4-H gears up for county fair
PROTECTED CONTENT
If you’re a current subscriber, log in below. If you would like to subscribe, please click the subscribe tab above.
Username and Password Help
Please enter your email and we will send you a password reset link.
The Moultrie‑Douglas 4‑H program invites the public to attend a full week of 4‑H Fair events celebrating the achievements, talents, and hard work of local youth. Community members of all ages are encouraged to come out, enjoy the activities, and support 4‑H members throughout the week.
The 4‑H General Project Show will take place on Saturday, July 18 at Arthur Christian School, with participants asked to enter through the back of the building at the Ag Shop. Project check‑in will run from 1 to 1:30 p.m., followed by judging from 1:30 to 3 p.m. The afternoon will conclude with awards and a short public viewing period, giving attendees the opportunity to admire the wide variety of projects created by local youth. While waiting for judging, families can enjoy snacks prepped and served by First Mid Bank and Trust, inflatables, and games from the University of Illinois campus, making the event both fun and engaging for all.
On Monday, July 27, events will move to the Moultrie‑Douglas County Fairgrounds, located at 220 Jurgens Parkway in Arthur. The evening will begin at 5 p.m. with the 4‑H Poultry Show, followed by the Rabbit Show at 6 p.m., and then small pets and cats. All of these events will take place in the long white cattle barn on the southwest side of the fairgrounds. Later that evening, at 7 p.m., the community is invited to attend the Bingo at the Barn Family Party, which is open to everyone—not just 4‑H families. Attendees can enjoy pizza, snow cones, and a family-friendly bingo night with prizes, including gift cards to local businesses!
The event continues on Tuesday, July 28, with the 4‑H Large Livestock Show beginning at 5:00 p.m. in the main livestock barn on the south end of the fairgrounds. Spectators will have the chance to watch 4‑H members showcase their livestock projects, with the show featuring goats, swine, cattle, and concluding with junior and senior master showmanship competitions.
The week wraps up on Wednesday, July 29, with two major events at the main livestock barn. Youth Agriculture Night will run from 5:30 to 8 p.m. and offers a variety of interactive and educational activities for children and families, including a petting zoo, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources traveling exhibit, Ag in the Classroom displays, corn play pools, and hands-on agricultural crafts. Moultrie-Douglas Farm Bureau Young Leaders will also have a Touch a Truck event at the same time. At 6:30 p.m., the Moultrie‑Douglas 4‑H General Project and Livestock Auction will begin, providing community members with the opportunity to support local youth by purchasing livestock projects, baked goods, and handmade or visual arts items.
All events and exhibits throughout the week are open to the public, and the Moultrie‑Douglas 4‑H program welcomes the community to attend, learn more about 4‑H, and celebrate the accomplishments of its members. For more information about the upcoming events, contact Rachel Stenger at [email protected] or 217‑543‑3755.
Dog show
kicks off
summer events
The Moultrie-Douglas 4-H summer show season is officially underway. On June 13, Moultrie-Douglas 4-H joined 4-H members from Coles County at the Coles County Fairgrounds for the Multi-County 4-H Dog Show, showcasing the hard work, dedication, and special bonds between youth and their canine companions.
Eight exhibitors participated in this year’s event, including four youth from Moultrie Douglas County, including Isabella Spencer, member of the Moultrie-Douglas 4-H Dog Club and the Tuscola Barnyard 4-H Club, Emma Hostetler, member of the Lovington Mo-Do Mavericks 4-H Club, Vadda Powell, member of the Moultrie-Douglas 4-H Dog Club, and Aubrie Stenger, member of the Arcola Purple Ribbon Riders 4-H Club . Throughout the show, exhibitors demonstrated their skills in four different classes, highlighting their knowledge of dog obedience, handling, and care. The fun continued as participants wowed the audience with their dogs’ best tricks and showcased their creativity during the costume contest.
Moultrie-Douglas 4-H Dog Show Results:
Isabella Spencer showing her dog Molly: Reserve Champion Costume Class, Champion Beginner Basics Class
Emma Hostetler showing her dog Sonic: Champion Costume Class, Champion Trick Class, Champion Novice Obedience Class, and Champion Senior Showmanship Class
Vadda Powell showing her dog Sprinkles: Reserve Champion Trick Class
Aubrie Stenger: Reserve Champion Dog Care Class
The success seen in the show ring was the result of months of hard work and preparation. The guidance of Moultrie-Douglas 4-H Dog Club leader, Kathy Davis, helped youth build confidence, strengthen their skills, and develop positive relationships with their dogs.
The dedication of both the youth and their furry companions was evident throughout the event. From obedience exercises to trick demonstrations, exhibitors put their learning into practice and represented Moultrie-Douglas 4-H with pride.
“We are incredibly proud of all of our exhibitors and their dogs,” said judge, Betty Reed. “The commitment, patience, and teamwork demonstrated by these youth throughout the project year truly embody the values of 4-H.”
For more information about Moultrie-Douglas 4-H and how to get involved, please call or email 4-H coordinator Rachel Stenger: [email protected] / 217-543-3755.