Delaware State Fair

4-H Newsletter 

July 18-27, 2024

 

The Delaware State Fair is just around the corner. It is not too soon for you to begin preparing and thinking about exhibits you will be entering this year, as well as the contests and events in which you will be participating. There are a few changes this year, so read the 4-H department premium catalog carefully. Be sure to review the content at the end of this document: QUICK REFERENCE ON HOW TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN THE 4-H DEPARTMENT AT THE DELAWARE STATE FAIR.

 

ONLINE REGISTRATION

All youth enrolled in the Delaware 4-H program are eligible to exhibit articles made as a part of project or activity work and participate in demonstrations, judging programs and other 4-H competitions outlined in this department of the Fair. Following established 4-H enrollment guidelines, a 4-H online enrollment must be completed via 4-H Online for the current 4-H year.

Entries will be accepted on the Delaware State Fair website from:

April 1 (9:00 AM) through June 1 (11:59 PM)

LATE ENTRIES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED!

Attention Judging Contests Participants: Members should enter in the Fair system online if the county contest results are available before June 1. The County Office Staff will provide names of participants for judging contest verification. 

The Fair pays an entry fee for each exhibit, event and/or contest you register for online. Entering ONLY those classes which you will actually show at the Fair will maintain fees at the most minimal level.

If you are registering a team for an event, please register the team under your club name. If you have two groups competing in the same event, just label them “Your Club Name” Team 1, “Your Club Name” Team 2, etc. If you do not have an email address, you may use your County 4-H Office email address, and they will mail your confirmation. NOTE: Each individual team member does not have to enter.

RULES FOR ALL EXHIBITS

• No item should be entered by a 4-H exhibitor that cannot be displayed “as is” out on the display floor.
• No premium will be awarded if an exhibit is not displayed.
• No plastic covering is permitted on clothing exhibits.
• Any exhibit included in a frame or on art canvas should include wire or hooks for hanging.
• Participants must be present at the stated START time for all 4-H Animal Judging Contests or they will not be able to participate (always plan to arrive in advance of start time).

EXHIBIT CHECK-IN INSTRUCTION

• Exhibit Check-In: 

Entry tags will be distributed to you by your 4-H Leader. Please check them for accuracy. If you have errors, contact the Fair immediately to correct them. Please tag your exhibits prior to bringing them to the Fair.

• All exhibits (except Foods, Vegetables, Indoor/Outdoor Gardening and Cut flowers) are brought to the 4-H exhibit area between 3:00 PM and 6:00 PM on Monday, July 15.
• Foods, Vegetables, Indoor/Outdoor Gardening, and Cloverbud (Class 2 if live plant or vegetable and Class 8) are brought to the Fair between 8:30 and 11:00 AM on Thursday, July 18.
• Cut flowers, Section T, will be accepted on Wednesday, July 24, between 10:00 AM and 12:00 Noon.

• Tips on Preparing Your Exhibits for the Fair: 

Please read the rules at the beginning of the 4-H department premium list and each section carefully.

• 4-H youth age 5-7 may enter in the Cloverbud classes, Section A, ONLY. (Your 4-H age is determined on January 1 of the current year.)
• You may enter only one exhibit per class.

• Review the class description carefully: 

Exhibits not meeting the class description cannot receive a blue ribbon or premium and may be disqualified. Exhibits may be marked down or disqualified for the following reason:

• Incorrect number of items for the class- For example, two like jars of canning, five carrots, etc. Do you have the correct number?
• Incorrect size of poster- 14” x 22” is the most common size of poster. Is your poster the correct size? Individual photos should be placed on poster board that does not exceed 6” x 8”.
• No foam core for posters or photos, please. It is too thick to use with our hangers at the Fair.
• Art and needlework need to be completed and appropriately finished and prepared to hang. A hanger is not a piece of string taped on the back. There is less damage to exhibits if they are securely hung on the exhibit racks.

•  Label each exhibit:

Each exhibit should be labeled with your name, 4-H County, age, years in project, club and class, in addition to the entry tag the Fair provides you. In case your entry tag becomes lost or detached, we will know who the exhibit belongs to. Age is especially important so the judge knows how old you are. Print off a sheet of mailing labels for a great quick way to include this information on all your exhibits. It sure beats hand-writing the information!

• Attach the entry tag securely:

Use masking tape to attach tags to the backs of posters, photos, etc. Use a small safety pin to attach tags to any fabric article. Please do not use straight pins or scotch tape as they come loose too easily.

EXHIBIT CHECK-IN SCHEDULE

Monday, July 15 –  3:00 PM to 6:00 PM

Arts, Crafts & Needlework

Canning/Drying

Cloverbud

Computers

Conservation & Natural Resources

Electric

Entomology/Beekeeping

Field Crops

Monday, July 15 –  3:00 PM to 6:00 PM (cont.)

