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
Saturday, June 28
Sangamon County Fairgrounds, New Berlin
Sangamon 4-H Livestock Shows
June 28-29
Sangamon County Fairgrounds, New Berlin
Logan/Menard/Sangamon 4-H Dog Show
Sunday, June 29
Sangamon County Fairgrounds, New Berlin
Menard 4-H Cloverbuds Show
Sunday, July 13
Textiles Building, Menard County Fairgrounds, Petersburg
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
Orr Building, Illinois State Fairgrounds, Springfield
Illinois State Fair Junior Livestock Shows
Visit the State Fair website for details; entries due via State Fair website by July 15
Local 4-H Show Information
- 2025 Show Book for Logan, Menard, and Sangamon Counties - 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
- 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
- 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
- 2025 Ethics Training & Registration Details
- Additional forms and information for General Projects exhibits
- Copyright Guidelines – tips for creating exhibits that meet copyright guidelines
- Photo/Video Model Release Form – should be used by 4-H members who have included other individuals in their Photography or Video exhibits
- 4-H Crops Record Form – must be completed by members exhibiting a Crops project
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 Showmanship Detailed Guide
Dog Care and Grooming Activities
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. Information, rules, and entry instructions are available on the State Fair website.