2007 4-H RULES AND REGULATIONS

FOR FAIR EXHIBITS

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

1. All currently enrolled 4-H members in good standing from Kennebec County are encouraged to enter. All exhibits by club members must be approved by and entered through their club leader. Space will be reserved on a first come, first served basis. All independent members need to submit a project record sheet and a community service write-up prior to exhibiting.

2. Entrants can exhibit only items that they have produced or prepared in a project in which they are enrolled during the current 4-H year (October 1 to September 30). Members may exhibit only one entry in any one project area, except for Creativity Unlimited, where enrolled-in projects not covered elsewhere in these rules may be exhibited if approved by the Extension Educator. Projects on distinct animal species, musical instruments, physical fitness and sports, and mechanical sciences may be considered separate projects as noted in the Exhibit Requirements below. Members may enter an exhibit for each separate project of these types.

3. Exhibits must follow the Exhibit Requirements. Those that do not will receive no premium. The decisions of the judges are final. The Fair will afford the best protection possible for exhibits, but Extension and the Fair distinctly disclaim any liability for losses or damage to exhibits.

4. Each entry must have a standard 4-H Exhibit & Judging Card and a Life Skills Card securely attached to it (no tape). Both cards are available from the Extension Office. Both sections of the Exhibit & Judging Card must be filled out completely. Include the unit level if the project has one, but otherwise write the number of years the member has been in the project in the Unit Level space. Include your age as of December 31, 2005, in the Age space of the card. Failure to fill the card out completely will result in a one-ribbon mark-down. Any special considerations that should be taken into account by the judges should be written on a Post-It note attached to the 4-H Exhibit & Judging Card by the leader.

5. NO KITS are accepted, except in Commercial Crafts, Latch Hook Rugs, Candlemaking, Stitchery, Models, and Rocketry projects. By a "KIT" we mean articles made of pre-cut or pre-formed pieces that are only assembled by the 4-H'er.

6. No posters or written school reports allowed, except as specifically noted below in a project category.

7. All 4-H exhibits must be in place in the Exhibition Hall at the designated time or they will not be judged. (See Specific Information for each fair available from the Extension Office.)

8. The judging will be done on the "Danish System". Each worthy exhibit will be awarded a ribbon and premium on the basis of how well it displays appropriate skills for the member's age and number of years in the project.

9. For all exhibits of photos, mount them neatly on 8 1/2" x 11" photo sheets or not to exceed 12”x 12”. (Can be placed in notebook.)

10. Premiums are as follows: (See Specific Information for each fair available from the Extension Office.)

11. 4-H Club Leaders are responsible for their members following these rules and requirements, and Leaders must remove all exhibits from the Exhibit Hall.

12. The last category in the Exhibit Requirements, "Creativity Unlimited", is for bona fide projects that are not covered elsewhere in the Requirements and must be cleared through the Extension Educator prior to the fair.

4-H CLUB EXHIBIT REQUIREMENTS

All clubs will display their projects as a club unit in a space assigned to the club. Clubs are urged to use their members' projects as their major display items. Other decorations may be used to enhance the overall appearance of the club display (crepe paper, streamers, dried flowers, etc.)

The club must prominently include its name and city or town for the public to see. The club exhibits will be judged as

follows:

50 Points - for overall appearance of the club members' individual projects in the space provided.

25 Points - for overall appearance of the decorated space.

10 Points - for the name and address of the club (appearance and execution)

15 Points - for community service project and/or educational exhibit

Club awards will be awarded. (See Specific Information for each fair available from the Extension Office.)

PROJECT EXHIBIT REQUIREMENTS

ANIMAL PROJECTS

Any item the member has made for the project during this 4-H year; or four regular size photos that tell a story, mounted as a unit and individually labeled. (see Rule #9, above) Separate entries may be submitted for each species of animal as long as each is conducted as a separate project. Poultry members may submit one-half dozen eggs with breed of hen identified instead of photos or an “item the member has made." Exhibits may be entered for animals that are shown at the fair. No live animals displayed. This category includes ALL animals not specifically mentioned elsewhere in these rules. 4-H members may exhibit projects from any of the following categories:

· HEALTH & SAFETY – An item made by member or 4 pictures describing or illustrating health and safety of animal (no first aid kits).

· NUTRITION – An item displaying the vital nutrients needed for this animal (labeled) or show examples (labeled) of feed and analysis.

· HABITAT/HOUSING – 4 pictures with captions showing habitat/conditions, housing, or pasture management, etc.

· TRAINING – 4 pictures with captions explaining age of animal, what the training is, what you are doing and why you are doing it.

ALL TERRAIN VEHICLE

Four photos of your ATV activities on an 8 1/2" x 11" poster; or other relevant display.