Floriculture

Other Projects

Photography

Place Setting Contest

Science

Textile & Clothing

Woodworking

Thursday, July 18 –  8:30 AM to 11:00 AM

Cloverbud (Class 2 if live plant or vegetable and Class 8)

Food

Indoor and Outdoor Gardening

Vegetables

Wednesday, July 24 –  10 AM to 12:00 PM

Cut Flowers

RULES FOR ALL ENTRIES

Rule 1: Each 4-H’er must use the Delaware State Fair website to enter their exhibit on-line when entering Exhibits, Demonstration Events, Judging Contests, Consumer Bowl, Avian Bowl, Public Speaking, Tractor Driving, Lawn Tractor Driving and Archery. Entry deadline is June 1, 2024. Completed entry tags will be provided to the exhibitor to attach to exhibits. Please make sure your entry tag is ATTACHED TO YOUR EXHIBIT before entering the Fairground.

Rule 2: 4-H’ers—age 5 to 7, Cloverbuds, are eligible to enter Section A ONLY.

Rule 3: All articles exhibited must be made or grown by 4-H member since last year’s Fair.

Rule 4: A youth pass will be given to 4-H Department exhibitors.

Rule 5: No awards will be made for exhibits which do not meet minimum standards.

Rule 6: Exhibitors may make only one entry in each class.

Rule 7: No item should be entered by a 4-H member that cannot be displayed “as is” out on the display floor.

Rule 8:   No premium will be awarded if an exhibit is not displayed.

Rule 9: Every article exhibited SHOULD be labeled with name, 4-H county, age, year in project, club and class, in addition to the entry tag, to eliminate errors and lost articles. Please attach in such a way that it is not noticeable.

Rule 10: Only exhibits designated in the premium book to be entered using the UD Dropbox can be submitted in that manner. These include Section D (Classes 61, 68, 69 and 70) and Section H (Classes 160 to 162).

Rule 11: Any exhibit included in a frame or on art canvas should include a hanger, wire or hooks for hanging. Hangers are not necessary for exhibits on poster board or mat board.

Rule 12: If an exhibit includes a poster, posters are evaluated based on the following guidelines:

1. Should be simple, not wordy, and provide a quick message in a concise format.
2. Should be easy to read and have a single message/fact/point of interest.
3. Letters and words should be clear, legible and straight.
4. Neatness.
5. Colorful.
6. Use of visuals or graphics is important.

Rule 13: ALL EXHIBITS MUST BE REMOVED FROM THE BUILDING BETWEEN 8:00 AM AND 12:00 NOON ON SUNDAY, JULY 28. Every member must make arrangements for someone to pick up their exhibits if they are not able to do so themselves. There should not be an expectation for your exhibits to automatically be taken back to your respective county 4-H office.

Rule 14: Care will be taken to protect the exhibits from injury, but the Delaware State Fair will not in any way hold themselves responsible for accidents, loss and damage by water, fire, theft or otherwise, whatever may be the cause or extent of the damage or loss sustained. All exhibits are entered at the owner’s risk.

PREMIUM $$$$ QUESTIONS

Questions regarding placing and/or premiums for the 4-H Department must be made in writing to the State 4-H office prior to September 15, 2024. Every effort will be made to eliminate errors during the payment of premiums. However, if an exhibitor finds an error, proof of such error must be communicated to the Delaware State Fair office on or before November 1, 2024. After this date no corrections will be considered. Checks not cashed AFTER 90 days from issue WILL NOT BE REISSUED.

4-H STATE FAIR FLOATS

Each county 4-H program is invited and encouraged to have a 4-H float in the nightly Delaware State Fair 4-H Parade. All 4-H members are encouraged to ride these floats in this parade in an effort to promote 4-H at the State Fair.

PIG KISSING CONTEST

This popular event is always a fan favorite fundraiser in support of the Junior Exhibitor Scholarship Program. If interested in representing your County 4-H Program, please contact your County 4-H Office.

New Castle County  (302) 831-8965

Kent County     (302) 730-4000

Sussex County     (302) 856-7303

TRACTOR DRIVING CONTESTS

The Tractor Driving Contest will be held on Wednesday,  July 24, at 11:00 AM in the Quillen Arena.

Participants should arrive at the Quillen Arena by 10:30 AM to SIGN IN. There will only be a senior category in this event. Age is determined as of January 1 of the current year.

The Lawn Tractor Driving Contest will be held on Saturday, July 27, at 9:00 AM in the Quillen Arena.

