Among the food, the rides, the concerts, and the pageants at the Macoupin County Fair are the ever popular 4-H shows. Throughout the week of the fair, visitors can enjoy the 4-H General Show and numerous animal shows.

Over 100 4-H members, ranging from ages 8 to 19, will present their projects on Monday, July 18 at the General 4-H Show. Projects such as woodworking, electricity, and horticulture will be judged by adult volunteers who specialize in those areas. Projects will be judged on quality and knowledge of their projects, along with ability to fulfill the requirements for their projects. All participants will receive either a blue, red, or white ribbon, depending on their ability to meet or exceed the requirements for their projects. Judging will take place on July 18 from 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM, and projects will remain on display for the remainder of the week.

Fairgoers will not want to miss the 4-H animal shows, which will be held every day of Fair Week. Cat lovers will not want to miss the Cat Show, which takes place on Tuesday, July 19 from 8:00 – 9:00 AM. On Wednesday, July 20 the Swine Show will take place from 8:00 – 8:30 AM. Thursday, July 21 will provide fairgoers with two shows to attend. From 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM, 4-H members will show their sheep, and the Beef Show will begin at 10:00 AM and last until noon. Friday, July 22 will also have two shows: the Poultry Show from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM and the Goat show from 1:30 – 3:30 PM. The 4-H animal shows will close on Saturday, July 23 with the Rabbit Show, taking place from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM.

Founded at the beginning of the 20th century, 4-H provides young people the opportunity to learn leadership, citizenship, and life skills by participating in hands-on projects. These projects are focused on three areas, including healthy living, citizenship, and science, engineering, and technology.

All the 4-H members have worked very hard on their projects and with their animals. Fairgoers should take the advantage of the opportunity to see their accomplishments during the week of July 18 – July 23 at the Macoupin County Fair. All displays and shows will take place in the 4-H Building on the fairgrounds. For more information on the 4-H shows, contact Kate Harding at 217-854-9604 or at harding@illinois.edu. To learn more about the 2010 Fair, visit the Macoupin County Fair website at www.macoupincountyfair.org.