K-State Research and Extension Johnson County

Top 10 Reasons to support 4-Her’s during the 2021 Johnson County Fair

Johnson County 4-H members put in many hours of work year-round on their education projects which concludes with their final showcase opportunity at the Johnson County Free Fair. This is a long-standing partnership with K-State Research and Extension. Johnson County Extension Council 4-H programs exhibiting at the county fair has occurred for many years. With many gatherings around the world 2020, looked different due to the pandemic. However, this year the 4-Her’s are excited to return to a normal 4-H showcase event.

4-H youth, with the support of their families, have immersed themselves in a variety of 4-H projects to be exhibited and judged at the fair. From small engines to photography, there is something for everyone. This year the 4-H events at the fair will be held July 25 – July 31 at the Johnson County Fairgrounds in Gardner, Kansas. The theme of the fair this year is, “Heroes Unite.” The following is a list of the Top 10 - Not to be Missed Events you and your family will want to see!

  1. Sunday, July 25 beginning at 4:30 PM is the Dog Show in the Livestock Pavilion. Witness the bond the 4-H youth have with their dogs as they participate in Showmanship and Obedience. If Sunday is not enough 4-legged fun for you, then come visit on Monday, July 26 beginning at 2:30 PM to see more youth work with their dogs in Rally “O” or at 5:00 PM to see Agility.
  2. Any even that includes princesses is fun for all! Monday, July 26 beginning at 6:00 PM come see the 4-H Rodeo Queen and Princess Coronation in the main arena.
  3. For a good belly laugh, don’t miss Friday, July 30 around 9:30PM by supporting the 4-H Youth Ambassadors as they facilitate the Barnyard Olympics! Teams of 4 (one adult –over 18 and one female) will participate in a variety of wacky barnyard antics. There is a $5.00 fee per team. The Ambassadors use the funds raised through entry fees for scholarships for Johnson County 4-Hers to attend state 4-H events.
  4. Want to support a 4-Her directly? Plan to attend the Project Auction on Friday, July 30 at 8:00pm to bid on and purchase the actual 4-H project – could be a quilt, a woodworking project, or a freshly baked cake! On Saturday, July 31 at 1:00pm the Livestock Auction will occur where you can purchase a market animal for butcher! Both sales go to support the actual 4-Her who has invested time and money all year and now is selling the item or livestock.
  5. Want to enjoy a tasty treat while supporting 4-H youth? On Tuesday, July 27 at 7:00 PM purchase cookies, cakes and snacks at the Food Auction. 4-H youth will sell their food projects to help support Extension 4-H Food and Nutrition programming.
  6. Poultry, Rabbits, Dairy Goats, Sheep, Swine, oh my! Visit the fairgrounds on Wednesday, July 28 during the day or evening to see this wide variety of 4-H livestock projects being showed by 4-Her’s.
  7. Is fashion your thing? Wednesday, July 23 beginning at 7:00 PM the 4-H Public Fashion Revue will take place at Wheat Ridge Middle School in Gardner. Results from the judging earlier in the week will be announced and youth will model their outfits. Our Johnson County 4-H youth will work the runway showing off their fashion designs.
  8. Come check out the Green/Blue Building showcasing over 25 different projects which 4-Hers have worked all year on! The 4-H Photography project alone has over 300 entries to view! Don’t forget about the amazing flowers our youth have nurtured all year for this one week which can be found in the Grange building.
  9. Everyone loves a parade! Saturday, July 21 at 10:30am the 2021 “Heroes Unite” Parade will begin in Downtown Gardner! Come cheer for the 4-H floats!

Most Importantly….

  1. Come out and witness the hard work of our Johnson County Extension 4-Hers who have dedicated all year to provide great exhibits for the public to enjoy. Bring the family and enjoy an evening or day of many different activities going on during the week! Please don’t forget to stop by the 4-H Food Stand!

We could not be prouder of our 4-Hers and we look forward to seeing you support them during the 2021 fair.