View from the Cab: Ready for fair season

Hard to believe summer fair and 4-H show season is upon us. Didn’t we just wrap-up the 2024 fair season yesterday?  It sure seems like it.

You have the chance this summer to come and join the fun at fairs and learn that every day is an opportunity through 4-H. Youth have worked really hard to show off their projects this summer. Come see the general projects, animals and much more.

Mark your calendar for these upcoming fairs in July. The McLean County Fair is held at the Interstate Center in Bloomington July 23-27, Livingston is July 16-19 at Pontiac’s 4-H Park while the Woodford County event is July 21-24 at Farm Bureau Park in Eureka.

Alcha Corban with University of Illinois Extension tells me that 4-H Youth Development programs let youth express themselves and build communication and lifelong skills by showing projects at the fair. Kids can learn, practice and demonstrate skills while exploring the interests important to them.

Last year’s Livingston County’s 4-H show had 1,213 exhibits by 246 members. Woodford had 1,376 exhibits by 216 members and McLean had 4,458 entries made by 600 exhibitors.

Expect to see livestock shows, youth games and relays, fashion shows, animal costume events, general project displays and a STEAM day for hands-on family activities related to STEAM. This list just scratches the surface of what our fairs have to offer this summer.

Corban says in a changing world, 4-H shows are an enduring community tradition. Supporting a 4-H show through your participation, volunteering and attendance can be an impactful way to celebrate youth achievement and connect with others. Ultimately, these shows are one way youth become “beyond ready,” which is a mission where youth cultivate their dreams through 4-H in ways that help them become ready for anything.

For more on the various fairs and 4-H shows coming up this summer throughout the area, contact Alcha at the Livingston County Extension Office at 815-842-1776 and the Woodford County Extension Office at 309-467-3789. You can also reach out to Myla at the McLean County Extension Office at 309-663-8306.

Keep up on the latest information through Facebook or the website where full schedules are posted along with project highlights. Judging happens all week long so be sure to check out the full judging schedule and 4-H show book online.