Celebrating Youth, Agriculture, and Community: The Washington County Youth Fair
The Washington County Youth Fair is one of our community’s traditions—an annual showcase of local talent, hard work, and the agricultural roots that help shape our county’s identity. Each year, young people bring their skills, projects, and livestock to the Washington County Ag Center, transforming months of dedication into a public celebration of learning and achievement.
A Tradition of Youth Development
At its core, the Youth Fair exists to provide young people with a hands-on learning experience. Through the support of caring adults, volunteers, educators, and agricultural leaders, youth gain practical knowledge in animal science, agriculture, leadership, and responsibility. The fair isn’t just an event—it’s the culminating milestone of a year spent growing, caring, creating, and learning.
4‑H and FFA Livestock Shows
Livestock exhibitions are a centerpiece of the Washington County Youth Fair, bringing together participants from 4‑H and FFA. Exhibitors present a variety of species—from cattle and swine to goats and poultry—each one representing countless hours of feeding, training, and management.
These shows allow youth to demonstrate project knowledge, animal care practices, and the skills they’ve developed throughout the year. For many, stepping into the show ring is the highlight of their project, offering a blend of excitement, pride, and accomplishment.
The Art of Showmanship
Showmanship competitions are often the most anticipated portion of the livestock events. In showmanship, youth aren’t judged on the animal itself, but on their ability to present it confidently, calmly, and skillfully. Exhibitors must demonstrate control, awareness, poise, and an understanding of animal behavior.
Showmanship builds confidence, communication skills, and sportsmanship—qualities that benefit youth long after the fair is over. Whether a first‑year exhibitor or a seasoned participant, every young person has the opportunity to grow and succeed.
Homegrown Livestock Projects
A unique feature of the Washington County Youth Fair is its emphasis on homegrown livestock projects. These projects require exhibitors to raise their animals from birth on their family’s farm or property. This approach highlights the county’s agricultural heritage and encourages youth to learn the complete cycle of animal husbandry.
Homegrown projects teach responsibility and commitment—lessons that come from early morning feedings, careful recordkeeping, and attentive care. The results are animals that reflect excellent management and young people who gain a deeper appreciation for agriculture and food production.
More Than a Competition
While ribbons, trophies, and awards are exciting, the true value of the Washington County Youth Fair lies in the experiences gained. Youth walk away with lifelong memories, new friendships, and the confidence that comes from seeing a year’s worth of effort pay off.
For spectators and supporters, the fair offers a glimpse into the dedication of Washington County’s young people and a chance to celebrate the future of local agriculture.
A Community Effort
The success of the Youth Fair depends on countless volunteers, families, sponsors, judges, and supporters who invest in our youth. Their involvement ensures the fair remains an encouraging and educational event for everyone.
The Washington County Youth Fair is an educational program of UF/IFAS Extension Washington County. County Extension Director and 4-H Agent, Julie Pigott Dillard, and Agricultural Agent, Mark Mauldin, work together to host this annual event. For more information or questions about getting involved, contact 850-638-6180.
4-H POSTER
Junior – Roan Cannon
Senior – Levi Franklin
4-H GRAPHIC DESIGN
Senior – Levi Franklin
ART
Cloverbud – Kai Barber
Junior – Craig Hoyt
Intermediate – Sacred Jamito
BAKED GOODS
Junior – Saylor Woods
BAKED GOODS DECORATED
Junior – Emma Carter
CRAFTS
Cloverbud – Hannah Riley
Junior – Bowden Carter
Intermediate – Jase Glawson
Senior – Brystol Williams
NEEDLEWORK/SEWING
Junior – Graylynn Burger
Intermediate – Bryleigh Davis
MODELS
Cloverbud – Oaklynn Wheeler
Junior – Jackson Josey
Intermediate – Hunter May
PHOTOGRAPHY
Cloverbud – Jacey Pickle
Junior – Roan Cannon
Intermediate – Ava Crawford
Senior – Levi Franklin
GOAT SHOW
Grand Champion – Kira Owens
Reserve Champion – Abigail Dickerson
GOAT SHOWMANSHIP
Intermediate Grand Champion – Brooklynn Collins
Senior Grand Champion – Kira Owens
Senior Reserve Champion – Abigail Dickerson
POULTRY SHOW
Best of Show Hen – Lucas Stephens
Best of Show Bantam – Cade Crawford
Best of Show Rooster – Avalyn Barber
Best of Show Exotic – Roan Cannon
Best of Show Eggs – Cannon Brock
POULTRY SHOWMANSHIP
Junior Grand Champion/1st Place – Aubrey Mauldin
Junior Reserve Champion/2nd Place – Avalyn Barber
3rd Place – Natalie O’Sullivan
Intermediate Grand Champion/1st Place – Saylor Woods
Intermediate Reserve Champion/2nd Place – Tate Cannon
3rd Place – Ava Crawford
Senior Grand Champion/1st Place – Cade Crawford
Senior Reserve Champion/2nd Place – Emma Weeks
3rd Place – Abigail Brown
SWINE SHOW
Grand Champion – Kira Owens
Reserve Champion – Kira Owens
Grand Champion Homegrown – Beau Fisher
Reserve Champion Homegrown – Ella Fisher
SWINE SHOWMANSHIP
Junior Grand Champion/1ST Place – Ashlyn O’Steen
Junior Reserve Champion/2nd Place – Hannah Riley
3rd place – Reid Hayes
Intermediate Grand Champion/1st Place – Beau Fisher
Intermediate Reserve Champion/2nd Place – Ella Fisher
3rd Place – Aubrianne Cooper
Senior Grand Champion-1st Place – Kira Owens
Senior Reserve Champion/2nd Place – Landon O’Steen
3rd Place – Chloe Gilbert
STEER SHOW
Grand Champion – Levi Franklin
Reserve Champion – Harper Collines
Grand Champion Homegrown – Levi Franklin
Reserve Champion Homegrown – Beau Fisher
HEIFER SHOW
Grand Champion – Levi Franklin
Reserve Champion – Maddox Grantham
Grand Champion Homegrown – Maddox Grantham
Reserve Champion Homegrown – Cara Hayford
BEEF SHOWMANSHIP
Junior Grand Champion/1st Place – Harper Collins
Junior Reserve Champion/2nd Place – Hannah Riley
3rd Place – Cara Hayford
Intermediate Grand Champion/1st Place – Maddox Grantham
Intermediate Reserve Champion/2nd Place – Beau Fisher
3rd Place – Sarah Jane Riley
Senior Grand Champion/1st Place – Cason Hayford
Senior Reserve Champion/2nd Place – Sophia Dickerson
3rd Place – Trey Sellers
