Mercer County 4-H and 4-H Alumni

09/03/2026

Ready to shape your future? Join youth from across Illinois for Road Trip: College & Career Day!

Get ready for an exciting day packed with hands-on workshops, career exploration, college representatives, and networking opportunities.

Event Details:

Date & Time: Friday, October 9, 2026 | 8:30 AM – 2:00 PM
Location: Illinois State University, Bone Student Center (Normal, IL)
Open To: Youth in grades 8–12 (4-H, schools, & youth organizations)
Dress Code: Business or Business Casual
Fee: $25 (includes lunch) — Scholarships available for individuals & groups!

Don't wait to secure your spot; register by September 18!

Register here: go.illinois.edu/RoadTrip
Questions? Contact Cindy Ogwal at [email protected]

One day. Endless possibilities.

08/26/2026

Applications are due October 1!

You have done the work, now apply for the award! 🌟

The 4-H Experience Award recognizes members for participation in activities and events from club to national levels. Available levels include Bronze, Silver, Gold, Diamond, and Emerald.

Experience and Club Award applications must be submitted through your local Extension office.

➡️ Check with your county office for your local deadline! Counties will submit Diamond and Emerald applications to the state by October 15.

Learn more about all awards: go.illinois.edu/4HAwardsApply

08/26/2026

Registration is open for the 2026 Echoes & Embers Art Camp in Ottawa, IL!

Explore this hands‑on arts day where youth explore creativity in nature through new ways to experiment, make, and express themselves. From bold art techniques to quiet moments of noticing the world around you, youth move through four stations, try out new ideas, and discover the sparks of creativity you didn’t even know were there.

This camp is open to youth ages 8–14 and will be held Monday, October 12 at 9:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.

Thanks to generous support from our 4-H Foundation, this experience is offered at no cost to participants. Lunch will be provided.

Register before September 25 at: go.illinois.edu/EchoesAndEmbers

08/11/2026

Headed to State Fair this weekend? Don't forget to download the Illinois 4-H State Fair App!

Stay in the know with everything you need to know!

Use the app to:
– View an interactive map of the State Fairgrounds
– Explore the fair while you are here! Complete the scavenger hunt for a chance at a prize!
– Learn more about registering as a 4-H alum!
– Get alerts when your project is ready to be picked up and other important alerts!
– View maps of the Orr Building
– Check out the daily schedule!
– And more!

For more information and step-by-step instructions to download the app, head here: go.illinois.edu/StateFair4H

08/10/2026

Getting ready to exhibit at the State Fair for the first time? We’re here to help you shine! 🌟

Here’s what you’ll want to bring:
• Your project, exhibitor tag, and drop-off pass (if needed for large projects)
• Anything you need to keep your project safe and looking its best on the way

Have questions? Check out the Illinois State Fair page: statefair.illinois.gov

We can’t wait to cheer you on in the Orr Building, see you at the Fair!

07/30/2026

📅 Save the Date! The 2027 Mercer County Fair will be held July 12–17. 4-H General Projects will be Monday, July 12.

07/13/2026

🚨State Fair Livestock Reminder🚨

Entries are due July 15th and
‼️YQCA TRAINING MUST BE UP TO DATE!!! ‼️

07/10/2026

Thank you to our 2026 4-H Trophy Sponsors! 🏆
Thanks to your support, Mercer County 4-H members are recognized for their hard work, dedication, and achievements with a lasting reminder of their fair judging experience. We are extremely grateful for your commitment to our 4-H youth! 🍀

07/07/2026

A huge thank‑you to everyone who contributed to the Mercer County 4‑H Clover Campaign! Your names shine on the Clover Wall of Support in Exhibition Hall by the general projects booths.

06/17/2026

Check out this opportunity for 4-H members ages 14-18! Winners receive a $1,000 scholarship!

Illinois 4-H members ages 14-18 are invited to test their livestock knowledge at the 4-H Superior Young Producer Contest during the Illinois State Fair!

Participants will put their skills to the test in areas including livestock breeds, marketing, equipment identification, quality assurance, and more. Plus, competitors have the chance to earn one of nine $1,000 scholarships!

Join us Wednesday, August 12, at the south show ring of the Junior Cattle Barn on the Illinois State Fairgrounds. Registration begins at 6 p.m. We hope to see you there!

If you need reasonable accommodation to participate, please contact the State 4-H Office.