4-H Projects and Shows

Through 4-H projects you can explore what interests you!  Project work is hands-on and self-paced, which means you will choose what you want to do and then work on it independently, outside of club meetings. Doing a 4-H project includes setting goals, researching your project topic, practicing project skills, and then showing what you learned by exhibiting your work in the county 4-H shows.

  • Illinois 4-H Project Guide - Learn about all the projects you can choose from.
  • My 4-H Project Plan - This document will guide you through the process of completing a 4-H project and help you track your progress throughout the year.
  • Project Book Request Form - Members in Logan, Menard, and Sangamon counties can receive up to 3 project books each year for free. Request books you need by using this online form.
  • Illinois 4-H Webstore - Members who need more than 3 books in a year can purchase those additional books here.
2025 4-H Show Schedule

Logan/Menard/Sangamon 4-H Public Speaking Contest
Tuesday, March 25
Sangamon Extension Office, Springfield

Sangamon/Menard 4-H General Projects Show
June TBD
Sangamon County Fairgrounds, New Berlin

Sangamon 4-H Livestock Shows
June TBD
Sangamon County Fairgrounds, New Berlin

Logan/Menard/Sangamon 4-H Dog Show 
TBD

Menard 4-H Cloverbuds Show
TBD

Menard 4-H Livestock Shows
July 15-20
Menard County Fairgrounds, Petersburg

Logan 4-H General Projects; Home & Family; and Food, Nutrition & Health Shows
Monday, July 28
Logan County Fairgrounds, Lincoln

Logan 4-H Livestock Shows
July 29-31
Logan County Fairgrounds, Lincoln

Illinois State Fair General Projects exhibit day
Sunday, August 10 - TENTATIVE
Orr Building, Illinois State Fairgrounds, Springfield

Illinois State Fair Junior Livestock Shows
Visit the State Fair website for details

Local 4-H Show Information

  • The Show Book includes show schedules, rules, and exhibit requirements for all project areas.
  • 2025 FairEntry Instructions – step-by-step guide for how to register which of your projects you plan to exhibit this year - COMING SOON
     
  • Additional forms and information for Live Animal exhibits
    • 2025 Ethics Training & Registration Details
      • Quality Assurance & Ethics Certification (QAEC) training must be completed one time by members exhibiting in Dog, Horse, Poultry, and Rabbit shows
      • Youth for the Quality Care of Animals (YQCA) training must be completed every year by members exhibiting in Beef, Swine, Dairy, Goat, and Sheep shows
    • NEW Poultry Testing Requirement – details will be emailed to Poultry project members
    • 2025 Logan Swine Ear Notch Sheet – ALL 4-H Swine exhibitors need to complete and turn in Ear Notch sheets on ALL hogs they plan to exhibit (ALL GILTS and BARROWS)
    • 2025 Sangamon County Swine Nomination Form – all swine for exhibit at the Sangamon County 4-H Show must be nominated
       
  • Additional forms and information for General Projects exhibits
Dog Project Resources

The Logan/Menard/Sangamon 4-H Dog Show Superintendent has identified the following resources that may be helpful to members taking the Dog project:

Dog Obedience Quick Guide

Dog Obedience Training

Dog Showmanship Quick Guide

Dog Showmanship Detailed Guide

Dog Care and Grooming Activities

Dog Care Score Sheet

Breed Groups

Teaching Tricks

Virtual At-Home Training

Learn and practice Rally signs with the "K9rally" app

State Fair Exhibits

The very best General Projects exhibits at county 4-H Shows are chosen to advance to the state 4-H Show during the Illinois State Fair. The 2025 exhibit day for Logan, Menard, and Sangamon counties is tentatively scheduled for Sunday, August 10. Selected exhibitors will be provided additional details.

For state-level Livestock competitions, 4-H members participate in the Junior Livestock Shows during the Illinois State Fair. Details are available on the State Fair website. Note that entry forms must be signed by 4-H staff before the member submits them to the State Fair office.