VALLEY CITY, N.D. – The highly anticipated Barnes County Achievement Days are set to take place from July 8-11th at the North Dakota Winter Show Event Center. This event will showcase the hard work and dedication of local 4-H members as they present the projects they’ve worked on throughout the year.

4-H has a rich history of fostering essential life skills in youth. While it continues to offer traditional programs in cooking, baking, sewing, woodworking, welding, and agriculture, it has also expanded to include modern projects in consumer sciences, community service, videography, and robotics. Throughout the year, 4-H members participate in various contests
such as Clothing Revue, Communication Arts (speech contest), and Consumer Decision Making, which encourages wise consumer choices.

Today, 4-H is recognized as a comprehensive Youth Development Organization, promoting core values of Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Caring, and Citizenship. Extension educators in Barnes County also teach crucial classes on online safety, budgeting, and nutrition to the youth.

The week kicks off on Monday, July 8, with 4-H members presenting their projects to judges in the South Exhibit Building. This interview-style judging allows participants to explain their project processes, learning experiences, and areas for improvement, providing judges with insights into their growth and understanding.

The exhibits open for public viewing on Tuesday, July 9. The Dog Show will commence at 6:00 p.m. On Wednesday, July 10, 4-H members will set up displays for the Project Expo contest in the morning, followed by rabbit and poultry shows open to the public at 4:30 p.m. Thursday, July 11, features large animal judging, including cows, goats, sheep, and swine, in the
Winter Show Barn. The festivities culminate in an Awards and Premium Sale event. The evening begins with an appreciation supper at 5:00 p.m., followed by the Premium Sale at 6:30 p.m. This sale is a unique opportunity for businesses and individuals to financially support 4-H members by bidding on their champion and reserve projects. Although the projects are not physically sold, the funds raised go directly to the 4-H participants.

We invite the community to join us in celebrating the achievements of our local 4-H members. Visit the Barnes County 4-H exhibits on Tuesday, July 9, and throughout the week at the South Exhibit Building of the North Dakota Winter Show Event Center. This event is free and open to the public.