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.
2024 4-H Show Schedule

Logan/Menard/Sangamon 4-H Public Speaking Contest
March 19
Sangamon Extension Office, Springfield

Sangamon/Menard 4-H General Projects Show
June 29-30
Sangamon County Fairgrounds, New Berlin

Sangamon 4-H Livestock Shows
June 29-30
Sangamon County Fairgrounds, New Berlin

Logan/Menard/Sangamon 4-H Dog Show 
June 30
Sangamon County Fairgrounds, New Berlin

Menard 4-H Cloverbuds Show
July 14
Menard County Fairgrounds, Petersburg

Menard 4-H Livestock Shows
July 16-21
Menard County Fairgrounds, Petersburg

Logan 4-H Home & Family; Food, Nutrition & Health Shows; General Projects; and Cloverbuds
July 29
Logan County Fairgrounds, Lincoln

Logan 4-H Livestock Shows
July 30-August 3
Logan County Fairgrounds, Lincoln

Illinois State Fair General Projects exhibit day
August 10
Illinois State Fairgrounds, Springfield

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

Local 4-H Show Information

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 2024 exhibit day for Logan, Menard, and Sangamon counties is Saturday, 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.