Baker shared that she began her role just days before her first county fair, quickly discovering how much preparation goes into the event. Although that first year was a whirlwind, it provided a firsthand look at the culmination of months of work by 4-H members, volunteers, and families.
While many people associate 4-H with farm animals, Baker explained that the organization offers opportunities for nearly every interest. Visual arts consistently rank among the largest project areas, with exhibits ranging from clay, leatherwork, quilting, and scrapbooking to heritage arts like knitting and crochet. Young gardeners showcase vegetables they’ve grown, STEM participants display woodworking and welding projects, and creative members often surprise judges with unique handmade creations.
The fair welcomes children with virtually any hobby, allowing them to turn their interests into projects that demonstrate their skills and creativity.
Preparation for the fair never truly ends. Shortly after each year’s event concludes, organizers begin evaluating what worked well and what could be improved. Volunteers meet to discuss feedback, while planning for the next fair ramps up over the winter as rulebooks are updated and project areas are finalized.
Beyond ribbons and awards, Baker emphasized the lifelong skills participants develop through 4-H. Conference judging allows exhibitors to speak one-on-one with judges, explain their projects, answer questions, and demonstrate their knowledge. The experience helps young people become more confident in public speaking, communication, and presenting their work.
Judges also provide constructive feedback, allowing exhibitors to improve their projects from year to year. Baker said many returning participants take those suggestions seriously, building their knowledge and skills over time.
Leadership opportunities also play a major role in the program. Older 4-H members often serve as ambassadors, helping with ceremonies, mentoring younger participants, and representing the organization throughout fair week.
Some of the most memorable exhibits over the years have showcased remarkable creativity and craftsmanship. Baker recalled projects focused on soil health and native plants, miniature clay sculptures, intricate dollhouse-style room displays, handcrafted wool sculptures, and impressive agricultural exhibits that demonstrated both technical skill and imagination.
Behind the scenes, volunteers make nearly every aspect of the fair possible. The Lee County Fair Board coordinates entertainment, vendors, and attractions. At the same time, parents and community members operate the food stand, supervise livestock overnight, serve as department superintendents, and assist with judging and countless other responsibilities throughout the week.
Like any livestock event, fair week also comes with a few unexpected adventures. Baker shared that escaped animals occasionally create excitement, with goats, pigs, sheep, and even rabbits providing memorable stories over the years. One year, a rabbit unexpectedly gave birth during the fair, sending volunteers searching for baby bunnies that had wandered away from the nest.
Looking ahead to this year’s fair, Baker said she’s excited to see the completed projects, reconnect with returning exhibitors, and enjoy one of her favorite fair traditions—a Buffalo Chip ice cream sandwich from Dairy Delight.
Visitors will also find plenty of entertainment beyond the 4-H exhibits. Attractions include tractor and truck pulls, a rodeo, wrestling, dodgeball, big wheel races, food vendors, and family-friendly activities throughout the weekend.
A new attraction this year is a traveling science center provided through the Extension Foundation. The mobile exhibit features hands-on natural history and science displays designed to engage visitors of all ages.
The 2026 Lee County Fair runs Thursday, July 23, through Sunday, July 26. Visitors can find schedules, exhibitor information, and additional details through the Lee County Fair website and the University of Illinois Extension’s Lee County 4-H resources, extension.illinois.edu/clw/4-h-and-youth.
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