WHEATON, Ill. – For scores of DuPage County youth, 4-H project exhibits and animal shows are an important and fun part of the DuPage County Fair. This year, local 4-H clubs and members also will be spearheading service opportunities at the annual summertime event, July 28 to 30 in Wheaton.

“We are excited to be part of the 2023 DuPage County Fair, and we hope you will join us fair weekend to learn a little more about 4-H here in the western suburbs,” said Nancy Reppe, 4-H Youth Development Program Coordinator. “Throughout the year, our 4-H members learn new things, develop skills, and give back to their communities, and they will be sharing all of those through fun opportunities at this year’s county fair.”

Many 4-H projects will be judged on Thursday and displayed for viewing during the three-day fair in Building No. 1. These include photography, woodworking, aerospace, natural resources, robotics, cooking, a wide variety of creative arts, and more. Through the 4-H conference judging process, youth gain valuable presentation experience and feedback from local adult volunteers to help them continue growing and learning in a project area. 

On Friday from 5 to 8 p.m., fairgoers can enjoy the 4-H Family Fun Fair, which will feature Fur-H Dog Club demonstrations, a small animal petting zoo, and traditional farm games, all on the West Lawn at Building No. 1. At the same time, Trinity Trailblazers 4-H Club will be hosting “Pack a Snack” event to benefit youth experiencing homelessness in DuPage County.

On Saturday, 4-H will host animal shows, including poultry at noon, goats and sheep starting at 4 p.m., and rabbits at 6:30 p.m. Earlier this summer, DuPage 4-H youth also participated in dog and horse shows.

Throughout the DuPage County Fair, 4-H invites the public to bring a can of food to donate to the 4-H CAN Make a Difference Drive, to benefit people experiencing food insecurity throughout the state. Anyone can contribute and will receive a small “thank you” in return. DuPage 4-H youth chosen as 2023 State Fair Delegates will help haul the collected non-perishable donations to Springfield in August. The effort is part of a statewide project and contest for county 4-H programs.

“4-H programs and experiences strive to help youth gain a sense of belonging, develop independence, give back to their communities, and master skills,” said Reppe. “The annual 4-H shows at the fair bring it all together as we celebrate the completion of this 4-H year and look ahead to a new 4-H year in the fall.”

Learn more about 4-H in DuPage County at go.illinois.edu/info4Hdkk. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate, contact the event coordinator or email uie-dkk@illinois.edu or call 630-955-1123. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time for meeting your access needs.

The 2023 DuPage County Fair also will feature a variety of entertainment options and activities. For more information on location, tickets or event schedules, visit www.dupagecountyfair.org. The fairgrounds is located at 2015 Manchester Road, Wheaton.

About Illinois 4-H: Illinois 4-H is the flagship youth development program of University of Illinois Extension and administered through the College of Agriculture, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences. 4-H grows true leaders, youth who are empowered for life today and prepared for a career tomorrow. The hands-on approach in 4-H gives young people guidance, tools, and encouragement, and then puts them in the driver’s seat to make great things happen. Independent research confirms the unparalleled impact of the 4-H experience, demonstrating that young people are four times more likely to contribute to their communities; two times more likely to make healthier choices; two times more likely to be civically active; and two times more likely to participate in STEM programs.