Youngsters start county fair involvement through Stephens County 4-H programs
BY TONI HOPPER
Kaylie Renfro enjoys her job as an Extension Educator and overseeing 4-H Youth Development programs for Stephens County. A year-round calendar is always busy, but when the Stephens County Free Fair looms on the horizon, a different energy level happens.
One of the most important things that family with young children need to know is being prepared ahead of time and not waiting until the last minute to enter items.
“ For youth entering through 4-H, it is important to remember that the 4-H year begins on Aug. 1,” Renfro said.“ Youth must be officially enrolled in 4-H in order to enter 4-H exhibits, especially in the event that an exhibit qualifies to move on to the Oklahoma State Fair in September. Enrollment helps ensure that members are eligible, properly listed and able to participate in additional opportunities beyond the county level.”
Renfro said:“ From the 4-H perspective, I always encourage families who are interested in entering the fair to start by reaching out to the Stephens County OSU Extension Office. We can help walk them through the process, explain what project areas are available and help them understand deadlines, exhibit rules and entry requirements.”
A myth is that someone entering the fair has to have experience.
“ Sometimes families think they have to be experts or have years of experience to enter,
16 FREE FAIR FUN | 2026