By MATT PIKE
A three day event next week at the new Buchanan County Fairgrounds will highlight the work of local youth in 4-H and FFA.
After nearly a year of planning, organizers are putting the finishing touches on the inaugural Barn and Beyond Showcase, beginning July 18th. Members of the Barn and Beyond Showcase executive committee have been planning the event since September 2025. Collaboration between the 4-H youth program, FFA, and the county’s first fully operational fairgrounds will give 4-H and FFA members the opportunity to showcase projects they have worked on throughout the year.
The Showcase will be open for participants who are members of 4-H or FFA in Andrew, Buchanan, Caldwell, Clinton, Daviess, or DeKalb counties. Entries for the showcase can be accessed on the Barn and Beyond Facebook page Events on Saturday July 18th will be only for exhibitors, however the public is welcome to enjoy activities on Sunday, July 19th and Monday, July 20th.
Events on July 19th begin with a church service at 7:15 a.m. and shows for livestock from 8 am to 5 pm. An award ceremony followed by a premium sale will begin at 11 am on Monday, July 20th. The premium sale is structured so the money funds the youth participants work and their animal returns home with them.
A scholarship application is available to participants if they apply before the deadline, Friday, July 10th. Several $500 scholarships will be awarded to eligible youth participants.
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