The summer may be cooling off for the next few days, but July is about to heat up with a flurry of activity and fun.

Although the Decatur County 4-H Fair is officially slated for July 10 through 17, the first projects will be judged this Friday, July 3.

Before livestock arrive at the fairgrounds, the 4-H Dog Show will take place in the Headquarters Building at 9 a.m. Friday in conjunction with Dogless Dog presentations. At 8 a.m. on Saturday, the fairgrounds will host the Tractor Contest as well as the Lawn/Garden Contest.

Wednesday, July 8 will be the day for 4-H Electric projects to be judged at REMC. Later in the evening, the Fashion Revue will take place in the Farm and Home building. Thursday, July 9 will be the day for Aerospace projects as well crafts and fine arts. Clover Buds will also be judged.

Some events will be scheduled at different times during fair week than in previous years. The Swine Show will switch places with the Sheep and Dairy Shows in order to increase available space in the livestock barn. The Swine Show will be on Tuesday while the Sheep and Dairy shows will be on Wednesday. Dairy cattle will come in on Tuesday morning, after the Beef heifers have left.

Showmanship divisions have also been rearranged, eliminating the Rookie Class and adding an Intermediate Class. This year, Beginner will be for 3rd to 5th grade, Intermediate for 6th to 8th grade, senior for 9th to 12th grade and Expert for anyone who has won Senior.

In addition to the many activities going on at the fairgrounds, from July 11 through 17, the 4-H program will be collecting non-perishable food items for Human Services, New Directions and Bread of Life. Donations will be accepted in the community building with a drawing each day at 9 p.m. for two winners who will get $25 gift certificates to Wal-Mart. Each person can be entered once per day.