Participants should arrive at the Quillen Arena beginning at 8:30 AM to SIGN IN. There will be three categories offered. Participants may only enter one age category. Experienced participants younger than 14 may participate in the senior event, but are then ineligible to participate in any younger age category.

• Beginner (ages 8-10)
• Junior (ages 11-13)
• Senior (ages 14-19)

Participants MUST have previously participated in a state event or participated in a training at the state, county or club level in order to participate in either of these events.
ALL PARTICIPANTS MUST ENTER THIS EVENT BY JUNE 1 USING THE DELAWARE STATE FAIR ONLINE SYSTEM. AGE IS DETERMINED AS OF JANUARY 1 OF THE CURRENT YEAR.

Class

325. Tractor Driving – Senior Division (ages 14-19)
326. Lawn Tractor Driving—Beginner Division (ages 8-10)
327. Lawn Tractor Driving—Junior Division (ages 11-13)
328. Lawn Tractor Driving—Senior Division (ages 14-19)

Participants are encouraged to visit the State 4-H website in order to obtain more information about these two events: www.udel.edu/009361.

Any questions related to these events should be directed to the State 4-H Office via email to de4h@udel.edu or by calling 302-831-2509.

4-H requires a T- or button-up shirt with sleeves (short or long), long pants, belt and hard closed toed work shoes.  NO sandals or sneakers.  Shirts should be tucked in for safety.

It is recommended that long hair be pulled up and jewelry is taken off. Gloves are optional.

ARCHERY CONTEST

The State 4-H Archery Contest will be held on Monday, July 22. The event location AND registration will be the Harrington Raceway Paddock Building on the west end of the fairgrounds (same location as the 2023 event). Participants should plan to arrive at the event site by the designated time for their age. All participants must enter this event by June 1 at the Delaware State Fair’s website. If SPECIAL TIME ACCOMMODATIONS are needed for this event, you must contact the State 4-H Office at de4h@udel.edu by June 13.

There will be three age groups. Age is determined as of January 1 of the current year. The following reporting times will be used:

• Senior (ages 14-19) – report time is 12:30 PM
• Intermediate (ages 11-13) – report time is 1:15 PM
• Junior (ages 8-10) – report time is 2:00 PM

Competitions will be held in three categories:  Barebow, Recurve and Compound.  Participants may participate in all categories.

Special Note: Participants must remain until ALL shooters have finished shooting within a respective category and age division.

Qualifications: Youth must be ages 8-19 years old, and be participating in a 4-H Archery Club or other 4-H Shooting Sports activities. Participants must have been through 4-H Shooting Sports Archery training camp, club or outreach activity.

Rules: Check with your County Office.

Equipment: We strongly encourage all participants to bring their own equipment to the event; however, if you are unable to do this, recurve bows and arrows will be provided.  Compound bows and arrows will NOT be provided.  Safety equipment (arm guards and finger tabs) will be provided and required. Proper footwear is also required consisting of closed-toe shoes (no crocs).

Class:

329. Barebow – Junior (ages 8-10)
330. Barebow – Intermediate (ages 11-13)
331. Barebow – Senior (ages 14-19)
332. Recurve Bow – Junior (ages 8-10)
333. Recurve Bow – Intermediate (11-13)
334. Recurve Bow – Senior (ages 14-19)
335. Compound Bow – Junior (ages 8-10)
336. Compound Bow –Intermediate (11-13)
337. Compound Bow – Senior (ages 14-19)
     

STATE AVIAN BOWL

The State Avian Bowl Contest will be held on Saturday, July 27, at 1:00 PM in the Centre. The Delaware State Fair will award premiums to the top three teams in competition. A team may consist of 2-4 members ages 8 to 19. Clubs may enter multiple teams and can identify them as Team 1, Team 2, etc. Individual team members DO NOT need to register. Rules and study materials are available from your County 4-H Office. Please contact Susan Garey at 302-730-4000 if you have any questions about this event.

TEAMS MUST ENTER THIS EVENT BY JUNE 1 USING THE DELAWARE STATE FAIR ONLINE SYSTEM. ENTER TEAM UNDER YOUR 4-H CLUB NAME.

Class 318. Avian Bowl Team

LIVESTOCK AND POULTRY

4-H is not responsible for the management of the livestock and poultry departments at the Fair. All shows are open shows with junior classes. Please read and follow their rules and instructions carefully. Livestock to be sold in the Jr. Livestock Auction must be tagged with official DE State Fair tags at the times and locations listed in the livestock section of the Fair premium list.

