4-H Clubs
Skowhegan State Fair 4-H Exhibits
Debra Kantor, Extension Staff in Charge of Exhibits
2007 Rules and Regulations
1. Entries are open to boys and girls (5-18) as of January 1 in the State of Maine who are carrying on approved 4-H projects.
2. Note: No Baled Hay or Straw Allowed, No posters larger than 14”X 22”.
3. Entries shall be from current 4-H projects and activities. Club leaders will be asked to submit a fair registration sheet that certifies that all of their club's exhibits were actual 4-H projects and activities.
4. Each exhibit shall be plainly marked with the state printed version of the 4-H Exhibit & Judging Card (see the sample at the end of these rules) and Life Skills Wheel Card. NO EXCEPTIONS. Be sure to include the age and number of years in the project on the Exhibit Card. Ribbons and premiums will be awarded to worthy exhibits on the basis of individual merit.
5. Exhibits should be brought in Monday August 6th from 4:00pm to 8:00pm and Tuesday August 7th from 8:00am to 8:00pm. Please note that all exhibit spaces need to be reserved. Educational exhibits also need to have a space reserved. Contact your Extension Office for the Reservation Form. All unreserved spaces will be available on a first come first served basis. Independent exhibitors display together (one Exhibit space and one Educational space).
6. Hall exhibits cannot be removed from the exhibit hall before 6:00 p.m. Saturday. Exhibits may be picked up Saturday, August 18th between 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. or by prearranged appointment on Monday (make arrangements with 4-H Staff at the Somerset Extension office)
7. The Skowhegan State Fair, Inc. will afford the best possible care and protection of exhibits; however, it distinctly disclaims any liability for loss or damage to exhibits or personal property of exhibitors (it is strongly recommended that nothing of monetary value be displayed).
8. Should any EXHIBIT BE OF INFERIOR QUALITY OR FORM AND IN THE OPINION OF THE JUDGES UNWORTHY OF THE PREMIUM OFFERED, IT WILL BE ELIMINATED FROM THE JUDGING.
9. Exhibits will be limited to no more than three (3) exhibits per category and a maximum of ten (10) exhibits in total per member. Items in the same category should be different (e.g. for the sewing category, 1 apron, 1 pillow, 1 drawstring bag).
10. NO KITS ALLOWED EXCEPT FOR COMMERCIAL CRAFTS, MODELS AND ROCKETRY. Definition of a kit: the prefabrication (including precut and measured items), assembly or collection of component parts which materially diminishes the exercise of those skills which the project is designed to teach.
11. The management reserves the right to grant variances to the above regulations where extenuating circumstances warrant.
12.
The following premiums and ribbons will be awarded to qualified exhibits
in only these categories listed.
BEST IN SHOW
- Purple Ribbon $
5.00
FIRST PLACE
- Blue Ribbon $
3.50
SECOND PLACE
- Red Ribbon $ 2.50
THIRD PLACE
- White Ribbon $
1.50
Art - A article that gives form and meaning through creative processes involving line, color, form, pattern, and texture in two and three dimensions. Possibilities include a freehand painting in oil, water color, or acrylic; or a free-hand drawing in charcoal, pencil or pastels, framed or in a sketchbook open to the page being exhibited; or an original carved or hand molded sculpture.
Automotive –Any article made in the project, showing appropriate skills for the member's age and number of years in the project. Possible entries could be: poster of tools used, picture book or diary of automotive experiences.
Basket Making - A basket made in the project, showing appropriate skills for the member's age and number of years in the project.
Beef - An article prepared by member displaying what he/she has learned in the project showing appropriate skills for the member's age and number of years in the project. Possible entries are picture book story, or an article used with the project.
Beekeeping - One pint of honey from member's beehive; or a display about beekeeping, social structure of bees, the beehive, or how to extract honey, etc. NO LIVE BEES!
Berries - One plant in waterproof container or 1 pint of berries or a display showing what was learned in this project, showing appropriate skills for the member's age and number of years in the project.