AQUATIC LIFE

Any item made by member with explanation - OR - 4 regular sized photos of aquatic life taken by member which are mated (8 1/2" x 11") and labeled.

ART

A free-hand framed 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; not lettering; or re-drawing of commercial product or cartoon.

ABSTRACT ART

Quality art piece made up of shapes, materials that form together.

BEEKEEPING

One pint of honey from member's beehive with label and explanation of how it is preserved; or a display about beekeeping, social structure of bees, the beehive, or how to extract honey, etc. NO LIVE BEES!

BICYCLE

A schedule and map of a bike trip taken this year; or four regular size photos that tell a story mounted as a unit and individually labeled.

CAMPING

A camping item made in the project; or a survival kit made in the project; or an 8 1/2" x 11" poster with ten knots you've learned in the project; or a sturdy 8" x 12" handmade model of an Appalachian Shelter; or a display illustrating "no-trace" camping techniques; or a written schedule and map of a camping/hiking trip taken this 4-H year or four photos with captions (matted and labeled) explaining your trip

CHILDCARE

A safe and sanitary toy, game, or child’s item made by the member. List the age of child for whom it was made.

CITIZENSHIP or COMMUNITY SERVICE

Four regular size photos that tell a story mounted as a unit and individually labeled illustrating: one of the individual member’s community service projects; or the importance of voting, etc. (May have more than one project.)

COMMERCIAL CRAFTS

For 5 - 8 year old members only. This category is for non-original arts and crafts, such as Artex kits, paint-by-number, craft kits, etc. A KIT EXHIBIT MUST BE MARKED AS A KIT. Paintings must be framed properly. NO COLORING BOOKS.

COMPUTERS

A printout of a program written by the member; or a display on the different parts or functions of a computer, or how a computer works, or the things computers do, etc.

CRAFTS - Any item made by a member and approved by the leader. No kits except those with *. 4-H members may exhibit projects from any of the following categories:

Beaded art (not jewelry)

CREATIVE WRITING

Illustrated cover created by member (not cut and paste and not computer generated) plus creative piece (story telling or poem writing etc.) Fact or fiction - school reports will be disqualified. Can be neatly handwritten in pen or typed.

EARTH CONNECTIONS

8 1/2" x 11" display or scale model on the ecology of a plant or animal species or on a habitat or community studied in the project.

ENTOMOLOGY

A series of four regular size photos, mounted as a unit and individually labeled, that tell a story of what has been done in the project during the past year. Include a 3"x 5" card with an explanation of the project. Examples: planting a butterfly garden and displaying photos of butterflies visiting the garden; a non-toxic way to eliminate pests; pictures of insects in their natural habitat. No scrapbooks or kits, and NO LIVE BUGS!

Exhibit insect specimens neatly mounted in a case protected by a see-through cover, and labeled with their name on official 4-H entomology labels. 4-H members who cannot write small enough to fit the name on the label may have help.

Beginner - a minimum of 15 different mounted species of insects with common names

Level 2 - a minimum of 25 different mounted species in at least 5 orders, with common names

Level 3 - a minimum of 35 different mounted species in at least 6 orders with scientific names

Level 4 - a minimum of 45 different mounted species in at least 7 orders with scientific names

FIELD CROPS & FRUITS

From a minimum 1/4 acre planted to 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. Must label variety of crop.

FISHING

An 8 1/2" x 11" display of hand-tied flies appropriately displayed, as follows:

Beginner - 5 streamers; (or make drawing of a fish you caught, drawn on 8 1/2" x 11" display, with the lure or description of bait with which you caught it also mounted, or picture of fish caught with weight, length, and species.

Intermediate - 5 dry or wet flies

Advanced - 5 streamers, 2 tandems and 2 singles, and 2 dry flies, wet flies or nymphs or a series of four regular size photos that tell a story mounted as a unit and individually labeled

FOOD DRYING (all ages) - Dried herbs, fruits, vegetables; identify herb, fruit, or vegetable. Dried products must be in clean canning jar with 4‑H label completed including drying method used.

Beginner – 1 method, 1 product

Intermediate – 2 methods, 2 products

Advanced – 3 methods, 3 products

FOOD PREPARATION (Foods must be securely wrapped or sealed and will be judged on taste, texture, and appearance (presentation). Include complete recipe on a 3" x 5" card.)

Level 1 - 3 cookies or bars (DO NOT enter no-bake cookies) – or candy (must be cooked) (No cookie ingredients in a jar.)

