but the fair is truly a great place to start,” Renfro said.“ Youth can enter a wide variety of projects, including photography, arts and crafts, food preservation, sewing, posters, horticulture and many other hands-on learning exhibits.”
She said it is important for families to know that the 4-H fairbook is separate from the open class fairbook. The 4-H fairbook includes the specific 4-H exhibit categories, rules, guidelines and requirements that 4-H members will need to follow when preparing and entering their projects.
“ Families may pick up a copy from the Stephens County OSU Extension Office, or we can email a copy to them upon request,” she said.“ One important thing for families to know is that before entering any exhibits at the Stephens County Free Fair, they will need to acquire a master number from the fair office. This number helps with the entry process and ensures that each exhibitor’ s projects are properly recorded. For families who have never entered before, this is a great first step, and both the fair office and Extension office can help answer questions along the way.”
Youth must be in the 3rd grade and 8 years old to be considered an official 4-H member. However, there is also a Cloverbud division available for younger youth ages 5 – 7. This gives younger participants a fun opportunity to begin learning about 4-H projects, develop confidence and take part in the county fair experience in an age-appropriate way,
Renfro said.
She said exhibits entered in the 4-H division should be projects made during the current 4-H project year.
“ For this fair season, that would include projects completed between Aug. 1, 2025, and Aug. 1, 2026. This helps ensure that the exhibits represent the youth’ s current year of learning, growth and hands-on project work.” She offers valuable advice to anyone entering the fair.
“ One thing I would tell someone who has never entered before is, do not be afraid to ask questions or try something new. The county fair is a learning opportunity, and 4-H is all about helping youth build confidence, develop skills and take pride in what they have created. Even if a project does not turn out perfectly, the process of learning, preparing and entering is valuable,” she said.“ For 4-H members, fair exhibits are a great way to showcase the skills they have learned throughout the year in workshops, club meetings, and at home. It also gives youth the opportunity to receive feedback, celebrate their accomplishments and see what other members across the county are doing.”
To learn more or if you have questions, contact Kaylie Renfro, Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development for Stephens County at 580-255-0510, or email: kaylie. renfro @ okstate. edu. She is located at 2002 S. 13th St. at the main fairgrounds office building, along with Megan Monteith and Shylan Milligan.
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