Bicycle – An exhibit showing safe bicycle use; or a schedule and a map of a bike trip taken this year, showing appropriate skills for the member's age and number of years in the project.
Candle Making - A candle made by member displaying appropriate skills for the age and number of years in the project.
Ceramics - (No Plastics) An item painted with stains (cover coats, and sprayed with a sealer) or glazed item or item using under glazer, scraffito, or stencils.
Child Care - An article prepared by member displaying what he/she has learned in the project showing appropriate skills for the member's age and number of years in the project. Possible entries are picture book story, or an article used with the project or a safe and sanitary toy or game made by the member. Please list the age of the child for whom the toy or game was made.
Citizenship or Community Service - Display, picture book or a 14"x 22" poster illustrating: one of the individual member’s community service projects; or the importance of voting, etc. Or enter a collection of historic or related items.
Commercial Crafts - For 5 - 8 year old members only. This category is for non-original arts and crafts, such as Artex kits, craft kits, etc. A KIT EXHIBIT MUST BE MARKED AS A KIT. Paintings must be framed properly. NO COLORING BOOKS.
Computers - An article prepared by member displaying what he/she has learned in the project showing appropriate skills for the member's age and number of years in the project.
Counted Cross Stitch - An counted cross stitch item displaying appropriate skills for age and number of years in the project.
Crafts - A general category for exhibits that are 4-H projects but are not aptly placed into one of the other categories. The exhibit must display appropriate skills for the number of years in the project.
Creativity Unlimited - Any exhibit made entirely by the 4-Her for a project that isn't covered under another project category in these rules. Label the exhibit card with "Creativity Unlimited" and the name of the project (e. g., “Creativity Unlimited – Composting, Creative writing”). A maximum of 3 items may be entered in this category as long as it is about a bona fide 4-H Project, and it is the member's only entry in that project. Leaders are asked to carefully check these exhibits to make sure they fit this category (at check in, if this item should really be in another category, it will be reassigned).
Crocheting - An article prepared by member displaying what he/she has learned in the project showing appropriate skills for the member's age and number of years in the project. Ideas for entries are: headband, mittens, stretch slippers, sweater, afghan, pillow, etc.
Dairy - An article prepared by member displaying what he/she has learned in the project: picture book story, poster or an article used with the project.
Earth Connections – Display or scale model, please include a description on the ecology of a plant or an animal species or a habitat or community studied in the project.
Electricity - Any article made in the project showing appropriate skills for the member's age and number of years in the project.
Embroidery - Any article made in the project showing appropriate skills for the member's age and number of years in the project.
Entomology & Arachnids- A collection (5 or more examples) of insects, butterflies and/or moths mounted and labeled or a display showing at least three stages of the life cycle of one insect or a picture book study of one arthropod (can include spiders and insects).
Fabric Decorating - Display appropriate skills for the member's age and number of years in the project. level exhibited. Sponge prints, decorated fabric appliques, or tie dying will be accepted on T-shirts, sweatshirts & framed wall hangings, etc. Must include a written description of methods and/or steps used.
Field Crops - From a minimum 1/4 acre planted of the same crop. One of: 10 bean pods or 1 quart dry beans; or 3 potatoes; or 3 ears of corn; or 3 of any produce you raised to sell; or 1 quart of berries; or a berry plant in a waterproof container. Include pictures: such as the field, the produce stand, or other stages of this project.
Fishing- Any article made in the project showing appropriate skills for the member's age and number of years in the project. Possibly including fish lures, tying flies, species of fish that you caught, methods of catching fish, safety, etc.
Flower Garden - Flower arrangement, corsage or winter bouquet using flowers from your garden showing appropriate skills for the member's age and number of years in the project.
Food and Nutrition - Any food item made in the project, showing appropriate skills for the member's age and number of years in the project. (Food must be on a disposable plate, securely wrapped or sealed and will be judged on taste, texture, and appearance.) Include at least 3 portion sizes and the recipe must be attached. Example: 3 cookies, 3 muffins, 3 biscuits, 3 donuts or one loaf of bread (yeast or quick) or cake (that can be cut and sampled). Leaders are asked to encourage youth to exhibit an item that is at the member's age and experience level.