Level 2 - 3 muffins or 3 cupcakes or 3 biscuits and recipe or quick breads and recipe

Level 3 - 3 plain yeast rolls or 3 doughnuts and recipe

Level 4 - Yeast bread, whole loaf, any size and recipe

Level 5 - Fancy breads, whole loaf, any size and recipe

FOOD PRESERVATION (Label should include an explanation of the method used to preserve the food.)

Must use screw top canning jars and 4-H Canning Labels and complete all information. (Labels are available from the Extension Office.) No freezer jams; no paraffin wax on jams/jellies.

Beginner - 2 jars of different produce - choice of fruits, berries, tomatoes, vegetables

Intermediate - 3 jars of different produce - choice of fruits, vegetables, jam, jelly, berries, marmalade, pickles, or relish

Advanced - 4 jars of different produce - choice of fruits, vegetables, jam, jelly, berries, conserves, pickles, relish

FOREST CONSERVATION

Six mounted photos 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 mounted "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

Specimens must be labeled with common and scientific names.

1st Year - Collection of leaves, or needles and twigs with winter buds, of a least 10 tree species commercially important to Maine.

2nd Year - Collection of seeds of 10 tree species commercially important to Maine.

3rd Year - Collection of at least 4 disease, insect, or animal damaged specimens.

4th Year - Display of some phase of Industrial Forestry, such as Christmas tree production or commercial logging, etc.

GARDENING – Indoor (Plants must be grown by member)

Specimens must be labeled with common and scientific names.

Unit 1 - One house plant grown by 4-H member.

Unit 2 - A dish garden or terrarium.

Unit 3 - A flower arrangement. (Must be grown by member and labeled with common and scientific names.)

Unit 4 - A winter centerpiece or bouquet using dried flowers, grasses or grains. Driftwood, stones, evergreens, figurines may be used. No fresh flowers. (Dried flowers must be grown by member and labeled with common and scientific names.)

GARDEN CROPS (Not a Field Crop project as described above.)

A member may enter one Garden Crop exhibit for which he/she was responsible for preparing the soil, planting, tending, and harvesting. Tops should be removed within one inch of the top of vegetables. Brush vegetables but do not wash. Tomatoes may be green. . Place vegetable/fruit on plate. Name of variety of vegetable/fruit must be displayed on plate so the public can see it. Identify common and scientific names. Member must choose ONE vegetable and present it in the following form:

5 Bean Pods - snap, bush, shell or lima 3 Cucumbers 3 Potatoes

2 Beets 1 Eggplant 1 Pumpkin

1 Broccoli 1 Melon 5 Radishes

3 Brussel Sprouts 3 Onions 2 Rutabagas

1 Cabbage 3 Parsnips 1 Squash

3 Carrots 5 Pea Pods 1 Sugar Beet

1 Cauliflower 3 Peppers 3 Tomatoes (ripe or green)

3 Ears Corn 3 Pickling Cucumbers 2 Turnips

Note: Vegetable displays will be judged on the basis of:

1. Uniformity of size and color

2. cleanliness

3. neatness of arrangement

4. *accuracy and neatness of labeling

GARDEN FLOWERS

Flower arrangement, corsage, or winter bouquet using home-grown flowers. Identify each flower in the arrangement by common and scientific names.

GEOLOGY OR ROCKS & MINERALS

Exhibit must be neatly mounted, labeled, and protected with a see-through cover. All of the Rocks or Minerals must have been collected by the 4-H member during this 4-H year. No egg cartons.

Beginner - A minimum of 10 different rocks or minerals

Level 2 - A minimum of 15 different rocks or minerals

Level 3 - A minimum of 20 different rocks or minerals

(five more minerals for each year entered after the 3^rd.)

HEALTH (Human)

Any display that could be used to inform the public about health issues, such as nutrition, the benefits of exercise, emotional health, sports health, etc. or an item made by the member with explanation/its need or four regular size photos with explanation.

Any item that identifies, treats or prevents health conditions. (No blankets or first aid kits.)

HOBBIES & COLLECTIONS

A representative sample of the hobby or collection and a mounted photo of the entire hobby or collection, plus your one goal identified for the project.

HOME IMPROVEMENT

Four photos that show the project from beginning to end. Suggested topics: redecorating or renovating a room; building a deck or other building project; landscaping a yard; etc. or an item made by member which enhances your home. Tell how it improves your home.

LEADERSHIP

Any item made by member and taught to other 4-H members. Include an explanation of your leadership role on Targeting Life Skills card (skills I used) - OR - 4 photos on 8 1/2" x 11" matted and individually labeled to explain your role. (May have more than one leadership project – may not be a community service project too.)

MAPLE SYRUP

One labeled pint canning jar of syrup, sealed, with the threaded ring removed. Label should include an explanation of the method you used to preserve the syrup.

MECHANICAL SCIENCES

An 8 1/2"x 11" 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.

