4-H Youth To Exhibit At Fairs Across State This Summer

Montana State University Extension invites community members from across Montana to attend local and county fairs this summer to see Montana 4-H program displays and events. Montana 4-H is the youth development program of MSU Extension, and for 4-H youth, the fair is a public opportunity to show what they have learned and to continue developing civil service and social skills while running events like concession stands, petting zoos or exhibits.

“Time spent in 4-H allows kids the opportunity to gain valuable life and work readiness skills, setting them up for a successful future,” said Montana 4-H Center for Youth Development director Teri Antilley.

Brett Schomer, Montana 4-H program and events coordinator, said 4-H learning happens all year long, and that the opportunity to complete a project and participate at the fair lets kids celebrate accomplishments and specialized learning, highlighting their efforts and the behind-the-scenes support of their families.

Community members are invited to fairs for 4-H exhibits and livestock sales and to learn more about the youth development program and how to participate through volunteering for events, leading a project and more.

Fairs in eastern Montana include:

•Baker, Aug. 13-18

•Billings, Aug. 9-17

•Broadus, July 25-27

•Chinook, Aug. 8-11

•Circle, Aug. 14-17

•Columbus, July 14

•Culbertson, Aug. 6-9

•Dodson, Aug. 1-4

•Ekalaka, Aug. 8-11

•Forsyth, July 13-21

•Glasgow, Aug. 7-10

•Glendive, July 25-27

•Hardin, July 20-28

•Jordan, Aug. 8-10

•Lewistown, July 23-27

•Lodge Pole, Aug. 8-9

•Miles City, Aug. 21-24

•Plentywood, July 25-27

•Roundup, July 20-26 •Scobey, Aug. 1-4

•Shelby, July 17-21

•Sidney, July 29-Aug. 3

•Terry, Aug. 1-4

•Wibaux, Aug. 22-25 More information about local fairs is available on many county government and fairgrounds websites. Some fairs in Montana host multiple counties and have their own website.

Montana 4-H is the largest out-of-school youth development program in the state, reaching nearly 20,000 youth in all 56 counties and seven reservations each year. Information about volunteering and supporting 4-H is available at montana.edu/extension/4h/ volunteer/index.html.