CONSUMER CHAMPIONS BOWL

The Consumer Champions Bowl will take place on Sunday,
July 21, at 1:00 PM in the Centre. The Delaware State Fair will award premiums to the top three teams in competition. A team may consist of 2-4 members ages 8 to 19. There are no age categories for this event. Clubs may enter multiple teams and can identify them as Team 1, Team 2, etc. Individual team members DO NOT need to register. Rules and study materials are available from your County 4-H Office.

TEAMS MUST ENTER THIS EVENT BY JUNE 1 USING THE DELAWARE STATE FAIR ONLINE SYSTEM. ENTER TEAM UNDER YOUR 4-H CLUB NAME.

Class 319. Consumer Champions Bowl Team

PUBLIC SPEAKING

The 4-H Public Speaking contest will be held Friday, July 19, at

6:00 PM in the Centre. County winners in the Beginner I,

Beginner II, Junior and Senior categories as well as the Extemporaneous category will speak.

Class

320. Beginner I (ages 8-9)
321. Beginner II (ages 10-11)
322. Junior (ages 12-13)
323. Senior (ages 14-19)
324. Extemporaneous (ages 14-19)
     

TALENT SHOW

The State 4-H Talent Show will be held on Thursday, July 18, beginning at 6:30 PM on the stage in the Centre. There will be a

limited number of talent acts that will participate. Selection of acts will be made on a first-come, first-served basis based on when

an entry is submitted.

Presentations will be by both individuals and groups. 4-H members may ONLY PARTICIPATE IN ONE OF THESE CATEGORIES, NOT BOTH. For group acts, enter under the 4-H Club name. Individual presentations will be divided into two age categories: Beginner (ages 8-12 yrs. old) and Senior (ages 13-19 yrs. old). Age is determined as of January 1 of the current year.

Cloverbud members are permitted to participate, but cannot compete. Green participation ribbons will be awarded to all Cloverbud members.

All talent show acts will be limited to a 2 minute maximum set up time. Talent acts must not exceed 5 minutes.

ALL EQUIPMENT needed for the talent presentation is the responsibility of the performer.

Class

314. Cloverbud (ages 5-7) 316. Senior Individual (ages 13-19)
315. Beginner Individual (ages 8-12) 317. Group

Only so many acts can perform in the Talent Show. Your spot in the show is not confirmed until you receive a confirmation email. Once your are confirmed, you will receive a form that must be completed and returned to the State 4-H Office by July 1 or you will forfeit your spot in the Talent Show.

REGISTER BY JUNE 1 using this online form. Space is limited so please register EARLY.

STATE 4-H DEMONSTRATIONS/ILLUSTRATED TALKS

Only winners of County Contests, ages 8 and older, are eligible to participate in the State Contest. Please refer to the guidelines for demonstrations and illustrated talks. Participants will be given 5 minutes for set-up. Demonstrations must be at least 3 minutes in length and are not to exceed 15 minutes. For each 15 seconds “under” or “over” the time allowed for set-up or for the demonstration, 1 point will be deducted. Make sure you enter the appropriate demonstration class on your online entry form.

4-H Demonstrations will take place beginning at 10:00 AM on the following days:

• General Demonstrations: Monday, July 22 
• Plant & Environmental Sciences: Wednesday, July 24 
• Family and Consumer Sciences: Thursday, July 25 
• Animal Science: Friday, July 26 

Please contact your County Office by June 13 if you have any special needs due to work or livestock shows. Demonstration presentation times will be sent to participants under separate letter.

If you are using a PowerPoint presentation in your Demonstration, the deadline to submit it to the State 4-H Office is Monday,
July 8. See page 7 for UD Dropbox instructions.

JUDGING CONTESTS

Participants must be present at the stated START time for all Animal Judging Contests (classes 304, 311, 312 & 313) or they will not be able to participate in the contest. Attention Judging Contests Participants: 4-H Members may only participate in TWO Judging contests at the state level. If a Member qualifies for more than two judging events they may choose which two events they will enter at the state level. County Office Staff will collaborate with county contest winners to determine state-level judging contest representatives. It is the responsibility of qualified 4-H Members to register appropriately in the Delaware State Fair system.  

304. Poultry Friday, July 19 9:00 AM
305. Photography Saturday, July 20 1:00 PM
306. Wildlife Habitat Saturday, July 20 1:00 PM
307. Food and Nutrition Saturday, July 20 1:00 PM
308. Textiles and Clothing Saturday, July 20 1:00 PM
309. Horticulture Saturday, July 20 1:00 PM
310. Wood Science Saturday, July 20 1:00 PM
311. Dairy Tuesday, July 23 9:00 AM
312. Horse Wednesday, July 24 9:00 AM
313. Livestock Monday, July 22 9:00 AM
     

If you have special needs that need to be accommodated, please contact the State 4-H Office two weeks prior to the event at 302-831-2509 or de4h@udel.edu.

