It is wonderful when a young mind comes up with an idea to help support their community. 4-H member and 13 year old, Riley Braden did just that. She got her inspiration when the 4H club president, H. Killian Baker, held a horse judging contest at the Creek County Fairgrounds. Baker asked the 4-H members to participate in the event, so Braden's family did. What Braden took away from helping in the event was that organizing an event for the community is leadership, community service and 4-H promotion. The 4-H club helps in the community but individual members host their own projects to keep the 4-H pledge, “I pledge my head to clearer thinking, my heart to greater loyalty, may hand to larger service and my health to better living.” Braden was inspired to hold an event related to her Visual Arts 4-H project. She says, “I think that there should be more art shows. In the pledge it says to pledge our hands to larger service to our community, so that is what I am doing.”
Braden organized the art show and contest. She got sponsors for cash prizes and signage from Melissa Holderby, Attorney, Witty Ideas, Buffalo Beverage Company, Bristow Toy Museum and Community Bank. The art show/contest is titled “What's So Great about Bristow?” The art show is free to enter.
There will be two age divisions, 0-12 years for juniors, and 13-18 years for seniors. Cash prizes will be given in each age group. The event will be held May 7-10, 2025 in the main conference room at the Bristow Public Library. The deadline to enter the contest is May 6. Entry forms are available at the library and should be returned to the library when completed. The artwork will be judged on May 8 and the show will be on dislpay each day as the library is open Wednesday through Saturday of the Tabouleh Festival.
Riley is the daughter of Forest and Jamie Braden, is a 4-H member, and attends Bristow Public School.