WHEATON, Ill. – Each year, the DuPage County Fair marks the culmination of the latest 4-H year with exhibits, animal shows, and activities where 4-H members demonstrate knowledge and skills, and of course, have fun.
In 4-H, kids and teens can explore a wide variety of projects, including animal science, career and leadership, civic engagement, creative and cultural arts, environmental sciences, healthy living, STEM, and gardening, agriculture, and food access.
“4-H experiences help members build skills for the future,” said Nancy Reppe, the DuPage County 4-H program coordinator for University of Illinois Extension. “Through individual projects and club activities, they learn to make decisions, communicate, manage time, and work both independently and with a team.”
In addition, 4-H conference judging and show experiences provide youth with valuable presentation opportunities and helpful feedback to continue developing project skills for next year and lifelong skills.
“I realize now more than ever the life lessons that 4-H has left me with – from being compassionate to taking charge to innovative problem solving, this organization has prepared me for a well-rounded and successful life,” said longtime 4-H member Paxxton Rehman of High Hopes 4-H Club, who now attends Butler University. “I am extremely grateful to my leaders, fellow members, and 4-H as a whole, for giving me the opportunity to grow, change, fail, and excel these past 10 years.”
Throughout the year, 4-H members give back to their communities with service projects, and fair time is no exception. DuPage County 4-H’ers packed nearly 100 snack bags and donated more than 100 other items for the 4-H Can Make a Difference Food Drive this year. In turn, dozens of adult community members give back to 4-H by sharing their time and expertise to facilitate or judge at the shows or by sponsoring awards to recognize the youth achievements.
“We greatly appreciate the support of the DuPage County Fair Association, and our 4-H superintendents, judges, volunteers, and award sponsors who give our 4-H youth this important experience,” said Reppe. “4-H programs help young people gain a sense of belonging, develop independence, practice generosity, and master project and life skills. The fair season brings it all together as we wrap up the 4-H year and look ahead to a new one in fall.”
The 2026-27 DuPage County 4-H Kick-Off will be 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday, October 4 at the DuPage County Fairgrounds in Wheaton. Learn more or join the interest list.
2026 DuPage 4-H show award sponsors include: Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Bennett, Tom and Karen Borow, Frank Bucaro, Nancy Burke, Milli Cady, the Carso Family, Katie Carso-Liss, E and J Disposal Co., Bobbi Ehlers and Family, Ethel J Marshall HCE, Linda Henkel, Itasca Bank and Trust, Gene and Patty Johnson, Cathryn Johnston, Denise Kennedy, Mary Lambert, Andrea Leboy, Herbert Lederer DVM, Ken Lemberger, Pat Quetsch, Pamela and Mike Re, Salernos Rosedale Chapels, Judy Valentine, Coleen Walter, Mary Lou Wehrli, the Wessel Family, Julie and Bill Williams, Barbara and Mitch Wilk, the Norma Yeates Family, and the Yost Family.
Find a full list of results for the DuPage 4-H Shows.
University of Illinois Extension develops educational programs, extends knowledge, and builds partnerships to support people, communities, and their environments as part of the state's land-grant institution. Extension serves as the leading public outreach effort for University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences in all 102 Illinois counties through a network of 27 multi-county units and over 500 staff statewide. Extension’s mission is responsive to eight strategic priorities — community, economy, environment, food and agriculture, health, partnerships, technology and discovery, and workforce excellence — that are served through five program areas — 4-H youth development, agriculture and agribusiness, community and economic development, health and community wellness, and natural resources, environment, and energy.