More than 445 youth from Mower County will showcase the learning and achievements they have accomplished in 4-H over the past year at the Mower County Fair, which opens Tuesday.

Minnesota county fairs are not just fun annual events for 4-H members. Every summer, tens of thousands of 4-H youth participate in county fairs to showcase the knowledge and skills they’ve gained throughout the year, and to continue their learning experiences.

“One of 4-H’s priorities is to provide learning and leadership experiences that guide youth in building relationships, developing communication techniques, and strengthening organizational skills,” said Dorothy M. Freeman, Extension Center for Youth Development associate dean and state 4-H director. “Through these experiences, youth find the leaders within themselves and are able to make a positive impact in their club, home, school or community.”

4-H youth spend months working on projects designed to equip them with essential life skills, such as problem solving, decision-making, project management, communications and public speaking. 4-H’ers then share their accomplishments and educate the public about their subject at their local county fair. They also lead visitors on tours of the 4-H buildings and barns and conduct workshops and hands-on demonstrations for the public. 4-Hers who demonstrate the highest achievements are then selected to participate in 4-H competitions at the Minnesota State Fair.

Schedule of 4-H fair events

Tuesday, Aug. 7

• 8:30 a.m. – 4-H Rabbit Show, Rabbit Building
• Noon – 4-H Exhibits Hall Open, 4-H Building
• 4 p.m. – 4-H Horse Fun Show      
• 5 p.m. – 4-H Lamb Lead, Crane Pavilion, North Arena   
• 6 p.m. – 4-H Sheep Show, Crane Pavilion, North Arena

Wednesday, Aug. 8

• 9 a.m. – 4-H Dairy Show, Crane Pavilion, North Arena
• 9 a.m. – 4-H Poultry Show, Poultry Barn
• 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. – 4-H Rabbit Skillathon, Rabbit Building
• 12:30 p.m. – 4-H Dairy Goat Show, Crane Pavilion
• 2 pm – 4-H Cow-Calf Judging followed by Beef Show, Crane Pavilion, North Arena
• 4 p.m. – 4-H Meat Goat Show, Crane Pavilion    

Thursday, Aug. 9

• 8:30 a.m. – 4-H Swine Show
• 1- 3 p.m. – 4-H Horse Fun Show
• 2 p.m. – 4-H Demonstrations, 4-H stage

Friday, Aug. 10       

• 9 a.m. – BBQ Chicken Contest, outside front of 4-H Building
• 10 a.m. – 4-H Cat & Pet Show, 4-H Garden
• Noon – Performing Arts, Godfather’s Stage
• 2 p.m. – 4-H Fashion Review, Godfather’s Stage
• 3 p.m. – 4-H Llama Show, Crane Pavilion

Saturday, Aug. 11

• 8 a.m. – 4-H Auction Buyers Breakfast, 4-H Hall
• 9 a.m. – 4-H Ribbon Auction, Crane Pavilion
• 1 p.m. – State Fair General Project meeting, 4-H Garden                     
• 4 p.m. – State Fair Livestock meeting, Crane Pavilion               
• 6 p.m. – 4-H Supreme Champion Showmanship Contest, Crane Pavilion
• 7:30  – 11 p.m. – 4-H Dance, Crane Pavilion

Sunday, Aug. 12

• 9 a.m. – 4-H Dog Agility Class followed by Dog Obedience and Showmanship Show Crane Pavilion, North Arena
• 1:30 p.m. – 4-H Roundup at the 4-H Building
• 4 p.m. – 4-H Livestock Exhibits Released
• 6 p.m. – 4-H Building Exhibits Released

 

Mower County Free Fair • August 7-12, 2018