A 4-H evaluator stands while two youth kneel next to their sheep. Bleachers with people sitting on them in the background.

Image by David Foote

Youth participate in animal shows, with a chance at moving on to the State Fair.

A variety of craft projects made by 4-H youth line a table.

Image by David Foote

Projects made by 4-H club participants throughout the year are on display during the fair.

Two young people make food together on a table, with other youth teams working in the background.

Image by David Foote

During Junior Iron Chef competitions, teams show off their cooking and cooperation skills.

In addition to displays, the Plant Science tent has daily activities using plant materials.

Image by David Foote

In addition to displays, the Plant Sciences tent has daily activities with plant materials.

A large, fluffy rabbit with its ears standing up.

Image by David Foote

Visitors can see and interact with many different animals while at the fair!

4-H Youth Fair

2026 4-H FAIR IMPORTANT DATES:

Exhibit Registration Deadline: July 1, 2026
Evaluation Day: July 18, 2026
Set-Up & Animal Arrival: July 20, 2026
Fair Opens to Public: 7/21-7/25, 2026

Each summer the 4-H Youth Fair provides the opportunity for 4-H’ers to showcase their project work, animals and skills. We have much to celebrate!

Schedule of Events

TUESDAY JULY 21

9:00 a.m.-4 p.m. Camp Day Activities (schedule of events to come soon)

4:00 p.m. Animal Costume Contest

5:30 - 6:30 p.m. Talent Show

6:30 p.m. 4-H Family Dish to Pass & BINGO

7:30 p.m. Leader appreciation Meeting

8:00 p.m. Bonfire & Overnighters Meeting

WEDNESDAY, JULY 22

10:00 a.m. Goat Show and Showmanship

10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Jr Iron Chef

11:00 a.m. P.E.S.T Activity

11:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Country Kitchen Open

2:00 p.m. P.E.S.T Activity

3:00 p.m. PiNY and Public Presentations

4:00 p.m. Poultry Show

4:30 - 6:30 p.m. Country Kitchen Walking Taco

6:00 p.m. Adult Round Robin Sign Up

THURSDAY, July 23

8 – 9:30 Country Kitchen Hot Breakfast

9:30 a.m. Sheep Show and Showmanship

11:00a.m. P.E.S.T. Activity

11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Jr. Iron Chef Contest, Kiwanis Hall

11:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Country Kitchen Open

1:00 p.m. Stuffed Animal Show, Pole Barn

2:30 p.m. 4-H Quiz Bowl

4:30 – 6:30 p.m. Country Kitchen

6:30 – 8:00 p.m. Adult Iron Chef

FRIDAY, July 24

10:00 a.m. Dairy Show and Showmanship:

11:00a.m. P.E.S.T. Activity

11:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Country Kitchen Open

1:00 p. m. P.E.S.T Activity

1:00 p.m. Round Robin Check In

1:30 p.m. Round Robin Showmanship Contest, Pole Barn

4:30 – 7:00 p.m. Pulled Pork Dinner Featuring Texas Roadhouse Pulled Pork

5:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. Ice Cream Social, sponsored by the Jr Tailwaggers 4-H Club

6:00 p.m. Dog Showmanship

SATURDAY, July 25

All Day Garden of Healthy Eatin’

8:00 a.m. Rabbit Show Check-In

8:30 a.m. Rabbit Showmanship, Rabbit & Cavy Show, Pole Barn

9:30 am. Dog Show Check-In

10:00 a.m. Dog Show Obedience & Agility

11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Country Kitchen; BEVERAGES ONLY

11:30 ‘til it’s all gone Chicken Barbecue

12:00 p.m. 4-H Auction

2:00 p.m. Plushy Dog Agility

3:00 p.m. Herdsmanship Awards, Pole Barn

3:30 p.m. Plant Science Awards Ceremony, Plant Science tent

4:00 p.m. Animals Released, close of 4-H Fair

Important Reminders:

REGISTRATION DEADLINE for all stationary exhibits, events, animals and contests is JULY 1 . Members will be notified of the “appointment” time for their evaluations which will take place in the pole barn.

Each family must decide for themselves if they are comfortable with these guidelines. Anyone can request a virtual evaluation by checking that box on the registration form.

Adults will only be allowed at the evaluation table with Cloverbud members. Junior level members can have an adult waiting nearby or in the bleacher area. Senior members are to come to the evaluation table by themselves.

Please review the Evaluation and Animal Evaluation Safety plans carefully. ALL exhibits must be registered by the deadline. The Double Entry Card can be found on the left side bar and must be completed at home and attached to the exhibit before arriving at the Acres. Please arrive at least 15 minutes early.

For questions or comments, please contact Venda, vmt5@cornell.edu.

The 4-H Youth Fair provides a backdrop for youth to learn important life skills that will be the foundation to help them develop to their fullest potential for the betterment of their “club, community, country and their world.”