Fulton County 4-H announces 2026 Shows

By - Krista Gray, Program Coordinator, 4-H Youth Development

Ask a 4-H member their favorite part of being in 4-H, and more than likely they will tell you something about the “fair.” Their favorite memories may be about working in the food stand, earning a Best of Show or State Fair ribbon, spending time with their 4-H friends while they wait to have their project judged, or showing their livestock. Both the stories and the learning opportunities are endless when it comes to the 4-H Shows.

University of Illinois Extension, Fulton County 4-H members will be exhibiting their projects during different events throughout the summer: Pet Show, General Show, 4-H Horse Show, and the Fulton County Fair (dog and livestock shows).

To kick off the busy summer show season is the Pet Show. This show will be held on Wednesday, June 10 at 6 p.m. at the Fulton County Extension office in Lewistown. 4-H members may exhibit cats, rabbits, caged birds, hamsters, gerbils, and other small pets during this show.

A large, one-day General Show will be held on Saturday, June 20, at Cuba Junior-Senior High School, south of Cuba, starting with the Clothing Show at 10 a.m. Examples of general projects judged at this event include clothing, food, visual arts, environment, natural resources, horticulture, engineering, and much more. The 4-H members spend time talking to a judge about their exhibit, such as how they made it, what they learned, and goals for the future.

The official 4-H Horse & Pony Show will be held on Saturday, July 11, at 9 a.m. at the Fulton County Fairgrounds Horse arena in Lewistown.

Dog care and dog obedience projects are judged beginning at 9 a.m. on Monday, July 20, at the fairgrounds in Lewistown. 4-H livestock shows are held in conjunction with the Fulton County Fair livestock shows on July 21, 22, and 23. While they are held at the same location, the 4-H judging is a separate rating system.

The public is invited to visit these 4-H shows and see the wonderful work our Fulton County 4-H members have done. If you are a person who needs a reasonable accommodation to attend any of these events, contact the Extension office at 309-547-3711.