HORSE AND PONY SHOW

The State 4-H Horse and Pony Show will be held in the Quillen Arena on Friday, July 26, at 9:00 AM. The Horse Show is for 4-H club members of the Delmarva Peninsula and is sponsored by Delaware Cooperative Extension in cooperation with the Delaware 4-H Horse Advisory Committee.  All participants must be bona fide 4-H club members in good standing of the current year and be able to present some form of 4-H identification as proof of membership.

• 4-H Exhibitors must be at least 8 years of age, but not yet passed their 19th birthday on January 1 of the current year.
• Cloverbuds are between the ages of 5-7 as of January 1st of the current year and receive participation ribbons only.

Entries must be received in advance by July 12, 2024. A class list and entry form will be available on the State 4-H website after
May 1. Classes can be scratched or added up to and including the day of the show once they have entered. Entry fee payments are made the day of the show.

Horses and ponies may be shipped in the morning of the show or be stabled on the Fairgrounds if they are participating in additional horse shows during Fair week. Proof of a negative coggins test and a certificate of vaccination for Equine Influenza and Rhinopneumonitis (EHV) within the past 180 days are required to show. Exhibitors are required to wear an ASTM/SEI approved helmet whenever mounted or driving.

REMINDERS

All 4-H activities use January 1 in determining age. Young people must be age 8 and older for all competitive events.

Vegetable Exhibit PowerPoint – The County Offices have a PowerPoint available that can assist 4-H members in preparing their vegetable exhibits. Be sure to review this information before preparing your exhibits.

Section R – Food Exhibits – There is no icing allowed on any cupcake, cookie or brownie exhibit (except for Class of 4 Decorated Cupcakes that resembles an animal). Put all food exhibits on disposable plates in a Ziploc bag with entry tag inside and name folded over and not shown. Indicate type/flavor of food item on back of exhibit tag.

The 4-H Awards Celebration will be held on Saturday, July 27, at 5:00 PM in the Quillen Arena. All Demonstration, Judging, Public Speaking, Archery, Avian Bowl, Consumer Bowl, Lawn Tractor, Tractor, State 4-H Horse Show, and Conservation Display winners will be recognized. 4-H members and parents are encouraged to attend!

Fair Exhibits Required to be Submitted to the UD Dropbox

The following exhibits must be submitted by Monday,  July 8, 2024,  using the University of Delaware Dropbox Service:

• Computer Video Exhibits – Class 61, 68, 69 and 70 only 
• Photography Digital Slide Show Exhibits – Class 141, 142 & 143 only
• State Demonstration Contests – Submit presentations IF using PowerPoint

Name your file using the following convention to ensure we properly direct your entry. 

Class number – 4-H’er full name – presentation title

Example: Class 86 – Ryan Fields – An Apple a Day May Keep the Doctor Away

University of Delaware Dropbox Instructions:

• Go to www.udel.edu/dropbox
• Click the “Drop-off” button.
• Box 1: Enter your information.
• Box 2: For recipient email, enter: de4h 
  @udel.edu is not necessary because this is a secure internal UD campus system.
• Box 3: Upload your file
• Click the “drop-off the file” button.

HELP US AT THE FAIR

The Fair is not possible without a cadre of talented 4-H’ers and adult volunteers that make it all happen. Consider volunteering to help set-up the building, check-in exhibits, and assist judges. Good help is always needed, especially adult volunteers. We ask that all helpers be age 8 or older. Helper Sign-up Form

Tuesday, July 9—9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Clean-up and set-up building. Looking for older members who can set up exhibit booths and move them into place. Decorate building. Cut corrugated paper and attach to exhibit booths. Desire older members who can cut paper and use a staple gun, as well as pay attention to detail.

Monday, July 15—2:30 PM to 6:30 PM
Exhibit check-in. Lunch is not provided, but snacks and drinks will be available at 4:30 PM. Sort exhibits by class and check tags for completeness.

Tuesday, July 16—8:45 AM to  4:00 PM
Judge’s Clerks. Punch tags and attach ribbons. Record premiums. Must be at least 10 years old.
12:00 Noon to 4:00 PM Begin displaying photos and posters.

Wednesday, July 17—9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Display Teams. Older 4-H members. Need to be able to work independently and in teams displaying.

Thursday, July 18 

Check-in Foods—8:15 AM to 11:30 AM
Check tags for completeness and sort by class and assist with display.

Thursday, July 18 (cont.)

Check-in Vegetables/Horticulture—8:15 AM to 11:30AM
Check tags for completeness and sort by class and assist with display.

