Governor Gianforte Visits with 4-H Members, Encourages Montanans to Support Youth at County Fairs

EAST HELENA, MT - Governor Greg Gianforte recently visited with Lewis and Clark County 4-H members in East Helena to learn more about the projects of the Last Chance Livestock club that are set to be shown at the county fair later this summer.

Meeting with members Emma and Kyla and their fellow 4-H members, the governor heard about their projects in agriculture, livestock, and leadership.

“Emma, Kyla, and their fellow 4-H members are doing incredible work,” Gov. Gianforte said. “They’re learning responsibility, developing confidence, and staying connected to the values that make Montana strong. Programs like 4-H help raise the next generation of leaders and I’m glad to support them.”

During a visit just outside of East Helena, the governor heard directly from 4-H youth about their work raising animals, completing community projects, and building skills that will serve them for a lifetime.

Emma, a member of the Last Chance Livestock club, shared her experience with the governor, “I like 4-H because I get to learn new things and I can use it in real life. It means a lot that the governor came out to see our pigs, and we appreciate his support!”

Her sister, Kyla, added, “I love 4-H because it has taught me hard work and responsibility. It’s also taught me how to speak in front of people and come out of my comfort zone. Having the governor out was very exciting and special. We really appreciate the support!”

Concluding the visit, the governor encouraged Montanans to get out and support 4-H youth across the state this summer by attending local county fairs.

“Whether you’re in the stands at the show ring or raising a paddle at the livestock auction, show up for these kids,” the governor said. “Your support matters and it keeps our rural traditions alive.”

Each summer, thousands of Montana youth take part in local fairs to showcase their hard work, connect with community members, and help strengthen the state’s number one industry, agriculture. Below is a list of upcoming county fairs where Montanans can support 4-H youth and enjoy local events:

• Gallatin County Fair – July 17-21, Bozeman
• Central Montana Fair – July 17-26, Lewistown
• Lake County Fair – July 20-25, Ronan
• Sweet Grass County Fair – July 21-25, Big Timber
• Carbon County Fair – July 21-26, Red Lodge
• Big Horn County Youth and Open Fair – July 21-27, Hardin
• Lewis and Clark County Fair – July 23-27, Helena
• Yellowstone County Fair – July 23-27, Billings
• Powder River County Fair – July 24-26, Broadus
• Dawson County Fair – July 24-27, Glendive
• Daniels County Fair – July 24-27, Scobey
• Montana State Fair – July 25-August 2, Great Falls
• Musselshell County Fair – July 26-August 2, Roundup
• Judith Basin County Fair – July 28-August 1, Stanford
• Wheatland County Fair – July 30-August 1, Harlowton
• Mineral County Fair – July 31-August 2, Superior
• Butte Silver Bow County Fair – July 31-August 2, Butte
• Phillips County Fair – July 31-August 3, Dodson
• Prairie County Fair – August 1-3, Terry
• Roosevelt County Fair – August 5-8, Culbertson
• Northeast Montana Fair – August 5-9, Glasgow
• Missoula County Fair – August 5-10, Missoula
• Richland County Fair – July 28-August 2, Sidney
• Madison County Fair – August 6-10, Twin Bridges
• Carter County Fair – August 6-10, Ekalaka
• Garfield County Fair – August 7-9, Jordan
• Blaine County Fair – August 7-10, Chinook
• MontanaFair – August 8-16, Billings
• Tri-County Fair – August 9-17, Deer Lodge
• Fallon County Fair – August 12-17, Baker
• Flathead County Fair – August 11-17, Kalispell
• McCone County Fair – August 13-16, Circle
• Chouteau County Fair August 13-17, Fort Benton
• Custer County Fair – August 20-23, Miles City
• Lincoln County Fair – August 20-24, Eureka
• Jefferson County Fair – August 20-24, Boulder
• Wibaux Count Fair – August 20-24, Wibaux
• Park County Fair – July 21-28, Livingston
• Ravalli County Fair – August 27-30, Hamilton
• Sanders County Fair – August 28-31, Plains
• Beaverhead County Fair – August 28-September 1, Dillon

For more information about your local county fair or how to support 4-H youth, visit montana4h.org or contact your county extension office.