The Franklin County 4-H Fair will be underway for the next several days at the Franklin County Fairgrounds, located south of Rend Lake College in Ina.
4-H youth who raise beef, swine, sheep, goats, dairy and poultry for their annual projects can showcase them at the livestock show. For the show, the following number of animals will be on display: 145 goats, 80 cows and steers, 30 sheep and 195 swine.
Their finished projects are then auctioned at the livestock auction, which is open to the public. The auction directly benefits local 4-H youth as they receive the full proceeds from the sale of their livestock. There will be 89 animals up for auction at the 2019 auction as there is a limit of three animals per participant.
On Tuesday, July 16, 4-H members, their families and even community members can enjoy a fun night with games for all ages like egg toss and shovel races in the arena.
The jam-packed week ends with a 4-H youth barbecue Wednesday, July 17 at the Franklin County Fairgrounds. The barbecue, hosted by the Franklin County Extension and 4-H Support Committee, begins at 3:30 p.m. and goes until 7 p.m. The cost is $7 for adults and $5 for kids 10 and under. The meal includes a barbecue sandwich, beans, slaw, chips, dessert and drink.
All 4-H shows are open to the public and free to attend. Participants will be showing in about 245 different classes and projects. Unless otherwise noted, the following activities will take place:
July 11
• 5 p.m.: Tractor driving
• 6 p.m.: Cat and dog show
July 12
• 1 p.m.: Foods show (at the Franklin County Extension Office)
• 5 p.m.: Rabbit show
• 6 p.m.: Poultry show
July 13
• 9 a.m.: General projects and clothing
• 6 p.m.: Crops show
July 14
• 9 a.m.: Horse show
• 3 p.m.: Archery exhibition (at the Rend Lake Shooting Complex)
• 5:30 p.m.: Shotgun exhibition (at the Rend Lake Shooting Complex)
July 15
• 8 a.m.: Dairy show
• 9 a.m.: Dairy goat show
• 10 a.m.: Meat goat and pygmy goat show
• 6 p.m.: Swine show
July 16
• 8 a.m.: Sheep show
• 9 a.m.: Beef show
• 1 p.m.: Steer show
• 5 p.m.: Farm Bureau Appreciation
• 6 p.m.: Fun sight
July 17
• 3:30 to 7 p.m.: 4-H BBQ
• 6:30 p.m.: 4-H auction
