Wapello County Expo Board

Wapello County Expo Board Wapello County 4-H Expo Board provides support and services to support Wapello County 4-H, FFA, and youth of the community.

Our mission is to educate and support today and tomorrow’s youth through 4-H.

📸 Throwback Thursday! 📸We're hopping in the time machine and heading back to the 2006-ish era when the Lucky Clovers 4-H...
06/05/2026

📸 Throwback Thursday! 📸

We're hopping in the time machine and heading back to the 2006-ish era when the Lucky Clovers 4-H Club rolled through the Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont Homecoming Parade with this colorful float! Thanks Katie Burton for this fun memory!
Now, here's the big question...

🤔 Why are they wearing cone hats?! 🤔

We have absolutely no idea! 😂 It must have been part of the float theme, but after all these years, the details have gotten a little fuzzy.
Do you recognize anyone in the picture?
Do you remember what the float theme was?
Do you know the story behind those cone hats?
👇 Help us solve the mystery!

Tag the people you recognize, share your memories, and let's see if someone can tell us what was going on in true 2006 fashion!

💚🍀 The Lucky Clovers have been making memories, building friendships, and representing 4-H for generations, and we love looking back at moments like these.

Wapello County Southeast Iowa Showdown Shirts are ready to order! Exhibitor names will be added before printing. I know ...
06/04/2026

Wapello County Southeast Iowa Showdown Shirts are ready to order! Exhibitor names will be added before printing. I know it is early, but Expo week gets crazy and I know some people order no matter what! Do not worry, we will re-post when Expo gets closer to remind everyone!

🌟💚 FUTURE LEADER FEATURE 💚🌟Let’s give a big shoutout to this week’s future leader… Quincy Hedgecock! 👏🎒 School: Liberty ...
06/04/2026

🌟💚 FUTURE LEADER FEATURE 💚🌟
Let’s give a big shoutout to this week’s future leader… Quincy Hedgecock! 👏
🎒 School: Liberty
🍀 Club: City Slickers
📆 Years in 4-H: 6
Quincy is involved in some awesome projects this year including:
📸 Photography
🐹 Hamster
His all-time favorite project?
🎨 Pour painting—a super creative and fun way to express himself!
Quincy stays busy outside of 4-H too! He’s involved in:
⚾ Baseball
🏈 Football
🏹 Archery
🏃 OCCP Track
🎸 Rock Band
One of his favorite 4-H memories is simple and says it all:
😄 Having fun at meetings with friends!
Through 4-H, Quincy has learned:
🌟 Leadership and important life skills
Fun fact about Quincy:
🐢 He likes turtles! (We love that 😄)
And when it’s time to grab some Expo food…
🧀 Mac and cheese is his favorite! Not sure where the Mac & Cheese shop at Expo is, but I’m gonna be looking for it this year!!
When asked why other kids should join 4-H, Quincy shared:
👉 “It’s fun and you get to make new friends!”
Way to go, Quincy! We love your creativity and all the activities you’re involved in! 👏💚

🌊 Sponsor Spotlight: Ameriprise Financial – Neal McMullin 🌊The Wapello County Expo Board would like to extend a heartfel...
06/02/2026

🌊 Sponsor Spotlight: Ameriprise Financial – Neal McMullin 🌊

The Wapello County Expo Board would like to extend a heartfelt THANK YOU to Neal McMullin and Ameriprise Financial for their continued support of the Wapello County Expo!
Year after year, Neal has been a loyal sponsor, helping make it possible for us to provide opportunities, experiences, and memories for the youth and families of our community. Sponsors like Neal play an important role in ensuring that our 4-H and FFA members have a place to showcase the hard work, dedication, and accomplishments they've invested in throughout the year.
We are incredibly grateful for businesses and individuals who believe in supporting local youth and strengthening our community.
Please join us in thanking Neal McMullin and Ameriprise Financial for their generosity and commitment to the Wapello County Expo!
⭐ Thank you for helping us continue to Ride the Tide of Tomorrow! ⭐

🌟💚 VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT 💚🌟THIS MAN IS A DRIVING FORCE! 💪 He is always there—and in the rare occasion he’s not… THERE IS A...
06/02/2026

🌟💚 VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT 💚🌟
THIS MAN IS A DRIVING FORCE! 💪
He is always there—and in the rare occasion he’s not… THERE IS A GOOD REASON!!
This week we are proud to spotlight Marlyn “Duane” Bass 👏
Duane has been volunteering with the Expo since 2010 and has been a huge part of the Expo Grounds since 2017. His impact is felt EVERYWHERE.
If there’s a job that needs done—Duane’s already on it.
He truly is a “jack of all trades”, serving as:
🔧 Grant Writer
🚜 Equipment Provider
🛠️ Mechanical & Grounds Support
📋 Expo Board Member
🐄 Event & Livestock Show Support
…and honestly, so much more!
Duane started volunteering to support his kids in 4-H, and like so many of us, he never left. Now, he continues to give his time because he loves watching kids grow, learn, and thrive through 4-H and FFA experiences. 💚
He shares that helping secure grants and funding—and seeing those opportunities come to life for kids—is incredibly meaningful and rewarding.
One of his favorite memories?
🐮 Working with Allison Swallow and her bucket bottle calf at the 2025 Expo—just one example of the hands-on impact he makes.
Duane is passionate about helping kids learn while having fun, and he encourages others to step in and do the same:
👉 “We always need people who will help our 4-H and FFA kids learn through experiences and guidance.”
💬 His message is simple:
Bring your ideas. Bring your energy. Help our Expo—and our kids—learn and grow.
Duane, thank you for everything you do. You are truly one of the backbones of the Wapello County Expo! 👏💚

🌟 Have You Ever Been to the Wapello County Expo? 🌟If not, this is your year!The Wapello County Expo isn't just an Expo—i...
05/31/2026

🌟 Have You Ever Been to the Wapello County Expo? 🌟

If not, this is your year!