Food Preservation - Any preserved food made in the project, showing appropriate skills for the member's age and number of years in the project. Explain the method used to preserve the product on a 3”x 5” card. Use food safety rules such as proper sealing, proper headroom, etc. Possible items are: jars of preserves - fruits, berries, produce, relish, pickles, jam, jelly; packages of dry fruit, dried foods such as jerky, salt preserves, etc. A sample of the final form of the food must be displayed.
Forest Conservation - Six photos displayed that illustrate poor forest conservation practices, labeled to tell what the poor practice is and what might be done to “correct” the problem; or six displayed "before and after" photos that illustrate the member’s own erosion prevention project, such as building diversion ditches or water bars, plantings of seedlings or ground cover, etc.
Forestry - Any article made in the project showing appropriate skills for the member's age and number of years in the project. Possibilities including: bark rubbings, tree identification, twigs and pressed leaves from at least 5 different trees. All must be labeled (scientific names are age appropriate).
Garden - Indoor - House plant should be grown during this 4-H year. Specimen must be labeled with common and scientific names. Possible items are: One house plant grown by 4-Her, a dish garden or terrarium, actual examples of 3 different ways to propagate houseplants, etc.
Garden (Vegetables)
-
Ages 5-8 -
One of the following vegetables only, in the quantity stated:
Beans or peas -
10 pods
Radishes, Brussels sprouts
-
5
Corn -
3 ears
Beets, cucumbers, carrots, parsnips, potatoes, onions, peppers, tomatoes (green
or ripe) -
3
Turnips, rutabagas, cabbage, broccoli, melon, squash, pumpkin
-
1 (or other vegetable)
Ages 9-12
-
A basket of vegetables consisting of 3 different vegetables in the quantities
listed.
Ages13- 18
-
A basket of vegetables consisting of 5 different vegetables in the quantities
listed.
Geology or Rocks and Minerals - Exhibit must be a collection of at least 10 neatly mounted and labeled rocks, and protected with a see through cover. All of the rocks and minerals must have been collected by the 4-Her. Other possible entries could include a study of some aspect of geology and minerals.
Goat - An article prepared by member displaying what he/she has learned in the project showing appropriate skills for the member's age and number of years in the project. Possible entries are picture book story, or an article used with the project.
Health & First Aid - Any display made in the project showing appropriate skills for the member's age and number of years and could be used to inform the public (include an explanation) about health issues, such as nutrition, the benefits of exercise, first aid, emotional health, sports health, etc.
Hobbies & Collections – A representative sample of the hobby or a collection and a mounted photo of the entire hobby or collection.
Holiday Crafts - Any craft made in the project showing appropriate skills for the member's age and number of years in the project. Please label which holiday is being represented.
Home Improvement - Any article or activity that 4-H’er has completed for home improvement showing appropriate skills for the member's age and number of years in the project. Possibilities include, photo book of before and after of room decorating, wall accessories, pillows, etc.
Horse - An article prepared by member displaying what he/she has learned in the project showing appropriate skills for the member's age and number of years in the project. Possible entries are picture book story, or an article used with the project.
Knitting - Any craft made in the project showing appropriate skills for the member's age and number of years in the project. Include a 3"x 5" card with a list of the stitches used.
Landscape or Exterior Home Beautification - Any craft made in the project showing appropriate skills for the member's age and number of years in the project. Possible things to include are “before and after” pictures, drawings or scale model.
Large Animals - An article prepared by member displaying what he/she has learned in the project showing appropriate skills for the member's age and number of years in the project. Possible entries are picture book story, or an article used with the project. This category is for other large animals such as llamas.
Leathercraft - Any article made in the project showing appropriate skills for the member's age and number of years in the project. Include a 3"x 5" card describing the processed used.
