Enchiladas lead to D.C.
4-H members raise funds for trip to nation’s capital
It takes approximately 30,000 enchiladas to get to Washington, D.C.
That’s how many were sold by Nez Perce County 4-H members to raise money for Citizenship Washington Focus, a 4-H project that culminates with a group of teenagers and chaperons traveling to the nation’s capital every three years.
Selling enchiladas and Christmas wreaths is part of the project.
“It takes a wheelbarrow of money,” said 4-H leader Art King, of Lewiston.
When the first group went in 1964, it cost $150 per person. Now, it’s closer to $5,000 for each delegate.
For more than 50 years, 4-H members from across the country have visited D.C. to participate in civic workshops, see government in action and meet legislators.
“It was really fun,” said Ben Havens, son of Tony and Nikki Havens of Lewiston. “I learned a lot. We also went to Baltimore and Philadelphia.”
The teens already belong to local 4-H clubs, and the project is a separate commitment. When they get involved with Citizenship Washington Focus, they learn about voting and how each branch of government works, and they meet elected officials, from the county auditor to senators, King said.
“Especially in today’s times, it’s so important to teach the kids their responsibilities of citizenship and try to get them involved instead of sitting on the sidelines,” he said.