The Wapello County Expo isn't just an Expo—it's a week-long celebration of the hard work, dedication, and accomplishments of our local 4-H and FFA youth. For months (and often years!), these young people have been raising animals, building skills, creating projects, learning responsibility, and preparing to showcase their best work.

📅 July 11–18, 2026
📍 13011 120th Ave., Ottumwa, Iowa

The Expo is open to the public every day except Monday, July 13th, and there is something for everyone!

🐄 See livestock projects up close
🎨 Explore hundreds of static exhibits
🏆 Watch youth compete and showcase their skills
🍔 Enjoy delicious food
🎶 Attend special events and activities
👋 Meet the incredible young people behind the projects

Another great thing about Expo is
✅ FREE Parking
✅ FREE Admission
✅ MANY FREE Activities

None of this would be possible without our amazing volunteers and our amazing sponsors and supporters! Please come out and see us and enjoy all the efforts that the Wapello County Expo Board members put into this week!!

The flyer below is just a small glimpse of everything happening during Expo Week. There is truly something going on every day!

When you visit the Expo, you're doing more than attending an event. You're encouraging young people, supporting agriculture, celebrating education, and investing in the future of our community.

Come for an hour or Stay all day.

We think you'll leave inspired by what these kids can accomplish—and your only disappointment will be when it's time to go home, so I guess you'll just need to come back every day!

Mark your calendars now:
📅 July 11–18, 2026

We can't wait to welcome you to the Wapello County Expo!

❤️ Because when our community shows up for our youth, everyone wins.

🌟💚 Friday's Future Leader Feature 💚🌟Let’s give a big shoutout to this week’s future leader… Kelsie Swallow! 👏🎒 Grade: 10...
05/30/2026

🌟💚 Friday's Future Leader Feature 💚🌟
Let’s give a big shoutout to this week’s future leader… Kelsie Swallow! 👏
🎒 Grade: 10th (Sophomore)
🍀 Clubs: Lucky Clovers 4-H & Ottumwa FFA
📆 Years in 4-H/FFA: 5 years in 4-H | 4 years in FFA
Kelsie is involved in a variety of projects this year including:
🐄 Beef
🐰 Rabbits
🐶 Dog
🎨 Static Projects
Her favorite project?
🐄 Beef—because it has taught her so much about who she is, along with the importance of caring for animals and their well-being.
Kelsie is a strong leader and stays actively involved in:
💰 County Council Treasurer
📝 Lucky Clovers Secretary
One of her biggest accomplishments and favorite memories?
🏆 Winning Senior Agility, Beginner Novice Dog Class A, and Overall Highest Scoring Dog at last year’s dog show—WOW! 👏
Through 4-H and FFA, Kelsie has learned:
💪 Leadership skills
🔥 How to push through challenges—even when things are tough
💚 To give her best effort and go all in
Fun fact about Kelsie:
🏡 She lives in town but shows cattle—proving it’s all about the connections you make and the opportunities you go after!
And when it’s time for a treat at Expo…
🍓 Frozen strawberry lemonade is her favorite!
When asked why others should join 4-H or FFA, Kelsie shared:
👉 “For the leadership skills and the overall fun experience! Without 4-H and FFA, I wouldn’t be where I am today!”
Way to go, Kelsie! Your drive, leadership, and determination are truly inspiring! 👏💚

📸 Throw Back Thursday! 📸Well now… What are we doing in this picture? Does this look like a meeting… or maybe a skit…May...
05/29/2026

📸 Throw Back Thursday! 📸

Well now… What are we doing in this picture? Does this look like a meeting… or maybe a skit…Maybe getting ready for the fashion show... or honestly, WHO KNOWS what was going on here?! 😂

Do YOU know what they were doing?
Do YOU know who is in the picture? 👀

Help us solve the mystery! Tag the people you recognize and see if THEY remember what was happening! 🕵️‍♀️✨

We LOVE hearing the stories and memories that come with these old photos — so don’t hold back in the comments! ⬇️

🌟💚 FUTURE LEADER FEATURE 💚🌟Let’s give a big shoutout to this week’s future leader… Gracie Heald! 👏🎒 Grade: 8th 🍀 Club: H...
05/27/2026

🌟💚 FUTURE LEADER FEATURE 💚🌟
Let’s give a big shoutout to this week’s future leader… Gracie Heald! 👏
🎒 Grade: 8th
🍀 Club: Hooves & Hats
📆 Years in 4-H: 4
Gracie is staying busy this year with her sheep and cattle projects 🐑🐄—and she’s found a favorite along the way!
Her top project so far?
👉 Sheep, because they’re easy to take care of and a lot of fun to work with!
Gracie is also stepping into leadership through:
🌟 County Council
🍀 Participation in 4-H & FFA activities
One of her favorite memories?
🐐 Goat yoga—because let’s be honest, that’s hard to beat! 😄
Through 4-H and FFA, Gracie has learned something truly important:
💛 “You’re never in it alone—there will always be people there for you.”
Fun fact about Gracie:
👉 She’s the kind of person who will always be there for others 💚
And when it’s time for a treat at Expo…
🍋 Frozen lemonade is her favorite!
When asked why other kids should join 4-H or FFA, Gracie shared:
👉 “It will give you confidence and leadership.”
Way to go, Gracie! Your heart, leadership, and positivity make a difference! 👏💚

Address

13011 120th Avenue
Ottumwa, IA
52501

Telephone

(641) 682-5492

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Wapello County Expo Board posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to Wapello County Expo Board:

Shortcuts

Share

Category