MODELS

Quality model made by the member, showing appropriate skills for the member's age and number of years in the project.

MUSIC and MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS

A display that illustrates to the public what has been done in the project during the current 4-H year. Include a written explanation of the exhibit on a 3"x5" card. Separate entries may be submitted for each musical instrument, as long as each is conducted as a separate project. Must be involved in an organized group, band, chorus, or practice regularly and/or take lessons.

OFF ROAD VEHICLE (Dirt Bike)

Four photos of your dirt bike activities on an 8 1/2" x 11" poster; or other relevant display.

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

A series of four regular size photos, mounted (81/2 x 11) and individually labeled, telling a story of a project done in the outdoors during the past year. Examples: hiking trips, mountain climbing, rock climbing, ice climbing, gold panning. This project may also include an item made by member to be used for an outdoor project such as a hiking stick or a sluice box.

PERFORMING ARTS

A series of four pictures of the 4-H member practicing or performing in public (on 8 1/2" x 11") properly matted and individually labeled which tell a story.

PHOTOGRAPHY

Photos are to be mounted by the member in one unit no larger than 8 1/2" x 11". (See General Requirements #9.) Color or black and white pictures accepted.

Level I - 4 pictures using natural light only, of at least four subjects or scenes.

Level II - 4 pictures, at least one of which is an “action shot.” Flash pictures accepted. A sequence of 4 "How to do it" pictures accepted.

Level III - 4 pictures, 4 in story-sequence or 4 on any subjects.

Level IV - 8" x 10" framed enlargement made by member. Matting material is optional.

PHYSICAL FITNESS

A display or four regular size pictures mounted as a unit and individually labeled 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. Being a spectator does not count. Separate entries may be submitted for each sport, as long as each is conducted as a separate project.

PUBLIC SPEAKING

A display or four regular size pictures mounted as a unit and individually labeled that illustrates to the public what the member has actively done in the project during this 4-H year.

READING

K-3 - 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. Include a 3"x 5" card listing the names of other books read in the project.

All other 4-H'rs - An original book cover as described for K-3, 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.

RECREATION

Game or puzzle made in the project, showing appropriate skills for the member's age and number of years in the project. List the age of child for which the toy or game was made.

ROCKETRY

A model rocket may be used for display. Any creative way of presenting to the public such things as: rocket design, operation, safety considerations, ignition or fuel systems; or similar exhibit.

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. Not a first aid kit.

SEWING

Any one item made by the member and approved by the leader. Attach to it a list of skills learned and illustrated by the item, and a list of other items made in the project. (Clothes hanger must be provided for each exhibit.) (The “skill requirements” are listed on our “4-H Clothing Project Advisors Reference Sheet” attached.)

· Unit 1 ‑ 5 skills from Beginner/Intermediate required

· Unit 2 ‑ 3 Advanced skill requirements include at least 3 from Unit 1and 3 from Unit 2 for a total of 6 skills

SNOWMOBILE

Four photos of your snowmobile activities on an 8 1/2" x 11" poster; or other relevant display. Can do both if enrolled in both projects.

SPORTS

A display or four regular size pictures mounted as a unit and individually labeled 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. Being a spectator does not count. Separate entries may be submitted for each sport, as long as each is conducted as a separate project.

SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION

Six mounted photos that illustrate poor conservation practices, labeled to tell what the poor practice is and what might be done to “correct” the problem; or six mounted "before and after" photos that illustrate the member’s own conservation project.

VETERINARY SCIENCE

One 8 1/2" x 11" display or poster on: the parts of an animal; normal vital signs; diseases; poisonous plants; heredity; nutrition; or allergies.

WILDFLOWERS

A display of 10 different specimens in a field notebook, labeled with common and scientific names, and covered with a see-through cover for protection. Up to four specimens may be the member's photographs or drawings of flowers on the endangered list.

WILDLIFE

An 8 1/2" x 11" display with 4 labeled sketches or 4 mounted photos of the wildlife you studied; track casts you made; a birdhouse, feeder, or other item you made during the project; or a display of other items collected.

WOODWORKING

Any article made by the member during this 4-H year showing appropriate woodworking skills (such as joining, cutting, fitting, finishing, etc.) or, if project is not portable, make an 8 1/2" x 11" poster with 4 labeled sequential photos of the woodworking project. (See General Requirements #9.) Not Home Depot or other kits.

CREATIVITY UNLIMITED

Any exhibit made entirely by the 4-H'r for a project in which he/she was enrolled 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”). More than one exhibit 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.

* Must be approved by Kennebec County Extension Educator at least one week prior to entry at the fair.*

4‑H CLOTHING PROJECT ADVISER'S REFERENCE SHEET