SCIOTO COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS
4-H & Junior Fair Programs
THE HEART OF THE FAIR
Where Scioto County's Next Generation Grows
The Junior Fair is the heart of what we do. Every year, kids across Scioto County pour months of work into their projects, raising animals, growing vegetables, creating art, baking, sewing, and more, all leading up to the chance to show what they've accomplished at the Scioto County Fair. Whether your child is interested in livestock or still projects, 4-H gives them a place to learn responsibility, build confidence, and be part of something bigger than themselves.
The Junior Fair Board works alongside the OSU Extension Office and our 4-H educator, Jo Williams, to organize and support every aspect of the junior fair experience. If you're a parent, a student, or just someone who wants to support the next generation of Scioto County, this is where it starts.
GETTING STARTED
How to Join 4-H in Scioto County
4-H is open to youth across Scioto County and is coordinated through the Ohio State University Extension Office. Whether your child wants to raise a market animal, enter a quilt, grow a garden, or try something entirely new, there's a project for them.
GETTING STARTED
Enrollment happens through the OSU Extension Office. Reach out to our 4-H educator, Jo Williams, to learn about available clubs, project options, enrollment deadlines, and what to expect in your first year. She's been doing this for a while and is the best person to walk you through it.
CONTACT
Jo Williams at 740-354-7879 or email at williams.2213@osu.edu,
Natalie Bryant at 740-354-7879 or email at bryant.2103@osu.edu.Â
ANIMAL PROJECTS
Livestock Projects
Livestock projects are one of the most visible and celebrated parts of the Scioto County Junior Fair. Kids spend months raising and caring for their animals before bringing them to the fair for showing, judging, and sale. It teaches discipline, hard work, and a deep respect for agriculture, values that stick with them for life.
Project categories include market animals, breeding animals, and small animal projects. Each category has its own set of rules, weight requirements, and show schedules managed by the committees that oversee them.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
- Rules and guidelines are specific to each livestock category and are updated annually by their respective committees
- Weigh-in dates and requirements are posted ahead of fair week
- Show and judging schedules are available on the Events & Calendar page
- The online livestock sale has replaced the in-person auction, and it's been a success. Community members can support a 4-H member's hard work by purchasing through the online sale during fair week
DOWNLOADABLE RULES
Download the PDF for your specific livestock project category below. Each category has its own document, making it easy to access the rules, requirements, and information relevant to your project without having to search through a long list on this page.
Still Projects
CREATIVE PROJECTS
Livestock gets a lot of the attention, but the still project exhibitors at the Scioto County Fair put in just as much heart and effort. From quilts and baked goods to vegetables, flowers, woodworking, photography, and art, these projects showcase incredible talent and dedication from our 4-H members.
Still projects are displayed in their own exhibit area during fair week, and every single one deserves a look. The still project buildings showcase a wide range of impressive exhibits created by talented participants. These kids work hard, and their creativity and craftsmanship are worth celebrating.
- Still project categories cover a wide range, art, culinary, sewing, horticulture, flowers, photography, woodworking, and more
- Each category has its own rules and judging criteria, updated annually
- Judging schedules and exhibit locations are available on the Events & Calendar page
- Exhibits are open to the public during fair week. Stop by and see what our 4-H members have been working on
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
DOWNLOADABLE RULES
MEET THE BOARD
Junior Fair Board
The Junior Fair Board is made up of dedicated young people who help organize and run the junior fair each year. They work behind the scenes to make sure every exhibitor has a great experience, from coordinating shows and judging to supporting their fellow 4-H members throughout fair week.
CURRENT MEMBERS
Junior Fair Board roster will be added here once provided by fairgrounds. Updated annually.
IMPORTANT DATES & DEADLINES
Key Dates for 4-H Families
Stay on top of the calendar so you don't miss a deadline. Here are the important dates 4-H families need to know each year.
4-H ENROLLMENT DEADLINE
[Date to be updated annually]
PROJECT REGISTRATION DEADLINE
[Date to be updated annually]
WEIGH-IN DATES FOR LIVESTOCK
[Dates to be updated annually]
STILL PROJECT SUBMISSION DEADLINE
[Date to be updated annually]
FAIR WEEK DATES (JUNIOR FAIR ACTIVITIES)
[Dates to be updated annually]
ONLINE LIVESTOCK SALE DATES
[Dates to be updated annually]
CAMPING INFORMATION
Camping During Fair Week
4-H families with livestock projects can camp on the fairgrounds during fair week to stay close to their animals. If you're planning to camp, you'll need to complete a camping permit ahead of time.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
- Camping is available for 4-H families with registered animals during fair week
- A camping permit is required and must be completed before arrival
- Rules and guidelines for campground use are included with the permit
- Campers are expected to follow all posted fairground rules during their stay
- $30 a day, or $200 a week for pricing
- Allowed to move in Saturday before fair starts
RESOURCES
4-H Resources & Links
Find the information you need to get started, stay informed, and make the most of your 4-H experience in Scioto County.
Contact Jo Williams and Natalie Bryant, 4-H Educator (Jo Williams at 740-354-7879 or email at williams.2213@osu.edu,
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Natalie Bryant at 740-354-7879 or email at bryant.2103@osu.edu)