There are lots of ways for you to be involved in the Barton County Fair!
The theme for the 2025 Barton County Fair is Barnyard Mardi Gras and it will be happening June 25th-29th. Exhibits are due to the fairgrounds for most categories on Wednesday, June 25th. Our 4-H members must pre-enter their exhibits while Open Class entries can be entered online ahead of time or on-site on the 25th.
We have a couple of 4-H pre-fair judging events for Sewing & Textiles, Shopping In Style, and Fiber Arts, as well as the 4-H Dog Show. However, these results will be on display in Expo II throughout the fair week.
Judging is handled a bit differently for 4-H and Open Class. Consultative judging is used to provide one-on-one feedback about project learning, and the exhibit, as an important part of the learning opportunity for the 4-H member and all members receive a ribbon on their entry. We use the Danish system for 4-H exhibits which defines a Purple as exemplary, a Blue as above average, a Red as average, and a White as having substantial deficiencies. For Open Class, the judge will evaluate the exhibit item and determine if it receives one of the top three placings awarded per class.
Each year, the Barton County Fair Association has several special award categories for Open Class which tie to the theme. Be on the lookout for the announcements about these and all Open Class opportunities. Open Class offers a youth (16 and younger), Adult (17-65), Senior (65 and better), and a Professional class for those who teach about or make a practice of selling their work.
Online entries aren’t open just yet for 4-H or Open Class but keep an eye on bartoncountyfair.com for updates, schedules, and entry information.
Come join us June 25th through 29th to watch the livestock shows, check out 4-H and Open Class exhibits, listen to a concert, share a meal with friends, and support all ages across our community as they showcase their interests from art to woodworking!
We look forward to seeing your entry for the Barnyard Mardi Gras!
Keep learning. Keep showing grace and kindness!
Michelle Beran is the 4-H Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. For more information on this article or other 4-H Youth Development resources, email Michelle at mberan@ksu.edu or call Cottonwood Extension District – Barton Office at 620-793-1910.
All Kansas Extension education programs and materials are available to all individuals without discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability.