Top 6 Reasons to Visit the 2026 K-State Extension Johnson County 4-H Showcase at the Johnson County Fair
The K-State Extension Johnson County 4-H Showcase is the premier event celebrating the accomplishments, creativity, and hard work of our 4-H members. Throughout the year, youth have explored over 35 project areas ranging from photography and robotics, to foods, fashion, livestock, woodworking, leadership, and so much more. The Showcase brings these projects together during the Johnson County Fair, where the entire community is invited to celebrate the impact of 4-H.
For generations, K-State Extension Johnson County and the Johnson County Fair Association have partnered to provide a tradition that celebrates youth achievement, agricultural heritage, lifelong learning, and community. Together, they create an event where families can experience the very best of Johnson County while supporting the next generation of leaders.
Whether you’re a longtime supporter, considering joining 4-H, or simply looking for a fun family outing, the Johnson County 4-H Showcase offers something for everyone.
6. Discover What 4-H Is All About
Not familiar with 4-H? The Johnson County 4-H Showcase is the perfect introduction! Explore the Green/Blue 4-H Building and discover hundreds of exhibits featuring visual arts, STEM, clothing construction, horticulture, home environment, quilting, creative writing, and so much more. Every exhibit represents months of learning, creativity, and dedication by Johnson County youth. Visit with members, volunteers, and club leaders to learn how 4-H helps young people develop leadership, citizenship, communication, and life skills through hands-on learning and how your family can become involved.
5. Enjoy Family-Friendly Activities & Support The 4-H Food Stand
The 4-H Showcase isn’t just about exhibits, it’s about making memories. Families can enjoy educational displays, interactive activities, and exciting events all week long. One crowd favorite is the Barnyard Olympics, hosted by the Johnson County 4-H Ambassadors on Friday, July 31 at 8:30 p.m. in the Livestock Pavilion. Come cheer on the teams as they compete in fun, barnyard-themed challenges while supporting scholarships for local 4-H members.
Another family favorite is the 4-H Food Stand. The Johnson County 4-H Clubs operate the 4-H Food Stand, serving delicious meals, snacks, and refreshments. More than just great fair food, every purchase supports the largest fundraiser for our county’s 16 local 4-H clubs. Proceeds help fund year-round educational programming, leadership opportunities, club activities, scholarships, camps, and countywide 4-H events. Grab a meal, support local youth, and help make a difference with every bite!
4. Celebrate Our Animal Science Projects
Animal science is one of the highlights of the fair, with members proudly exhibiting the animals they’ve cared for all year. Visit the fairgrounds throughout the week to watch horses, dairy goats, swine, meat goats, sheep, beef, poultry, dogs, and rabbit shows and competitions. From the Horse Show on Tuesday, July 28 to the Beef Show on Friday, July 31, every event showcases the dedication, responsibility, sportsmanship, and animal-care skills that 4-H members develop through months of hard work.
3. Experience Live Demonstrations
One of Johnson County 4-H’s premier public events, the Public Fashion Revue, is on Thursday, July 23 at 7:00 p.m. at Pioneer Ridge Middle School in Gardner. Watch members model garments they’ve sewn and assembled while showcasing confidence, poise, and creativity. The Dog Show kicks off the week on Sunday, July 26 at 4:30 p.m. with Showmanship and Obedience, followed by Rally Obedience on Monday, July 27 at 1:30 p.m. and Agility at 4:00 p.m. in the Livestock Pavilion. Be sure to attend Public Presentations on Wednesday, July 29 at 8:00 a.m. to see youth share demonstrations and speeches showcasing the communication skills they’ve gained through 4-H.
2. Support Local Youth at Project Auctions
The Johnson County 4-H Showcase is a reminder that when young people are given opportunities to explore their interests and are supported by caring volunteers and families, there’s no limit to what they can achieve. One of the best ways to encourage our members is by participating in the various fair auctions. Bid on delicious baked goods during the 4-H Foods Auction on Tuesday, July 28 at 7:30 p.m. in the Grange Building. Support youth creativity during the 4-H Project Auction on Friday, July 31 at 6:00 p.m. Invest in our exhibitors during the 4-H/FFA Livestock Auction on Saturday, August 1 at 1:00 p.m. Every purchase helps recognize the hard work and dedication of our young people while supporting future educational opportunities.
And the #1 Reason to Visit…
Celebrate the Amazing Accomplishments of Johnson County 4-H Youth!
The K-State Extension Johnson County 4-H Showcase is more than an exhibition. It’s a celebration of curiosity, creativity, and community. Every project tells the story of a young person who challenged themselves to learn something new, develop new skills, and grow through the 4-H experience. Whether it’s a beautifully sewn garment, an award-winning photograph, a woodworking project, a robotics exhibit, a delicious baked good, or a champion market animal, each accomplishment reflects months of learning and dedication. Every project on display tells a story of perseverance and growth.
When you visit the Johnson County Fair, you’re not just looking at exhibits or watching competitions, you are investing in the next generation of leaders, innovators, entrepreneurs, and community members. Come celebrate the accomplishments of Johnson County 4-H youth and experience firsthand why 4-H has been building confident, capable young people for more than 100 years.
Join us July 26 - August 2 at the Johnson County Fairgrounds in Gardner, and discover why there’s no better place to experience the heart of Johnson County 4-H.
For a complete fair schedule and additional events, visit www.jocokansasfair.com.
by Katie Crowe, 4-H Office Professional, 2026