Foods Judge’s Clerks and Display—11:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Must have had lunch prior to arriving at 11:00 AM. Punch tags, attach ribbons, record premiums, and assist judges. Assist with clean-up.

Vegetable/Horticulture Judge’s Clerks and Display
11:00 AM to 4:00 PM Must have had lunch prior to arriving. Punch tags, attach ribbons, record premiums, and assist judges. Assist with clean-up.

Wednesday, July 24—9:45 AM to 1:00 PM
Cut Flower check-in. Clerk and Display.

Sunday, July 28—Dismantle building. Two groups of volunteers. 

7:30 AM to 10:30 AM  – Dismantle exhibit area but not move exhibits. Check-out clerks.

10:30 AM to 1:30 PM –  Big people needed to pull booths apart—muscle!

DELAWARE STATE GRANGE AND FARM BUREAU

These two organizations are very supportive of the 4-H program. Both groups, especially the Grange, are in need of 4-H members and volunteers to help them in their food booths during the Fair. The Grange needs help from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM shucking corn and preparing potatoes. The Grange and the Farm Bureau need help serving food from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, and 4:30 PM to 7:30 PM. We would like to see every teen donate one shift of time to this effort. The Grange has work opportunities for younger 4-H members. Please visit these booths on the Fairgrounds to sign up to volunteer.

FOOD BANK CAMPAIGN

Delaware 4-H will continue to support the Delaware Food Bank by donating extra vegetables from our vegetable exhibits.

AFTER judging, only one item will be displayed and all remaining items will be donated to the local Food Bank. 4-H members are also welcome to bring extra produce in to donate when they bring their exhibits to the Fair. Other members may also assist in supporting this initiative by bringing in canned or boxed food items to donate.

HOST AND HOSTESS

Throughout the Fair hosts and hostesses are needed to be available in the 4-H exhibit area to provide information about 4-H, projects on display, and prevent damage and theft of exhibits. We welcome all 4-H Youth and Adults to volunteer to act as a host/hostess. This is a great opportunity for 4-H’ers age 8 and up. Get your best 4-H friend to join you and sign up to help! Beginning April 1, the online form will be activated to sign up to be a Host-Hostess during the Fair. Two people will be allowed per time slot. Each time slot will be for 2 hours.

Host and Hostess Sign-up

DATES TO REMEMBER

JUNE 1

 DEADLINE! ALL online registrations with the Fair closes at midnight.

July 1 Complete Host and Hostess Sign-Up online 

July 1 Complete Helper Form Sign-up online 

July 8 Submission due date for: Computer Exhibit Videos, Photography Exhibit Digital Slide Shows and State Demonstration Contest PowerPoint presentations. See page 7 for UD Dropbox instructions.

Cooperative Extension programs and policies are consistent with federal and state laws and regulations on non-discrimination regarding race, sex, religion, age, color, creed, national or ethnic origin; physical, mental or sensory disability; marital status, sexual orientation, or status as a Vietnam-era or disabled veteran. Evidence of noncompliance may be reported through your local Cooperative Extension Office.

If you have special needs that need to be accommodated, please contact the State 4-H Office two weeks prior to the event at 302-831-2509 or de4h@udel.edu.

DELAWARE STATE FAIR 4-H DEPARTMENT SCHEDULE

June Mark your 4-H activities/commitments and post this on the family refrigerator.

1

Thurs

Deadline for ALL ONLINE Fair entries!

 

