4-H at The Larimer County Fair

The Larimer County Fair is in the air!

It’s a time to showcase the hard work our youth have put into their projects and celebrate the connection between agriculture and our community. This year’s fair will be held July 31–August 4, 2026 at The Ranch Events Complex in Loveland.

Learn more about 4-H at Larimer County Fair

 

When to Visit

The McKee Building will be open to the public during the following hours:

  • Friday, July 31: 4–8pm
  • Saturday, August 1: 10am–8pm
  • Sunday, August 2: 10am–8pm
  • Monday, August 3: 2–8pm
  • Tuesday, August 4: 2–7pm

You’ll also find 4-H livestock shows, demonstrations, and interactive activities happening across the fairgrounds throughout the week. 

Check the full Fair Schedule for details.

 

Where to Find 4-H

Explore 4-H exhibits and events across the fairgrounds.

  • McKee 4-H Building: Explore hundreds of 4-H Project Displays from photography and woodworking to food science, sewing, and environmental projects to see the creativity and  dedication of Larimer County 4-H members.
  • Mac Equipment Arena: Featuring beef cattle, sheep, goats, rabbits, poultry, and swine.
  • Origin Arena: See dairy cattle and goats during their competitions and showcases.

Visit the 2026 Fair Map for more details.

 

Activity Zone

Stop by the McKee Building 4-H Activity Zone during fair hours for hands-on activities for all ages!

 

Larimer County Fair 2026

4-H members, click here for information about how to prepare your exhibit for the Larimer County Fair.

4-H Projects at the Larimer County Fair
We're proud of all the youth who worked hard on their projects. You may see quite a few different ribbons and trophies on the various exhibits. Here is what they mean:

Large Red, White, and Blue Ribbons:

Grand Champion

The very best exhibit from all the units in a project area. Some Grand Champion projects are also awarded a trophy in addition to their ribbon.

Reserve Grand Champion

The second-best exhibit from all the units in a project area.

Purple and/or Pink Ribbons:

Each 4-H project has multiple "units." Each unit teaches a new difficulty level or skill. Some units are further divided into age groups: Junior (8-10 years old), Intermediate (11-13 years old), Senior (14-18 years old). That's why there may be more than one "champion" in a project area.

Champion

The very best exhibit of those entered in a unit. This exhibit is eligible to represent Larimer County at the State Fair.

Reserve Champion

The second best exhibit of those entered in a unit. This exhibit can represent Larimer County at the State Fair if the champion cannot.

Best Record Book Ribbon:

 All 4-H member keep a record book for their project. These light blue ribbons show which record book was best in a unit.

Cloverbud Ribbons:

A participation ribbon given to each Cloverbud. Cluberbus are 5 - 7 years old.

Danish Scoring System Ribbons:

All projects are awarded a Danish scoring system ribbon. 

Blue Award:

The work is of high quality; meets or exceeds product standards & meets exhibit requirements.

Red Award:

The work is of average quality; meets minimum product standards and exhibit requirements.

White Award:

The work is considerably below average in meeting product standards and exhibit requirements.

 

 

 

Three soft serve ice cream cones

The Dairy Bar in the McKee Building is run by the Junior Leadership Club. You can purchase a variety of refreshments from ice cream, hot dogs, drinks, and more. Your purchases at the Dairy Bar helps:

  • Fund scholarships for 4-H members
  • 4-H members grow leadership skills
  • 4-H members develop business skills

Many Larimer County 4-H Members choose to exhibit their project(s) at the Larimer County Fair. Participation in the county fair can build skills like:

  • Interviewing & presentation
  • Goal setting
  • Responsibility
  • Time management

General & Family Consumer Science Projects:

Visit the Thomas M McKee 4-H, Youth and Community Building to view General and Family Consumer Science Project displays. It's free and open to the public.

You'll see items made by Larimer County 4-H Members age 5-18, including:

  • Clothing
  • Woodworking
  • Quilts
  • Decorated Cakes
  • Model Rockets
  • Photographs
  • Home Decor Items
  • and more!

Larimer County 4-H Livestock & animal projects can be viewed through one of many shows. Shows are held in the:

  • 4-H & Community Arena
  • MAC Equipment Indoor Arena
  • Ranch Warmup Arena
  • MAC Equipment Livestock Pavilion - West
  • First National Bank Exhibition Hall

For a full schedule, please visit the Larimer County Fair website or download the Larimer County Fair App:


Larimer County CSU Extension

1525 Blue Spruce Dr.    
Fort Collins, CO 80524-2004

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