Fair and Exhibits
Program Contact
Autumn Britt, 4-H Program ManagerPhone Number509-588-7817 Email Address • autumn.britt@wsu.edu
Central Washington State Fair
It’s almost time for the Central Washington State Fair in Yakima and we are so excited to announce the many awesome changes for this year!
The first big change being that the 4-H Department has been moved to the Ag building upstairs! Meaning more room for still life entries, activities and more!
Secondly, entering your still life projects just got easier! Entry forms can now be completed on the Central Washington State Fair ShoWorks website. Otherwise you may print a hard copies of the entry forms listed below. These will need to be completed and given to the Superintendent on entry drop off day.
Also, the Central Washington State Fair Park in Yakima has added new divisions and classes for 4-H this year, including the 4-H Youth Rabbit & Poultry Divisions. These will be 1 day shows where you can haul in the night before or the morning of the show and leave that evening or stay the weekend. Be sure to check out the guides listed below if you’re interested!
ENTRIES DUE: Sunday, September 7th, 2025. and accepted online on the Central Washington State Fair ShoWorks website.
Don’t have a poultry or rabbit project? There are opportunities for all at this event! Consider entering your still life projects or pre-registering for an event within the 4-H Department. Join the fun by entering your still life projects or pre-registering for some of the contests listed below!
For more information on the contests and events please contact the Central Washington State Fair 4-H Superintendent, Kattie Blanchard at 509-945-9309 or by emailing blanchardk1983@gmail.com.
Central Washington State Fair 4-H Department Still Life Entry Dates
The following entry forms and entries are due on Saturday September 6th, 2025, between 11:00 am – 2:00 pm and can be dropped off by entering Gate 5 off South Fair Avenue
- Cloverbud
- Creative Arts
- Dried Foods and Herbs
- Fabric and Yarn Art
- Food Preservation
- Photography
- Promotions and Educational Exhibits
The following entry forms and entries are due on Saturday, September 13th, 2025 between 11:00 am – 2:00 pm and can be dropped off by entering through Gate 11 Off 18th Street and proceed to the Ag Building
- Flower Gardening/Arranging
- Food and Nutrition
- Valley Produce
- Gourd & Pumpkin Animals
Yakima County 4-H Quilt Block Challenge
Yakima 4-H youth members are encouraged to contribute to the Yakima 4-H community quilt project! Help us to create a quilt from the many different members and clubs within our community, to be raffled off to benefit Yakima County 4-H.
Stop by the office to pick up a quilt block kit and look through a tote of extra fabric to incorporate in your design. Your unfinished square will have two opportunities to be judged, at both at West Valley Fair & Central Washington State Fair. Please keep in mind that these quilt squares will not be returned to the creator, as submitted blocks will be assembled after the Central WA State Fair to create a community to be raffled off to benefit Yakima County 4-H.
For questions regarding this contest, please contact the WSU Yakima County Extension Office at Yakima.4H@wsu.edu or by calling 509-574-1600.
Yakima County 4-H Block Quilt Challenge
Contribute to the Yakima 4-H Community Quilt
Your quilt blocks will not be returned however, you will receive your score sheets and any awards received.
Contest Rules
– Embellishments are allowed but must be securely attached and washable.
– Only submit an unfinished square that measures 12.5″ x12.5″
All fabric must be pre-washed
Two opportunities for judging quilt squares!
Central WA State Fair – Entry Submission Due September 6th
Central Washington State Fair – Special Featured Fair Contests
Pre-Registration for events is required and members will be contacted on which day the contest will be held. Please register to the events listed below by Saturday, September 13th, 2025 between 11:00 am – 2:00 pm by emailing the 4-H Youth Department Superintendent, Kattie Blanchard at blanchardk1983@gmail.com.
Dairy Trifecta Buckle Challenge
3 contests 1 buckle per age division. Please refer to the guidelines and rules in the premium book. You must complete all 3 to qualify.
- Dairylicious Baking Contest
- Dairy Container Creature
- Dairy Poster Contest
Grilled Cheese Sandwich Cookoff
Contest is Sunday, September 28th at 4:00 pm. Contestants will create a grilled cheese sandwich for a panel of judges. Cash prizes for each age division winner.
Food Preparation Activity
Please see the guidelines in the premium book. Can be scheduled throughout the fair.
Public Presentation
This is a great opportunity to complete your project presentation. This presentation will count towards your medal of honor qualification and the CWSF trophy contest. All members who complete a presentation will receive a coupon for a milkshake at the Dairy Bar at the fairgrounds.
Table Setting Contest
This is a fun way to create an event, plan for it and put it all together. The table settings will be set up by the exhibitor sometime during the week of September 14th – 19th. Please see the guidelines in the premium book.
Style Review & Performing Arts
Show off your sewing talent as well as your amazing style choices by participating in the style review. This will include all sewn garments, items and creative consumer fashion projects. The style review will be Sunday, September 28th at 2:00 pm.
Helpers & Volunteers are Needed!
Each year the Yakima County 4-H provides activity stations within the Agriculture Building for the kids on school field trips. This years school field trips are scheduled for Tuesday, September 23rd and Thursday, September 25th.
If you are a 4-H volunteer or youth member who is interested in helping with these activities, we would appreciate the extra support. Please contact the Yakima 4-H Program Manager, Autumn Britt for at Autumn.Britt@wsu.edu or by calling 509-574-1578.
Other Local Fairs
Throughout the spring, summer, and fall.
Yakima County 4-H partners with several local fairs to offer 4-H classes, activities and events during the fair. For youth to participate in a 4-H class at local fairs (e.g., showmanship, 4-H exhibit or contest) they must be enrolled in 4-H.
4-H opportunities at county fairs include animal showmanship (e.g., horse, livestock, poultry, dog, cat, rabbit, small pets), livestock market sale, herdsmanship, cage/barn design, fashion revue, demonstrations and presentations, baking/foods contests, flag design, still life and art exhibits, and more!
While not every 4-H member exhibits their work or competes in a contest at fair, for most, the fair is an opportunity to showcase their work and learning and build camaraderie within their club and beyond as they work in teams to set up and maintain exhibits and cheer on others.
- Central Washington State Fair – September
Yakima, WA - West Valley Fair – July
Yakima, WA - Yakima Valley Fair – August
Grandview, WA - Washington State Junior Horse Show – June
Moses Lake, WA - Central Washington Junior Livestock Show – May
Toppenish, WA
State 4-H Fair
Labor Day Weekend through the third weekend in September in Puyallup, WA
Yakima County 4-H members who received a blue ribbon in a qualifying 4-H contest or exhibit are eligible to represent Yakima County at the State 4-H Fair. Yakima County 4-H receives a participant number allotment from the State 4-H Fair each year (e.g., six slots for qualifying equine members), which are offered to eligible youth based on the point total for the qualifying exhibit. After the allotments are filled, alternates may go if a selected member decides not to participate. Please review State 4- H Fair resources for more information or contact the local 4-H office for support.