4-H Photo Essay: Getting pumped for HR County Fair

All photos provided by Grace Wesson, 4-H Outreach Program Coordinator:

From Karyna Marquez:

The Dalles, Ore., July 13, 2026 — For many Hood River County youth, 4-H is about much more than ribbons and blue banners at the county fair. It is a year-round program that teaches responsibility, leadership, problem-solving and confidence through hands-on learning.

Whether raising livestock, growing gardens, designing floral arrangements, building robots or mastering photography, 4-H members spend months developing skills that often extend far beyond the fairgrounds. Participants learn to set goals, manage projects, speak with judges, care for animals and work as part of a team — experiences that prepare them for future careers and community leadership.

This year's Hood River County 4-H program includes 175 members supported by 40 dedicated volunteers who mentor youth across a wide range of projects. The county fair offers the public a chance to see the results of that work firsthand while recognizing the commitment of both the young exhibitors and the volunteers and families who support them.

As visitors walk through the barns and exhibit halls during the July 22-25 fair, they'll be seeing far more than prize-winning animals and creative displays. They'll be witnessing months of perseverance, learning and personal growth that continue to make 4-H one of Hood River County's most enduring youth development programs.