It’s Fair Time for Montana 4-H

BOZEMAN — 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.

The map above shows the dates for 4-H fairs scheduled in Montana this summer.

Those in our area include:

More information about local fairs is available on many county government and fairgrounds websites.

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.