Macramé - Any article made in the project showing appropriate skills for the member's age and number of years in the project. Include a 3"x 5" card stating the knots used
Maple Syrup - One sealed pint jar of syrup labeled with the grade and boiled to a density of a minimum of 66° Brix. Syrup should be free of cloudiness or sediment.
Mechanical Sciences (Not an automotive project) An exhibit showing: engine design and operation; or care and maintenance of the machine; or safety considerations; or ignition or fuel system; or similar exhibit. Separate entries may be submitted for each type of machinery as long as each is conducted as a separate project.
Metalcraft - Article made in the project showing appropriate skills for the member's age and number of years in the project.
Models - Article made by the member, showing appropriate skills for the member's age and number of years in the project. Age appropriate kits are allowed, if a kit is used, please include a 3"x 5" card including methods used.
Music and Musical Instruments - A display that illustrates to the public what has been done in the project during the current 4-H year. Separate entries may be submitted for each musical instrument, as long as each is conducted as a separate project.
Outdoor Living - (Camping, Outdoor Cooking, Nature Study, Gun Safety) Collection or display from study area, also includes bird houses and feeders showing appropriate skills for the member's age and number of years in the project.
Photography - Mount your pictures in an album or record book or poster (max size 14”x 22”). All pictures may be color, black and white, natural light or flash unless otherwise specified. Digital photography is OK. Emphasis is placed on composition, content, photo comparison and clarity. They must be labeled and please describe technique and equipment used. Minimum of 5 photos.
Physical Fitness and Sports - A study or display that illustrates to the public what has been done in the project during this 4-H year. All project activities must be about the member’s participation in the fitness activity or sport. Separate entries may be submitted for each sport, as long as each is conducted as a separate project.
Pottery - A three dimensional art form made of clay ¾ must be hand made, fired and/or glazed. Article shows appropriate skills for the member's age and number of years in the project.
Poultry - An article prepared by member displaying what he/she has learned in the project showing appropriate skills for the member's age and number of years in the project. Possible entries are picture book story, or an article used with the project.
Public Speaking - A display that illustrates to the public what the member has actively done in the project during this 4-H year.
Quilting - Article made in the project, showing appropriate skills for the member’s age and number of years in the project.
Reading - 5-8 years old - Exhibit an 8 1/2" x 11" original book cover illustrating some aspect of a book read by the member, using original ideas from the reading. List names of other books read in the project on the skill wheel card.
All other 4-Hers - An original book cover as described for 5-8 years old, and a 3"x 5" card file with a separate card for each book the member has read this 4-H year that lists the following information: title, author, publisher, publication date, number of pages, and a brief synopsis of the book.
Rocketry - A model rocket may be used for this display. Any creative way of presenting to the public such things as: rocket design, operation, safety considerations, ignition or fuel systems; or similar exhibit. No Flammable fuels. It needs to show appropriate skills for the member’s age and number of years in the project.
Safety - Any item made by the member that could be used to inform the public about safety considerations or potential hazards in some area of public concern, with an explanation on a 3”x 5” card.
Sewing - Any one item made by the member showing appropriate skills for the member’s age and number of years in the project. Attach to it a 3"x 5" card listing skills learned and used. (Bring a clothes hanger if appropriate.)
Sheep - An article prepared by member displaying what he/she has learned in the project showing appropriate skills for the member's age and number of years in the project. Possible entries are picture book story, or an article used with the project.
Small Animals - An article prepared by member, displaying what he/she has learned in the project. NO LIVE ANIMALS.
Snowmobile & ATV -Six photos of your snowmobile or ATV activities on a poster; a display on snowmobile/ATV safety or other relevant display. An exhibit may be entered for both ATV and Snowmobile as long as each is conducted as a separate project.
Stenciling - Any article made in the project, showing appropriate skills for the member's age and number of years in the project.
Swine - An article prepared by member displaying what he/she has learned in the project showing appropriate skills for the member's age and number of years in the project. Possible entries are picture book story, or an article used with the project.
