Knox County 4-H members will showcase projects and skills during the 2026 Knox County 4-H Fair, with events beginning June 14 and continuing through July 18.
The fair highlights work completed by 4-H youth throughout the year, including projects in baking, woodworking, aerospace, livestock and animal sciences.
“Essentially, the kids get to come and show off their skills and show what they’ve learned over the year,” said Emma Flack, Knox County 4-H youth development Extension program coordinator with University of Illinois Extension.
The fair season begins with a regional dog show at 1 p.m. Sunday, June 14, at the Warren County Fairgrounds. Youth from Knox, Henderson, Warren and McDonough counties will compete in showmanship, obedience, rally and dog care.
The 4-H General Show will be held at noon Saturday, July 11, at Knoxville High School, 600 E. Main St., Knoxville. A project showcase open house will run from 3 to 5 p.m., with a rocket launch at 3 p.m. and an ice cream social at 4:30 p.m.
Livestock events will follow Monday, July 13, at the Knox County Fairgrounds, with judging for goats, poultry, sheep and cattle, followed by an awards ceremony and master showmanship competition. Rabbit and swine judging will be Tuesday, July 14.
The fair will conclude with the horse show at 8 a.m. Saturday, July 18, at Bursie Williams Horse Arena at Lake Storey Park in Galesburg.
A 4-H food stand operated by the Knox County 4-H Federation also will be available during the fair, with proceeds supporting local 4-H programs and activities.
