Beyond the Midway: 4-H Kids Shine at North Dakota’s Summer Fairs

June in North Dakota means one thing—fair season! The lights, the music, the elephant ears (the deep-fried kind, of course), and the smell of popcorn drifting through the warm evening air. It’s a blast for anyone attending, but for a special group of kids in green, fair season means something a little different: 4-H project time.

While some are lining up for the Ferris wheel, 4-H kids are busy putting the final touches on their livestock grooming, sewing projects, woodworking creations, or perfectly grown vegetables. These aren't just any old hobbies—they’re life skills in disguise.

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From Stubborn Lambs to Life Lessons

Take 12-year-old Ella from Watford City, for example. She’s been working on training her show lamb since early spring. “He’s a little stubborn,” she laughs, “but I’ve learned a lot about patience. And brushing.”

Sparks and Setbacks: Passion in 4-H Electronics Project Sparks Career Choice

Then there’s Parker from Williston, who enjoys working with electronics for his mechanical science project. “I think I broke it three times before I fixed it,” he admits. “But now I want to go into electronics.”

4-H teaches more than just how to grow tomatoes or sew a quilt. It builds confidence, responsibility, and problem-solving skills—and maybe a bit of humility, especially when a chicken refuses to cooperate in front of a judge.

Read More: Volunteers: North Dakota’s Unsung Summer Heroes

So while you’re enjoying a corndog or trying to win that giant stuffed sloth on the Midway, don’t forget to swing by the barns and exhibit halls. And If there's a 4-H market animal sale going on, go check it out! All those kids worked extremely hard to get that animal ready. There’s a whole generation of North Dakotans learning, growing, and building their futures—one project at a time.