Fair Fame for Iowa’s 4-H Stars

By Andi Anderson

The 2025 Iowa State Fair celebrated the hard work and talent of young people as more than 2,475 4-H exhibitors presented 3,316 static exhibits inside the Bruce L. Rastetter 4-H Exhibits Building.

These displays represented a year of dedicated learning across a wide range of project areas, including agriculture and natural resources, food and nutrition, home improvement, consumer management, child development, science and technology, visual arts, photography, personal development, clothing and fashion, and sewing and needle arts.

“Every exhibit represents meaningful exploration and progress our 4-H members have experienced across their project areas in the past year,” said Gail Castillo, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach 4-H exhibits building superintendent. “The exhibits highlight educational and personal achievements and celebrate a year filled with learning, leadership, and growth.”

Top honors recognized exceptional work across the state. The 4-H Innovation Award went to Pacey Bogue of Carroll County.

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship honored youth from counties including Adair, Boone, Clay, Clinton, Dallas, Guthrie, Johnson, Linn, Marion, Page, Scott, Sioux, Warren, Winneshiek, Woodbury, and Wright.

Special recognition from Iowa Questers honored Dylan Howe of Floyd County with Gold, Nora Lowden of Madison County with Silver, and Charles Staley of Muscatine County with Bronze.

Scholarships from Iowa State University’s Colleges of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Health and Human Sciences, Liberal Arts and Sciences, and the Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering were awarded to outstanding participants from counties across Iowa.

Additional honors included the Iowa Tree Farm Award, International Harvester Collectors Club Award, and the Professional Photographers of Iowa Gallery Award.

Judge’s Choice Awards highlighted excellence in agriculture, creative arts, family and consumer sciences, personal development, and science and technology, recognizing young leaders in areas from restored tractors and woodworking to civic engagement and health.

The 2025 Iowa State Fair once again showcased the remarkable skills and dedication of Iowa’s 4-H youth, reflecting a strong tradition of agriculture, innovation, and community pride.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-brzozowska