Submitted by: Quinn Martin, Franklin County 4-H Youth Development Educator
The public is invited to attend the 2026 Franklin County 4-H Roundup, a two-day celebration of youth achievement, agriculture, and community support, taking place Friday, August 7, and Saturday, August 8, 2026, at the Chambersburg Rod & Gun Club, Home of the Franklin County Fair, 3725 Warm Spring Road, Chambersburg.
The annual Roundup brings together Franklin County 4-H members who have dedicated months to raising, managing, and caring for their market livestock projects. Throughout the event, exhibitors will participate in market animal shows and showmanship competitions before culminating in the 2026 Franklin County 4-H Livestock Sale, which begins at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 8 following a sale welcome at 5:45 p.m.
Visitors will have the opportunity to watch some of the county’s most outstanding youth livestock exhibitors showcase their skills with market goats, lambs, beef cattle, and pigs. The event schedule includes:
- Friday, August 7
- 5:00 p.m. Market Goat Show (showmanship followed by conformation)
- Approximately 6:00 p.m. Market Lamb Show (showmanship followed by conformation
- Saturday, August 8
- 9:00 a.m. Market Beef Show (showmanship followed by conformation)
- Approximately 10:30 a.m. Market Pig Show (showmanship followed by conformation)
- 4:00 p.m. Sale Office Opens
- 5:45 p.m. Sale Welcome
- 6:00 p.m. Franklin County 4-H Livestock Sale Begins
The livestock sale will feature champion animals first, followed by reserve champions and additional market animals in sheep, beef, goat, and swine divisions.
Food will be available for purchase on-site, making the Roundup an enjoyable event for families, agricultural supporters, and community members who want to learn more about local 4-H programs and youth livestock projects.
Supporting Youth Through the Livestock Sale
The Franklin County 4-H Livestock Sale is more than an auction. It is an investment in the next generation of agricultural leaders. Through their livestock projects, 4-H members gain valuable life skills, including responsibility, record keeping, financial management, animal husbandry, communication, goal setting, and leadership. The sale provides youth with an opportunity to market the animals they have raised while learning firsthand about agriculture and business.
Proceeds from livestock sales help offset project expenses and encourage members to continue developing their agricultural knowledge and leadership skills. Community participation demonstrates to young people that their hard work, dedication, and commitment are valued and supported.
Buyers may choose from several participation options, including purchasing animals for personal use, participating in the sale’s buy-back program, or donating animals through the food bank option. Animals donated through the program ultimately benefit families facing food insecurity, with meat distributed through Pennsylvania food banks and prioritized for Franklin County residents.
By purchasing an animal, businesses, organizations, and individuals directly support youth
development while strengthening local agriculture and contributing to a vibrant community. Every bid represents an investment in a young person’s education, work ethic, and future success.
Community members interested in attending the Roundup or participating in the livestock sale can contact the Franklin County Extension Office at 717-263-9226 for additional information
The Franklin County 4-H program encourages everyone to come out, cheer on local youth, and experience the hard work and dedication that make the annual 4-H Roundup one of the county’s premier agricultural events.
