Mickey and Bill Blum inducted to Iowa 4-H hall of fame

DES MOINES — Mickey Blum and her late husband Bill Blum of Washington County were inducted into the 2022 Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame during a ceremony on the last day of the Iowa State Fair.

Ninety-eight Iowa counties participated this year, and selected 133 inductees for their outstanding service and dedication to 4-H. Inductees or their surviving family members were presented a certificate by the Iowa 4 H Foundation President, Julie McGonegle and State 4-H Program Leader, Debbie Nistler as they were introduced on stage.

“We are honored to recognize these special individuals, for their advocacy and dedication to the Iowa 4-H program,” said Iowa 4-H Foundation Executive Director, Emily Saveraid.

The Blum family experienced how 4-H grows interests for everyone in the family when their girls, Ruchel and Leslie, wanted to try out the rabbit project area. Despite their first fair with their rabbits stalled in horse barn where the sun beat down on the cages, the Blums became smitten with the animals and wanted to spread the message that rabbits could be for everyone.

“Bill Blum stepped in to fill a need as Washington County Fair rabbit superintendent and from the very start, he was ‘all about the kids’ in everything he did,” a statement from Washington County 4-H said. “He was instrumental in growing rabbit project numbers, spear headed tremendous improvements to rabbit facilities at the fair, built new cages by hand, and helped to align the show with the American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA) standards.”

Bill died in 2016 and the next year, his granddaughter earned top honors with the Overall Grand Champion rabbit at the Washington County Fair. To this day, his family and rabbits from his original herd carry on his legacy.

Counties select inductees for their exceptional work in contributing to the lives of 4-H members and the overall 4-H program. Many inductees serve as club leaders, youth mentors, fair superintendents or fair board members, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach county council members, county youth council members, fair judges, financial supporters, chaperones or ISU Extension and Outreach staff members. The inductees have demonstrated dedication, encouragement, commitment and guidance to Iowa’s 4-H’ers through the years.

“This is a great way to honor the volunteers and staff across the state of Iowa that generously give their time and talents to foster positive partnerships with our 4-H youth,” said Tillie Good, Iowa 4-H staff and volunteer development manager.

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