Mercer County 4‑H Fair

The Mercer County 4‑H Fair showcases the hard work, dedication, and growing skills of local youth. From general projects to livestock shows, auctions, and hands‑on demonstrations, the fair offers community members a chance to support young people as they present what they’ve learned throughout the year. Families, friends, and visitors are invited to attend and celebrate the achievements of our 4‑H members. July 5–18, 2026   Mercer County Fairgrounds, Aledo, IL, All exhibits are open to the public.

Schedule of Events

Sunday, July 5

• Set‑up: Merchant’s Building & Exhibition Hall — 2:00 PM

Monday, July 6

• General Project Show Judging — 8:30–11:00 AM
• Set‑up 4‑H Project Displays — Exhibition Hall

Tuesday, July 7

• Poultry Show — Swine Barn, 8:00 AM
• Rabbit Show — Show Ring, 10:00 AM
• Sheep Check‑in & Weigh‑in — 2:30–3:00 PM
• Sheep Show — Sheep Barn, 4:00 PM

Wednesday, July 8

• 4‑H Only Beef Check‑in & Weigh‑in — 9:00–10:00 AM
• Swine Check‑in & Weigh‑in — Swine Barn, 10:00 AM–Noon

Thursday, July 9

• Swine Show — Swine Barn, 9:00 AM
• Goat Check‑in & Weigh‑in — Sheep Barn, 1:00 PM
• Goat Show — Sheep Barn (4‑H first), 2:00 PM
• Jr. & Sr. Master Showmanship Contest — Show Ring, 3:00 PM

Friday, July 10

• Dairy Show / Beef Show — Show Ring, 9:00 AM
• Set‑up for Youth Livestock Auction — 3:00 PM
• Mercer County Youth Livestock Auction — 6:00 PM

Saturday, July 11

• 4‑H Dog Obedience & Showmanship — Pavilion east of Secretary’s Office, 9:00 AM

Sunday, July 12

• General Projects Checkout & Clean‑up — Exhibition Hall, 12:00–2:00 PM

Saturday, July 18

• Horse Show Check‑in — 8:00–8:30 AM
• 4‑H Horse Show — 4K Plus Arena, 2492 75th Ave., Viola, IL — 9:00 AM