OTTAWA - The 2021 LaSalle County 4-H Show and Junior Fair, “The Power of YOUth!” is gearing up for a great 4-H exhibit show representing area 4-H youth exhibitions as well as many activities and evening events. The fair kicks off Wednesday, July 7 and continue through July 11 at the LaSalle County fairgrounds in Ottawa.

4-H clubs are busy completing projects and cleaning up the fairgrounds in preparation for putting on a great exhibit show. The “Power of YOUth” will reflect the power within every 4-Her’s focus and hard work preparing their project exhibits and also represent the many service learning and community activities 4-H members participate in. Come out to the LaSalle County Fairgrounds to experience 4-H and also to enjoy the night events. This year, many new events and activities can be enjoyed.

On Wednesday, July 7, judging of all Visual Arts exhibitions will take place. Cloverbud exhibits will also be on display. To add to the fun, there will be a fun bicycle activity to introduce the bicycle rodeos taking place on Saturday.

On Thursday, July 8, judging starts on all other non-livestock projects. This includes everything from aerospace to zucchini along with cake decorating, dog show and a style revue event featuring 4-H’ers clothing projects and other creative items. Various pop up 4-H activities and games will occur each day. Nighttime entertainment includes the Broken Horn Rodeo. That day LaSalle County 4-H and Junior Fair will also offer free admission to all veterans and military by showing their military ID.

Friday, July 9 the Swine, Horse, Poultry, Dairy shows begin in the morning with the Sheep and Cat Show to take place in the afternoon. The public presentation contest will be held at 5 p.m. on stage in Exhibit Hall 3. The Illini State Pullers Truck & Tractor Pull will start at 7 p.m. and watch for more 4-H pop up activities and games.

Saturday, July 10 the Beef and Rabbit show starts the morning events with Beef Showmanship following. Many fun activities will take place throughout the day. Funny Magic Guy will provide three shows throughout the afternoon and an exciting scavenger hunt will be held throughout the fairgrounds. The evening will offer a fair auction at 4:30 p.m. in the show arena, sponsored by “Friends of Extension and 4-H.” Numerous items will be available for bidding and proceeds will benefit LaSalle County 4-H programming. Evening entertainment will be the Ramer Race Promotions Demolition Derby at 7 p.m.!

On Sunday, July 11 the Horse and Goat show begins at 8 a.m. The ADM Master Showman contest will also begin at 10 a.m. in the show barn. As part of a closing celebration, Cloverbud members will present a special “Pledge around the Pole” at 2 p.m. At the close of the fair, projects will be released at approximately 4 p.m. 

Bring the family and come see the fabulous 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. Please forward any 4-H questions to University of Illinois – LaSalle County Extension at (815) 433-0707. The LaSalle County fairgrounds located on 4-H Road, on the south side of Ottawa. For information regarding entry and night events call the Junior Fair Association at (815) 200-3913.