Washtenaw County 4-H Youth Show THIS WEEK; auction on Thursday
Photo from last year’s 4-H Youth Show. Photo courtesy of Melissa Cousino.
submitted by Melissa Cousino, MSU Extension Support Staff, Washtenaw County
Visit the Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds July 19–24 for the 2026 Washtenaw County 4-H Youth Show. This family-friendly, no-cost public event showcases 4-H youth development and opportunities available to Washtenaw County youth. Michigan 4-H is the largest youth development organization in Michigan and provides thousands of young people with experiential learning opportunities that ready them for work and life. This annual 4-H event allows over 300 youth from across Washtenaw County to showcase their learning and hard work from the last year.
The show kicked off on Sunday with our youngest horse participants. Tuesday, July 21, all projects, including “still” non-animal projects and animals, will be on display. Stop in Building A, the large red building, to get a map and schedule when you arrive.
Throughout the week you can bid on Entrepreneurship Silent Auction of youth-made craft items. Silent auction items are on display and open for bids July 19–July 23 and proceeds go back to the 4-H youth. The entrepreneurship project prepares our future entrepreneurs for the business world by helping them develop skills in product development, marketing, finance, etc.
The public is also invited to the Activity Tent outside of Building A on Thursday from 9am to noon for hands-on, take-home craft activities hosted by MSU Extension Master Gardeners for youth of all ages.
Livestock and small animals are auctioned Thursday, July 23, starting at 4:30pm, under the open pavilion/Building B. All are welcome and encouraged to attend. Buyers can arrive starting at 4pm for a free buyers’ dinner, as well as to learn the auction process. Staff and volunteers on-site will assist any new buyers with step-by-step details and give you all the information you need regarding how we handle the post-auction animal processing for you. This auction is the culmination of a year-long project for 4-H’ers who have raised market animals. This is your opportunity to invest in the future of Washtenaw County’s young people, plus purchase top-quality meats for your freezer or animals that can be resold at local livestock yards.
The 4-H Youth Show is located at the barrier-free Washtenaw County Farm Council Grounds, 5055 Ann Arbor-Saline Rd, between Ann Arbor and Saline. The gates open at 8am and close at 10pm each day of the show. All animal exhibits will be on display starting Tuesday afternoon. Admission and parking are free to the grounds and all events. You can find a detailed schedule on our website at https://www.canr.msu.edu/washtenaw/washtenaw_county_4_h/4-h-youth-show-visitor-buyer-information. Additional questions may be directed to the Washtenaw County MSU Extension Office at 734-997-1678.
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