UC 4-H youth grills, wins at competitions

Eastern Region 4-H Grill Master Competition. Back- Colt Davis, Paycen Dodd, Elizabeth Tindell, Carson Hayes, and Lexxi Cummings. Front- Cameron Hayes, Rhys Lamb, Aspen Davis, and Harlynn Dodd.

Eastern Region 4-H Grill Master Competition. Back: Colt Davis, Paycen Dodd, Elizabeth Tindell, Carson Hayes and Lexxi Cummings. Front: Cameron Hayes, Rhys Lamb, Aspen Davis and Harlynn Dodd.

Union County 4-H members recently showed off their grilling talents in two exciting events, displaying their culinary skills and competitive spirit.
1st Annual Union County 4-H Grill Team Competition
Last month, local 4-H members gathered for the Fall Palooza at the Union County Farmers Market for the inaugural Union County 4-H Grill Team Competition. These talented young grillers, split into two divisions, impressed the crowd with their mastery over the grill.
Junior Division Results:
- 1st Place: Harlynn Dodd (poultry)
- 2nd Place: Aspen Davis (pork)
- 3rd Place: Cameron Hayes (poultry)
- 4th Place: Rhys Lamb (beef)
Junior High Division Results:
- 1st Place: Lexxi Cummings (pork)
- 2nd Place: Carson Hayes (poultry)
- 3rd Place: Paycen Dodd (beef)
- 4th Place: Colt Davis (lamb)
The event showcased the hard work and dedication of each participant, making it a thrilling competition for all attendees. Thank you to our wonderful judges, Joe Thomas and County Commissioners Cheryl Walker, Lynn Beeler and Mike Boles.
Eastern Region 4-H Grill Master Challenge
Just a few days later, eight Union County 4-H members traveled to Blount County to compete in the Eastern Region 4-H Grill Master Challenge. This prestigious event included participants from across the region, with youth competing in four categories: beef, lamb, pork, and poultry.
Junior Division Results:
-Aspen Davis: 1st Place in pork
-Harlynn Dodd: 3rd Place in poultry
-Cameron Hayes: 5th Place in poultry
-Rhys Lamb: 5th Place in beef
Junior High Team Results:
The Union County team placed 8th overall out of 17 teams. Individual scores included:
-Paycen Dodd: 5th Place in beef
-Colt Davis: 6th Place in lamb
-Carson Hayes: 10th Place in poultry
-Lexxi Cummings: 12th Place in pork
This incredible performance speaks to the effort and skill of each competitor. A special thanks goes out to Elizabeth Tindell for her leadership and guidance throughout the season, offering valuable tips and tricks to these young grillers.
Special Thanks
Union County 4-H extends gratitude to Food City in Maynardville for their generous sponsorship, providing the meat used in both the Union County Farmers Market Fall Palooza and the Eastern Region 4-H Grill Master Challenge. A big thank you as well to all the parents for their unwavering support throughout the season.
Congratulations to all participants, and we look forward to seeing even more grilling success in the future.