Join us in helping 4-H’ers be ready for anything.

The Missouri State Fair is where 4-H youth shine—showcasing their skills, showmanship, and character through exhibits, demonstrations, and competitions. Fair visitors experience the heart of 4-H by exploring exhibits, cheering in the show ring, and engaging in hands-on activities. Support these life-changing opportunities by donating today.

The 4-H Building

The 4-H Building at the Missouri State Fair offers thousands of Missouri 4-H members a place to showcase the skills and knowledge they have gained through their 4-H experiences. Throughout the two weeks of the fair, the building features close to 4,000 project exhibits and more than 100 youth demonstrations, helping young people gain confidence and hone their public speaking skills year after year.

Built in 1905, the 4-H Building is a historical landmark and one of the oldest buildings on the fairgrounds. It has been home to 4-H since 1958, providing more than 12,000 square feet of space in which to cultivate and support future leaders. While the building remains structurally sound despite its age, it requires substantial maintenance and modernization to meet the evolving needs of Missouri 4-H—now and for generations to come. 

The Missouri 4-H Foundation is partnering with the Missouri State Fair to raise the necessary funds to restore and upgrade this historic landmark. Beyond essential renewal efforts, the funds raised will transform the building’s interior. These updates will enhance dynamic, hands-on learning, create a more welcoming space for State Fair visitors, and elevate the Missouri 4-H State Fair experience to new heights.

A Campaign for the 4-H Building at the Missouri State Fair

• $850,000 for building repairs and renovation.
• $920,000 for new offices, meeting rooms, and sleeping space.
• $80,000 for modern furnishings and building enhancements.
• $250,000 for endowment investment.

Total Goal: $2.1M

Secured to Date: $1.54M

Improved Health & Safety

• New roof, windows, and doors.
• Air conditioning, fire suppression, and improved ventilation.
• Modern, accessible meeting rooms and sleeping rooms.

Better Youth Experience

• Improved floor plan highlighting youth demonstrations and exhibits.
• New demonstration stage and kitchen.
• Modern technology enhancements.

Support for the Future

• Building an endowment to provide sustainable funding for 4-H at the Missouri State Fair.

4-H at the Fair

The Missouri State Fair offers an opportunity for members to exhibit their skills in the 4-H Building, their showmanship in the livestock arenas, and their character through demonstrations. For many this is a culminating experience impacting youth beyond the premium and ribbon. Missouri State Fair visitors experience first-hand the foundations of the 4-H program by browsing aisles of exhibits, cheering on youth in the show ring, and participating in activities showcasing the project areas.

On average, the Missouri State Fair annually features:

• Nearly 200 horse show exhibitors
• Over 1,000 livestock exhibitors
• Over 2,300 4-H Building exhibitors
• Nearly 150 youth demonstration in the 4-H Building

Naming Opportunities

Named Space	Gift Amount	Quantity Available
Demonstrations Stage	$100,000	1
Second Floor Dormitory	$50,000	1
Best In Show Exhibit Area	$50,000	1
Demonstration Kitchen	$50,000	1
Exhibit Areas	$25,000	3
Building Entrances	$25,000	4
Welcome Desk	$25,000	1
Community Room	$10,000	1
Offices	$10,000	2
Youth Lounge	$10,000	1
Benches	$2,500	9

Join us in helping youth be Ready for Anything

Contact: Rachel Augustine, Sr. Director of Advancement, augustinere@missouri.edu

Missouri 4-H Foundation | 573-882-2680 | 4hfoundation@missouri.edu