Missouri State Fair.