County Fair
For many members, showing their projects at the County Fair is the highlight of summer! This year's 4-H fair will be July 31-August 3, 2024, at the Benton County Fairgrounds. 4-H Horse members show their projects at the 4-H Horse Fair in July.
Are you entering a 4-H exhibit at our Benton County Fair? Do you plan to stay at the fairgrounds and camp? Are you looking for the 4-H Fair Book or schedule? You will find all of that information here and below under "Local Resources" as it becomes available!
- 2024 Fair Schedule
- 2024 4-H Fair Book
- 4-H Fair Registration - Link was emailed to all members and leaders on 6/14
- Fair Information and Camping
- Exhibitor Forms and Market Animal Packets - See below in Resources
Register - Each project area and member must register ONLINE to select and participate in all fair classes. Registration must be submitted by July 1, 2024. Beef, Sheep, Swine, and Meat Goat members please review the "Judges Fee" policy.
Static Exhibits - All 4-H members are eligible to participate in the Family, Consumer Science, Arts, and Sciences (FCSAS) project areas. Members will need to select their classes ONLINE and reserve an interview judging time slot. Judging will take place on Saturday, July 27, 2024, at the Benton County Fairgrounds.
Judges Fee - As of January 2016, the Large Animal Project Committee decided to create a Judges' fee for every member that participates in the beef, sheep, swine, or meat goat project. The Judges' Fee covers judges' expenses for the Benton County 4-H Fair. The $10 fee will be collected at fair check-in (exact cash or check). This fee is per member not per species.
Benton County Fair
Wednesday-Saturday, July 31-August 3, 2024
2024 Theme: "Country Vibes and Carnival Rides"
Fairground Camping
Onsite camping is available for 4-H members and families during the Benton County Fair. RV and tent campsites are located in the Oak Grove area. Due to safety restrictions, tents and RV's may be assigned to specific areas of the Oak Grove. The fairgrounds is giving priority placement to RV’s that are 30 feet or less. RV’s that are larger than 30’ will be put on a waitlist to see if there is room to accommodate these RV’s inside the fairgrounds. The Camping Coordinators are going to do their absolute best to create a plan to accommodate everyone’s requests within the fairgrounds safety requirements. Trailer space is limited. Each club could be limited to a specific number of trailers allowed.
The Benton County Fairgrounds is working with the 4-H office for all reservations. The 2024 Fair camping information will be posted above in the Fair Information and Camping packet.
Auction Book Cover Contest
Benton County 4-H members can showcase their artistic skills for the Lee Allen Memorial Youth Market Auction book cover contest. Cash awards are sponsored by Betty Dowless. Submissions are due July 15 to the Extension office.
Drawings must be in black ink or pencil on a 8.5” x 11” white sheet of paper (leave small border of white space). Entries must include the title, date, time, and theme.
Title: 2024 Lee Allen Memorial Youth Market Auction
Date: Saturday, August 3, 2024
Time: 3:00pm
Theme: "Country Vibes and Carnival Rides"
Fair Contests & Activities
- Milk Chug-A-Lug – This contest is sponsored by the Linn-Benton County Dairy Women. Teams will consist of no more than six people and is open to all 4-H members, leaders and parents. Sign up on the bulletin board during fair week. See the schedule for the time and location.
- Master Showmanship - This contest brings together the outstanding showmen who are selected to represent the various animal species. The contest provides a way for 4-H'ers to demonstrate their versatility in handling of animals.
- Meat Animal Judging Contest – This contest provides the opportunity for all 4-H members to challenge their judging ability and expand their knowledge of how to select livestock (Beef, Sheep, Swine & Meat Goat). See the schedule for the time and location. Publications/Handbooks
- Marketing Contest – This contest is open to all 4-H animal science project members. The member will verbally promote and sell their animal to the judges. Animals must be present to compete. This class encourages public speaking, project knowledge and presentation skills. NO ACTUAL SALE WILL OCCUR - THIS IS FOR PRESENTATION PURPOSES ONLY! Registration will open in mid-July ONLINE. If any openings are still available they will be posted on the bulletin board during fair week, where you can sign up to participate (we cannot guarantee any openings). See the schedule for the time and location. Marketing Score Sheet
- Herdsmanship – The Herdsmanship contest encourages 4-H members to work as a team, provide quality work and showcase responsible behavior while caring for their animals. This is not an individual contest. Each club will be judged twice daily at varying times. It is the responsibility of all 4-H members to perform herdsmanship duties. Parents and leaders may supervise and teach, but should not perform herdsmanship duties.
- Auction - The Lee Allen Memorial Youth Auction helps 4-H and FFA members learn important life skills, responsibility, decision-making, and record-keeping. Profits from the sale of these members’ livestock production projects are usually reinvested in projects or are used for future educational expenses. Eligibility requirements can be found in the fair book. See the schedule for the time and location.