Tractor - Any article prepared by member displaying what he/she has learned in the project showing appropriate skills for the member's age and number of years in the project
Veterinary Science - One display or poster on: the parts of an animal; diseases; poisonous plants; heredity; nutrition; allergies; or normal vital signs.
Wildflowers - A display of 10 different specimens, mounted on 14”x 22” poster board or in a notebook, labeled with common name and scientific names, and covered with a see-through cover for protection. Up to four specimens may be from member's photographs or drawings of flowers on the endangered list.
Wildlife - A poster or display with 6 labeled sketches or 6 mounted photos of the wildlife you studied; track cast you made; a birdhouse, feeder, or other item you made during the project; or a display of other items collected.
Woodcraft - Any article made by the member during this 4-H year showing appropriate woodcraft skills (such as wood burning, carving, etc.) or, if project is not portable, make a poster with 6 labeled sequential photos of the woodcraft project.
Woodworking - Any article made by the member during this 4-H year showing appropriate woodworking skills (such as joining, cutting, fitting, finishing, measuring, etc.) or, if project is not portable, make a poster with 6 labeled sequential photos of the woodworking project.
Working Steer - An article prepared by member displaying what he/she has learned in the project showing appropriate skills for the member's age and number of years in the project. Possible entries are picture book story, or an article used with the project.
Note that the Clothing category is now part of Sewing.
Leaders are asked to be sure that any work (posters, documentation, charts, etc.) that members do on a computer is the work of that member.
Sample of the Valid
4-H Exhibit & Judging Card
Educational Club Exhibits – 4-H Clubs
1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th
$70.00 $60.00 $50.00 $45.00 $40.00 $35.00 $30.00 $25.00
The first eight places will also receive ribbons. A $20.00 gratuity will be paid to non-winners.
Any club or independent unit (including multiple members in that independent family) is eligible to enter a club Educational Exhibit.
The 4-H MEMBERS must construct the exhibits.
Should any exhibit be of inferior quality of form and in the opinion of the judges, unworthy of the premium offered, it will be eliminated from the judging.
You must reserve a display space by sending in the Display Reservation Form. You can obtain the form from your county Extension office. All Educational displays will be in a space that is 5 1/2' wide by 4' deep. The number of available spaces is limited, so send in your form early.
Exhibits will be scored as follows:
Section 1- What is being communicated (35 points)
Maximum Possible Points
Explanation- show clearly to the public one of these: 4-H, or a 4-H project, or a 4-H activity. 20 points
Exhibit Theme- (either stated or implied) The exhibit should have unity and the subject should 15 points
be clear at a glance. It should be clear what you are trying to say.
Section 2-How effectively and neatly it has been presented (50 points)
Exhibit Title- clearly visible in large letters (at least 3” tall). 10 points
Lettering- neatness and size (computer is okay but it will not be scored higher than neat 10 points
handwriting). All lettering should be readable from a minimum of four feet away.
Club Sign- at least 8”x11” and have club name/independent and county on it. 5 points
Members Sign- a list of the members names and ages who work on the exhibit. 5 points
Appropriate Color- exhibit should look interesting, do not make it dark and plain. 10 points
Arrangements- neatness and items used proportionately to enhance the overall appearance of 10 points
the exhibit.
Section 3-Overall quality of Exhibit (15 points)
Workmanship- quality of work done with the age of the members taken into consideration. 10 points
Originality- your display should show uniqueness and creativity 5 points
Note: 4-H Members should set up their display with little help from leaders, parents, etc. 20 points
will be taken off the total of the exhibit score if this is not followed.
4-H groups ages 5-8 may enter card table exhibits which follow the rules and regulations of 4-H educational exhibits.
4-H groups ages 5-8 are groups which have five or more members under age 9.
4-H groups ages 5-8 may exist within a club of older members.
4-H groups ages 5-8 will be judged as a separate group (Novice Exhibits).
Quality age 5-8 exhibits will receive $40.00 and blue ribbons.