Montana 4-H youth to exhibit at fairs across the 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 are scheduled in Montana this summer at these locations on the following dates:

Baker, Aug. 13-18

Big Timber, July 22-26

Billings, Aug. 9-17

Boulder, Aug. 22-25

Bozeman, July 12-21

Broadus, July 25-27

Browning, July 9-12

Butte, Aug. 1-3

Chinook, Aug. 8-11

Choteau, June 27-29

Circle, Aug. 14-17

Columbus, July 14

Culbertson, Aug. 6-9

Deer Lodge, Aug. 10-18

Dillon, Aug. 28-Sept. 2

Dodson, Aug. 1-4

Ekalaka, Aug. 8-11

Eureka, Aug. 21-25

Fort Benton, Aug. 14-18

Forsyth, July 13-21

Glasgow, Aug. 7-10

Glendive, July 25-27

Great Falls, July 11-13

Hamilton, Aug. 26-Sept. 1

Hardin, July 20-28

Harlowton, July 31-Aug. 2

Havre, July 17-21

Helena, July 23-27

Jordan, Aug. 8-10

Kalispell, Aug. 13-18

Lewistown, July 23-27

Livingston, July 24-27

Lodge Pole, Aug. 8-9

Miles City, Aug. 21-24

Missoula, Aug. 6-11

Plains, Aug. 28-Sept. 1

Plentywood, July 25-27

Red Lodge, July 22-27

Ronan, July 24-27

Roundup, July 20-26

Scobey, Aug. 1-4

Shelby, July 17-21

Sidney, July 29-Aug. 3

Stanford, Aug. 5-10

Superior, Aug. 1-3

Terry, Aug. 1-4

Townsend, July 31-Aug. 4

Twin Bridges, Aug. 14-18

White Sulphur Springs, July 15-19

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.