July 

1	Sat		Entry deadline to the County 4-H Office for Judging Contests.
1	Sat		All 4-H Youth and Adults are encouraged.   Helper Form Sign-up.     Host/Hostess Sign-up.
8	Mon		Deadline to submit Computer Exhibit Videos, Photography Exhibit Digital Slide Shows, and  Demonstration PowerPoint CD/DVDs to the State 4-H Office. See page 7 for UD Dropbox instructions.
9	Tues	9 AM – 4 PM	Clean–up and set–up the 4-H Building. Decorate 4-H Building.
15	Mon	3 PM – 6 PM	Check-in exhibits: Non-perishables.
16	Tues	8:45 AM – 4 PM 12 noon	Judge 4-H exhibits Begin displaying photographs/posters
17	Wed	9 AM – 4 PM	Display 4-H exhibits
18	Thurs	8:30 AM-11 AM 11 AM – 4 PM PM 6:30 PM	Check-in: foods, vegetables, indoor/outdoor gardening  Judge and display Delaware State Fair officially opens. 4-H exhibits open to the public. 4-H Talent Show—Centre Stage
19	Fri	9 AM 6 PM	Poultry Judging: 4-H Building Centre Conference Room  State 4-H Public Speaking Contest – Centre Stage
20	Sat	1 PM	4-H Judging Contests: Food & Nutrition, Photography, Wildlife Habitat, Textiles & Clothing, Horticulture and Wood Science—Centre Conference Room
21	Sun	1 PM	4-H Consumer Bowl – Centre Stage
22	Mon	9 AM 10 AM Varies	4-H Livestock Judging—Kent Building 4-H Demonstration Contest: General Category – Centre Stage 4-H Archery Competition – Harrington Raceway Paddock Building (Participants should report at designated reporting times)
23	Tues	9 AM	4-H Dairy Judging—Quillen Arena
24	Wed	9 AM 10 AM AM – 12 noon AM	4-H Horse Judging– Quillen Arena 4-H Demonstration Contest: Plant & Environmental Sciences– Centre Stage Check-in: Cut flowers 4-H Tractor Driving – Quillen Arena (Participants arrive by 10:30 AM)
25	Thurs	10 AM	4-H Demonstration Contest: Family and Consumer Sciences – Centre Stage
26	Fri	10 AM	4-H Demonstration Contest: Animal Science – Centre Stage
27	Sat	9 AM 1 PM 5 PM	4-H Lawn Tractor Driving– Quillen Arena (Participants should arrive by 8:30 AM) 4-H Avian Bowl– Centre Stage 4-H Awards Celebration– Quillen Arena
28	Sun	8 AM– 12 noon	4-H Department– Exhibit removal

 

QUICK REFERENCE ON HOW TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN THE 

4-H DEPARTMENT AT THE DELAWARE STATE FAIR

• Submit entries on Delaware State Fair’s website from April 1st to June 1st; enter only classes you expect to complete.
• Must have a 4-H enrollment card on file in your respective County Office for the current 4-H year based on established enrollment guidelines.
• All exhibits (except for Foods, Plants and Vegetables) are brought to the state fair on Monday, July 15th from 3:00 – 6:00 pm.
• Food, Plants, and Vegetable exhibits are brought to the state fair on Thursday, July 18th from 8:30 – 11:00 am.
• Cut Flower exhibits are brought to the state fair on Wednesday, July 24th from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon.
• All exhibits must be removed from the building on Sunday, July 28th from 8:00 am to 12:00 noon. Every member MUST make arrangements for someone to pick up your exhibits if they are not able to do so themselves. There should not be an expectation for your exhibits to automatically be taken back to your respective County 4-H Office.
• IMPORTANT NEW RULE for 2024:  In order for a 4-H youth exhibitor to receive a free exhibitor pass for entry into the Delaware State Fair, they must meet one of the following levels in the 4-H Department:
  • Enter five (5) exhibits in the 4-H Department.
  • Participate in two (2) 4-H competitions that occur during the State Fair.
  • Participate in one (1) 4-H competition that occurs during the State Fair AND enter three (3) exhibits in the 4-H Department.
  • Exhibit one or more entries as a Cloverbud Exhibitor in the 4-H Department.

Sec Class Important Guidelines/Rules to Follow

A 1-8 These are the only entries available to Cloverbud Members (5-7 years old).

B 9-41 Entries in all these classes must use hand,  machine sewing, or textile techniques.

Entries that are not identifiable as to what has been sewn must include explanation on back of tag to explain to  judge.

C 49-59 Processing must follow and use current USDA recommendations.  All entries must be labeled with product name, date of preparation and/or processing, type of pack, method of processing., pre and/or post-treatments, or method of drying.  Exhibit must consist of TWO jars of like products.

Sec Class Important Guidelines/Rules to Follow

D Classes 61, 68, 69 and 70 should be submitted by July 8th using UD Dropbox Service. 

E Any exhibit included in a frame or on art canvas should include a hanger, wire or hooks for hanging the exhibit.

  77 Include the name of the 4-H camp where the exhibit was made on the back of the exhibit tag.

  78 Club craft entered MUST be a craft project completed with your 4-H Club (and not on your own).

  79 Paintings or Drawings should not exceed 11” x 17”.  Any painting done on canvas should include a hanger.

  80 Duct tape exhibit must be made entirely from duct tape.

  84 Identify what the beaded article is on the back of the exhibit tag.

  91 Recycle Article must have an attached explanation of what is recycled and the impact it has.

  99 4-H Foundation Holiday Greeting Card – Refer to list of thirteen (13) requirements/guidelines in premium book.

F Plant must be in care of the exhibitor for 60 days prior to the fair.  Propagation date must be 60 days prior to July 1st.

G Fresh flowers or Fresh Wreaths are NOT permitted for any class.

H All photos MUST be taken by 4-H Exhibitor since the beginning of the last fair.  Exhibitor SHOULD NOT be in any photo.

