JOLIET, Ill. – Local 4-H participants “learn by doing,” and the fair is their opportunity to demonstrate the knowledge and skills they have gained throughout their time in 4-H as they display their projects.
In 4-H, project areas represent the culmination of individual learning paths where youth are able to show off their skills and expertise in front of thousands of fairgoers. Youth also participate in conference judging as a part of the experience. This brings members and volunteer judges together to evaluate project exhibits. It involves one-on-one, face-to-face communication in which the volunteer judge and exhibitor talk directly with each other. This technique provides a unique opportunity for 4-H'ers to learn from their experiences and knowledge of the volunteer judge.
Some project areas also include raising beef, swine, sheep, goats, dairy, and poultry for their annual projects and showcase them at the livestock show.
Below is the schedule of events:
Will County 4-H General Project and Cat Show
Weitendorf Ag Education Center – July 12, 2025
Come join us at our Will County 4-H General Project and Cat Show to check out the accomplishments of our youth's hard work from the past year as they compete for prizes and a chance to represent Will County at this year's Illinois State Fair. The schedule of events for this year's show is below.
Will County 4-H Dog Show
Wilton Township Community Building – July 14, 2025
Come join us at the Will County Dog Show to check out hard work our 4-Hers and there four-legged friends have put in this year. The schedule of events for this year's show is below.
Will County 4-H Rabbit Show
Will County Fairgrounds – August 16, 2025
Come join us for the Will County 4-H Rabbit Show at the Will County Fairgrounds Rabbit Show Ring beginning at 10 am.
Will County 4-H Livestock Shows
Will County Fairgrounds – August 20, 2025 - August 24, 2025
Come join us at the annual Will County 4-H Livestock Shows during the Will County Fair to check out the accomplishments of our youth's hard work from the past year as they compete for prizes. The schedule of events for this year's fair is below.
WRITTEN BY: Carissa Nelson, Media Communications Manager; Anthony Warmack, Communications & Marketing Coordinator, Brooke Katcher, 4-H Engagement & Outreach Coordinator.
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 700 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 six program areas — 4-H youth development, agriculture and agribusiness, community and economic development, family and consumer science, integrated health disparities, and natural resources, environment, and energy.
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.