Jasper County 4-H members and families can begin preparing for another busy year of competitions, exhibits, and livestock shows as the 2026 Jasper County 4-H Show Schedule has been released. All exhibits will be open for public viewing, giving community members an opportunity to see the hard work and achievements of local 4-H youth.
The schedule begins with the Jasper/Clay/Effingham/Fayette 4-H Public Speaking Contest on March 30 at the Effingham County Extension Office. Summer activities kick off June 17 with the Jasper/Clay 4-H Cat and Dog Shows at the Ingraham Community Center.
Most events will take place at the Jasper County Fairgrounds in Newton, beginning with the Jasper County 4-H General Projects Show on June 19. Livestock events follow throughout the week, including horse, poultry, rabbit, sheep, goat, swine, dairy, and beef shows.
The week’s schedule includes:
- June 20: 4-H Horse Show
- June 21: Poultry Show and Rabbit Show
- June 22: Livestock Weigh-In, Sheep Show, and Goat Show
- June 23: Swine, Dairy, and Beef Shows
- June 24: Open Livestock Shows
- June 25: 4-H Master Showmanship Contest and the annual 4-H Auction
The season concludes with the Illinois State Fair 4-H General Projects Exhibit Day on August 14 at the Orr Building on the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield, where qualifying exhibitors will have the opportunity to showcase their projects at the state level.
The annual shows provide local 4-H members the opportunity to demonstrate skills developed through project work, livestock care, leadership experiences, and public speaking while sharing their accomplishments with the community.