4-H siblings SHOULD NOT submit the same photo in any class.  Be sure the photo is exhibited under PRIMARY FOCUS.

Mount photos on poster board, card stock, mount board or mat board NOT TO EXCEED 6” x 8” except where noted.
                          Do not glue the exhibit tag to the mounting board- use tape.

Exhibitors SHOULD NOT enter the same photo in COLOR photo categories and BLACK and WHITE photo categories.

124 Special Effect used must be described on the back of the exhibit tag. See page 50 of Unit 1 of the 4-H Project manual
                          Focus on Photography for tips and suggestions.

128 ALL STILL LIFE PHOTO ENTRIES ARE REQUIRED TO BE “CREATED” which involves arranging non-moving or still objects
                          items.

129 Requires title on exhibit.

130 Requires title on exhibit.

Sec Class Important Guidelines/Rules to Follow

134 Photo Album must include a minimum of 25 photos. 

136-140    Use 14” x 22” poster board for all exhibits.  Each photo should be 5″ X 7″. Class 137 and 140 must include a title on
                                the exhibit.

141-143    Exhibits should be submitted by July 10th using the UD Dropbox Service.

I Any exhibit done on poster board should use a 14” x 22” size.

149 Exhibit requires 10 samples that are identified.

157-158    Exhibit should be approx. 24” high x 30” deep x 36” wide; no cardboard boxes, shoe boxes or tri-fold cardboard.

J All exhibits requiring bulbs must have correct size.  Use of molded plug-ins is discouraged.  No cord that has been 

purchased in a store and later repaired may be entered.

K A display consists of at least one box.  Size of box should not exceed 17” x 14”.

N Any exhibit done on poster board should be 14” x 22” in size.  All other exhibits should not exceed 12” x 12”.

O 200 Exhibit CANNOT be any type of First Aid Kit.

202 Exhibit must include an Explanation as to how it will be used with children.

210 Exhibit articles must have been published and submitted to Newspaper, County Newsletter, etc, from the current enrollment year. Items should be actual (or copies of actual) articles submitted- NOT just wording typed on paper, or minutes from 4-H club meetings.

214 Must be ages 11 to 19 to enter.

P 215 Meal menu – only 1 meal – Dinner with Main Dish.  Follow Favorite Foods Contest guidelines for dishes required on place setting.  Guidelines can be found at: udel.edu/0010340 
Sec Class Important Guidelines/Rules to Follow

R  –NO ICING ON ANY FOOD EXHIBIT (except for Class 234).  Please indicate type/flavor of food item on back of exhibit  tag for judging.  Food exhibits should be brought on a disposable plate in a Ziploc bag           with entry tag inside and folded over. Exhibitors must provide a stated number of food items as listed in the premium book.

S ALL vegetables for ALL vegetable classes MUST be grown by 4-H exhibitors.  

Exhibitors must provide a stated number of vegetable items as listed in the premium book.

254 Exhibit requires not less than 5 kinds of edible vegetables to be used in display.

T All cut flower exhibits are three (3) stems, of the same variety, but may be different colors.

NO disposable cups may be used as containers.

U ONLY COUNTY WINNERS from the respective County Demonstration Contests are eligible to participate.

V ONLY COUNTY WINNERS from the respective County Judging Contests are eligible to participate.

4-H members are permitted to participate in up to TWO (2) state judging contests for which they qualify.

4-H members MUST arrive by Animal Judging Contest START TIMES (Dairy, Livestock, Horse, Poultry) to participate.

W Talent acts will be selected on a first come first, serve basis: based on when the Fair Newsletter entry form is submitted. 4-H members may only participate in the Individual OR Group category.  Members cannot participate in both. 

X Enter a team under your 4-H Club Name (not individuals) unless approved in advance.  Use Team 1, Team 2, etc.

Y Enter a team under your 4-H Club Name (not individuals) unless approved in advance.  Use Team 1, Team 2, etc.

Sec Class Important Guidelines/Rules to Follow

Z ONLY COUNTY DIVISION WINNERS from respective County Public Speaking Contests are eligible to participate.

POSTER EXHIBITS – If an exhibit includes a poster, posters are evaluated based on the following guidelines:

1. Should be simple, not wordy and provide a quick message in a concise format
2. Should be easy to read and have a single message / fact / point of interest
3. Letters and words should be clear, legible, and straight
4. Neatness
5. Colorful
6. Use of visual or graphics is important

State 4-H Awards Celebration – Saturday, July 27th at 5:00 pm     Quillen Arena

ALL winners placing in any of the 4-H contests during fair week are ENCOURAGED TO ATTEND and be recognized.