OTTAWA - Because 4-H is always in season, the theme of this year’s LaSalle County 4-H Show & Junior Fair will be “Seasons of 4-H.” The fair kicks off with entertainment by the Broken Horn Rodeo at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, July 11 at the LaSalle County Fairgrounds, south side of Ottawa. 4-H clubs are busy completing their projects and cleaning the fairgrounds so they can put on a great show.

“Seasons of 4-H” reflects the year-round projects, service learning and community activities in which 4-H members participate. Everyone is invited to come out to the LaSalle County Fairgrounds to witness the 4-H experience and to enjoy the events from morning to night. This year, many new activities have been scheduled.

Thursday, July 12 - Judging starts on non-livestock projects. This includes everything from aerospace to zucchini. There is also cake decorating, a dog show and a style review of the 4-H’ers clothing projects. The Illini State Pullers truck and tractor pull will start at 7 p.m. and close the evening events.

Friday, July 13 - Goat, swine, horse, poultry and dairy shows begin in the morning followed by the sheep show at 2 p.m. The public speaking contest, “Speak Out for 4-H,” will be held at 1 p.m. in Exhibit Hall 3. The Illini State Pullers return at 7 p.m. for more truck and tractor pulls with a seed auction during intermission.

Saturday, July 14 - Beef and rabbit shows start the morning events with the Beef Showmanship following. Many fun activities and events will be taking place throughout the day. Funny Magic Guy and Circus Boy will provide three shows each throughout the afternoon. The evening will offer a fair auction at 4:30 p.m. in the show arena, with numerous items for sale and proceeds benefiting LaSalle County 4-H programming. Evening entertainment will be the Demolition Derby at 7 p.m.

Sunday, July 15 - The horse show begins at 8 a.m. and the ADM Master Showman contest will get started at 11 a.m. in the show barn. The Parade of Excellence at 2:30 p.m. will provide 4-H members a chance to showcase their projects and highlight any special awards they have received. At the close of the fair, projects will be released.

Bring the family and come see all the projects young people from all over the county have completed, see all the animals, enjoy good food and have a great time at the fair. Forward any 4-H questions to University of Illinois – LaSalle County Extension at (815) 433-0707. For information regarding entry and night events, call the Junior Fair at (815) 200-3913.

Extension offices are located in Princeton, Ottawa, Henry and in Oglesby on the IVCC campus.