The 2026 4-H Show begins this Saturday, June 27 and runs through Friday, July 10, 2026. This year 142 4-H members are enrolled in over 650 exhibits at the White County 4-H Shows. White County 4-H members have worked throughout the year on projects varying from cooking to livestock. All exhibits are judged in conference style judging; a method that is becoming foreign to some 4-H programs. 4-H members display their projects, are interviewed, and receive a rating based on the overall quality of the project and interview. The goal for every 4-H member is to be selected as a best of show winner, state fair delegate, or grand champion.
Dogs, Cats, and Small Pets
The smaller animal shows will be held Saturday, June 27 and will include dogs, cats, and other small pets. The judging for these shows will begin at 1:00 p.m. and will conclude with the dog obedience contest immediately following the conclusion of the previous shows. This year’s show will be held once again at the White County Fairgrounds Floral Hall.
Archery, Air Rifle, Pistol, & Shotgun Shoots
This year there will be archery, air rifle, air pistol and shotgun shoot for members of the White County 4-H Shooting Sports SPIN Club. The Shooting Sports Contest will be at 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 5, at the Carmi Rifle Club. Participants will compete in different archery, rifle, pistol, and shotgun shoots while being awarded placings/ratings based on performance.
Food Show
Food projects will be judged beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, July 6. This year there are more than 50 individual exhibits ready for judging at the annual show. These projects range from the beginning cooking projects involving cookie and coffeecakes to the advanced projects including pastry shells, yeast bread rolls, and homemade candies.
Coming back this year will be our table decorating and food challenge contests. Come and watch as these kids build a table setting and decorate it around the theme. The food challenge participants will be given a list of required ingredients and challenged to create a dish in a timely manner.
Clothing Show
The Clothing Show will also be held on Monday, July 6 at 9:00 a.m. Clothing exhibitors have the option of making or purchasing their garments. These members will also model their garments at the Fashion Revue. The Fashion Revue will be held Wednesday evening to share the hard work that this project can involve with the public during the 4-H awards show at 5:00 p.m.
Rabbits/Poultry
Well-known rabbit and poultry judge, Mike Wilson, will begin the rabbit and poultry shows with his expert evaluations at 5:00 p.m. on Monday afternoon in the livestock barn, at the fairgrounds.
General Projects
The busiest day of the year in the world of White County 4-H begins at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 7, at the White County Fairgrounds. Members will bring in their general projects for conference-style judging. Members have worked a full year on everything from visual arts projects to photography projects to crops and woodworking. Drop off projects will be Monday evening from 4:00-8:00. The show will be in the Floral Hall building at the White County Fairgrounds. The general project event is closed to the public until judging is complete. We would like to thank Casey’s for donating breakfast Tuesday morning for all judges, superintendents, and 4-H members.
Tractor-Driving Contest
This year the 4-H Tractor Driving Contest will be held Tuesday, July 7, starting at 9:00 at the White County Fairgrounds. White County 4-H would like to thank Wm. Nobbe Co. Inc. of Norris City for sponsoring this year’s tractor for the contest by providing a John Deere for the 4-H members to drive. Participants will compete in different ‘tractor agility’ courses at the fairgrounds.
Livestock
Nearly 180 entries are scheduled to be judged Wednesday morning at the livestock barn. Swine, Beef, Goats, and Sheep projects will all be judged Wednesday by class. This show usually takes most of the morning. White County Farm Bureau is sponsoring Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion banners this year.
Wabash Valley Service Company/Peoples National Bank Food Table
Wabash Valley Service Company and People’s National Bank are teaming up to raise money to assist the White County 4-H Support Committee and White County 4-H. Come and purchase a pork chop sandwich, chips, drink, and a cookie for $6.00 from 3:00-7:00 at the livestock barn. Then enjoy a walk through the awesome 4-H projects these 4-Hers have worked so hard on all year long.
Awards Program
All 4-H members will be recognized at an awards program at 5:00 p.m. Wednesday evening at the floral hall. This year, First Bank will sponsor all trophies and Campbell Farms will sponsor belt buckles earned by 4-H members throughout the week. Farm Credit Services is sponsoring the clean stall awards to livestock members, as well.
Auction of Blue-Ribbon Animals
The Annual 4-H Auction of Blue-Ribbon Animals will be at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday evening, July 8. Businesses and individuals are encouraged to support the 4-H members as they further their agricultural endeavors. Money earned at the auction is often used by the members to purchase new stock, farm equipment and automobiles, or further their education after high school. A reception will be held an hour before the auction for you to socialize and meet the 4-H members that will be auctioning their animal that evening.
Carcass Contest
The carcass contest is going to be like year’s past. WP Meat Company will be very ‘packed’ on Friday, July 10 when White County 4-H members meet for the carcass contest at 11:00. The carcasses will be scored on ribeye/chop area, the rate of gain, marbling, and color. The contest is fully funded by WP Meat Company.
One of the 4-H organization’s national slogans reads, “4-H is a community of young people across America who is learning leadership, citizenship, and life skills.” 4-H is a great asset to White County and the surrounding communities. These young people grow up here learning leadership, citizenship, and life skills. These young people then reflect the values of White County. Let’s make a value of the White County 4-H program. We hope to see you at the 4-H Shows!