SHELBYVILLE, IL. — Shelby County 4-Hers are completing their projects to get ready for judging at the  4-H Fair July 18-21.

The 4-H Fair involves youth from throughout the county with livestock, craft, cooking, and educational projects.

“It’s fun to go through the 4-H projects,” said 4-H coordinator Yolanda Nation. “It’s always interesting to see that the kids have done.

Some projects were judged Wednesday including child development, clothing, consumer education, computer, interior design, 4-H photography, filmmaking/video.

Judging for 4-H Dog Care and Dog Obedience will be held Saturday afternoon.

Monday begins the first full day of judging with the sheep show in the show arena at 8 a.m. followed by the dairy cattle at 11 a.m. and goats at 1:30 p.m. Project judgings for the will begin in the Produce building and 4-H Center at 9 a.m.

Other activities of interest Monday include rocket launch at 12:30 p.m., floral arranging at 1:30 p.m., and horse and pony show at 3 p.m.

“The horse show is a pretty good draw and goes well into the evening,” Nation said.

Younger fair attendees have a chance to compete in the Cutest Farmer, Money in the Straw, and Pedal Tractor Pulls in the show arena beginning at 6:30 p.m. These activities are sponsored by the Shelby County Farm Bureau and the Young Farmers Association.

“It a fun evening for the little kids,” said Farm Bureau manager Amy Rochkes. “It’s geared towed kids who are not 4-H age.”

The Cutest Farmer and Money in the Straw contests are for toddlers ages 1-3. The Pedal Tractor Pulls will be for those ages 4-7 and broken into age categories. There is no entry fee to these contests.

On Tuesday swine judging will begin at 8 a.m. in the show arena and rabbit judging will begin at 9 a.m. in the Gillett pavilion

In the Produce Building horticulture, floriculture crops, plants, and soils will be judged.

4-H foods and visual arts will be judged in the 4-H Center.

An antique tractor and implement show will be open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The show is sponsored by the Farm Bureau and the Young Farmers.

“This is open to tractors, cars, and trucks 1980 and older. There is no entry fee - just come and show,” Rochkes said.

Evening activities include the Dog obedience and agility show at 5:30 p.m. in the show arena and the Fashion Revue at 6:30 p.m. in the 4-H Center. Making a return is the Ice Cream Eating contest sponsored by the Shelbyville Daily Union and the Shelbyville Dairy Queen.

“This went so well last year that we wanted to do it again this year,” said Paul Semple, Daily Union publisher.

The Speed Horse Show will begin at 6 p.m. at the horse arena.

“This is an open show and is recognized by the IBRA (International Barrell Racing Association). It pulls people from Southern Illinois, Indiana, and the St. Louis area. It always draws a huge crowd,” Nation said. She added that registration may be done that night.

Wednesday’s judgings include poultry at 8 a.m. at the Gillett pavilion, beef at 8:30 a.m. in the show arena, cats and small caged animals in the produce building beginning at 9 a.m.

Fun and games give the 4-Hers something to do during the times when they are not being judged. Each day at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. “Food, Fun, and Not Boring” activities are available. These are sponsored by the Extension Office Food Nutrition program.

The 4-H Federation is offering 4-H Follies at 2 p.m. Wednesday in the north field. The follies will offer carnival games and Minute to Win It games.

The Cook Shack will provide a variety of foods Monday through Wednesday. The special Monday is southern fried chicken for $3 and $4. Tuesday’s special is Italian beef (sandwich, $3; dinner, $4; by the pound, $6). Wednesday’s special is pork chop meal. Advance sale tickets are $8 and may be purchased at the Extension Office or at the Cook Shack Monday and Tuesday. Tickets at the door are $9. There is a limited number of tickets available.

Organizers encourage the county to attend this year’s fair.

“We’re looking forward to a great 4-H and Jr. Fair,” Rochkes said.

“We’d love to see everybody come out and support the fair,” Nation said.