Eastern Rhode Island 4-H Country Fair

Steps for Planning           4-H Club Exhibits               Rules for Club Exhibits                     Danish System         4-H Large Indv.  Exhibit             Rules for Large                                  Official Rules                  4-H Small Indv. Exhibit                     Rules for Small Indv.                      Topic Exhibits                       Topic Exhibit Rules  

Entry Form

If you are a 4-H member or a 4-H volunteer and you would like to enter in the ERI 4-H Fair Exhibit Hall you can! The ERI 4-H Exhibit building is open to all 4-H members and 4-H volunteers.  Make sure you print out the Entry Form and mail it in by July 1st deadline to Mary-Jean McDonough.

WHY HAVE 4-H EXHIBITS?                                                

• To recognize 4-H members for their achievements and provide feedback to them regarding their accomplishments.
• To provide a goal which motivates youth to achieve in their 4-H project work.
• To provide educational experiences for 4-H members not available in other 4-H programs.
• To provide the public a better understanding of 4-H work.
• Any premium money or special prizes awarded serve as a reward as well as an incentive to encourage further learning and
  growth through 4-H work.

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1. "Variety Show"-At least 15 items made in any three (3) or more project areas. Items should show a variety of 4-H learning experiences; such as a "Home Economics" exhibit.
2. Foods-At least 10 items, including five (5) varieties. Definition – at least five (5) varieties of any one of the following products: breads, cakes, cookies, muffins or preserved products,. Recipes must be included for each item in the exhibit. Products requiring refrigeration, such as cream fillings, cheesecake, etc. must not be entered. If cake or bread is entered, bring only 1/4 cake, 1/2 loaf, or miniatures. If a variety is a miniature, 6 items are required. Wrap samples of product for judges to taste. Each item or group of items is to be covered with clear plastic wrap. Products from commercial mixes cannot be exhibited. . Jars must be uniform, properly labeled with the name of product and date prepared. The name of the exhibitor must be placed on the bottom. Any product preserved since last year's fair may be entered. USDA Guidelines must be followed.. Thirty five points will be removed from the score if not properly sealed.
3. Clothing-At least 10 articles made within the current 4-H year. Sewn accessories (bags, hats, slippers) may be included after the 10-article minimum is met. Note: Definition of an article: An article consists of one piece of clothing. A two-piece outfit counts as two (2) articles (example: top and shorts). Pattern envelope is required as part of the exhibit. Include instructions also if alterations were made.
4. Crafts- At least ten (10) items of crafts and hobbies such as leather work, metal work, embroidery, etc., made within the current 4-H year.
5. Flowers and Potted Plants-At least ten (10) items, including at least five (5) varieties of cut flowers and/or potted plants. Each vase of cut flowers must contain at least three (3) stems/variety.
6.  Vegetable Garden-Ten or more kinds of vegetables attractively arranged with varieties labeled. For number of specimens of each kind, see regulations below:                                                                                                                                                                       1. Avoid all blemishes -no dirt, decay, disease, insect marks, bruises, crust, scratches, marks, etc. Select only vegetables at the peak of perfection and avoid wilting. Spend time selecting. Use extreme care in cleaning to avoid scrub marks and damage, particularly on beets and carrots. Pack carefully for transporting to the fair.                                                                                                                         2. Be sure each variety is correctly labeled -green bean, summer squash, is not enough. Record the variety name from the seed package, for example: Beans -Contender, summer squash -Early Prolific Straight-neck, etc.                                                                                   3. Arrange as attractively as you can. Small paper plates or other items may be used to decorate and display vegetables.                         4. Select the size, color and form which is normal for the variety being shown (use authorized rules). Beans -12 pods Potatoes -3, cleaned but not washed Beets -3, leave one inch of tops, roots not trimmed Squash, summer -3 specimens Cabbage -One solid head, loose outer leaves removed Tomatoes -3, remove stems to prevent injury to other Carrots -3, leave one inch of tops tomatoes Corn, sweet -3 ears, husks off, tips not trimmed Turnips -3 small or 2 large specimens Cucumbers -3 slicing size Rutabagas -3 specimens Onions -3, do not completely peel, leave at least one dry Other -Other vegetables are, of course, grown by 4-H skin on each members, but those listed are most commonly exhibited Peppers -3, sweet or hot variety and will hold up fairly well for the duration of the fair.
7. Other-Any 4-H project not listed above. a minimum of ten (10) items made or grown. Describe the exhibit when the entry is sent in. Examples: Woodworking, Electricity, Photography.         
   
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• Club exhibit spaces in the exhibit building are 4' wide x 3' deep.  Tables and back wall are provided. 
• Outside exhibit space is available for displaying larger exhibits. However, you will have to provide all materials, including a table if needed.
• At least four members must contribute to form a club exhibit. No more than 1/3 of the items may be contributed by any one member.
  
• A maximum of 3 entries per club is allowed.

Club Exhibit Awards

• Blue - $10  Red - $7  White - $5      Best-in-Show - Add $10 to ribbon value

                                                                                             

Exhibits showing a grouping of items made, or grown by one individual -Examples: foods baked, clothing made, crafts
completed, vegetables grown, foods preserved. The Exhibit is actually a display of the results of that year's project work. A
theme is always used with this type of exhibit.

Classes:

1. “Variety Show”-A minimum of seven (7) items made in any three (3) or more project areas within the current 4-H year. Items should reflect a variety of 4-H learning experiences.
2. Baked Good- Minimum of five (5) articles. See Class 2 Section A for requirements. Recipes must be included.
3. Clothing-Minimum of five (5) articles. See Class 3 Section A for definition of an "article" and requirements.
4. Crafts-Minimum of five (5) items.
5. Food Preservation-Minimum of five (5) groups of three (3) jars. See Class 2  Section A for requirements. May include fruits,vegetables, pickles, relishes, jams and jellies. Exhibit must include a theme. The Food Preservation score sheet allots 35 of the 60 points for quality to proper sealing. USDA Guidelines must be followed.
6. Other-Any 4-H project not listed above. Exhibit must include a minimum of five (5) items made or grown and a theme. Examples: 5 plates of vegetables, 5 houseplants, 5 Home Environment items, 5 Woodworking items, 5 Electric projects, 5 Photographs, etc. Class 14.2 Engineering/Electronics: Minimum of one article or item with a central idea or theme. Explain what it does, how it works, or principles of Electronics or mechanical science shown.

• Individual members participating in a club exhibit may also have an individual exhibit in the same project. Items exhibited may not be the same as those entered in the club exhibit.
• A theme is required. Develop the exhibit around a central idea or theme that will catch the public's attention.
• Indoor Exhibit spaces are 3' wide and 3' deep.
• Up to one (1) exhibit per class, theme is required in  Section B.
• For rest of general rules please refer to Section C rules.

 

1. Baked Goods-See Class 2, Section A for requirements. No commercial mixes. Recipes must be included on paper not larger than 8 1/2" x 11". Wrap  six of the same items (muffins, cookies, etc.)  in clear plastic wrap and a sample for the judges to taste.  If entering  only a min. of 1/4 loaf or 1/2 cake with a slice for the judges. Do not enter anything that requires refrigeration.  A maximum of three (3) entries.
2. Clothing-See requirements in Section A Class 3. A maximum of three (3) entries.
3. Crafts- Attach a 3 X 5 card that describes your item and how it was made. A maximum of three (3) entries.
4. Other-Any 4-H project not listed in other classes. A maximum of three (3) entries. Must specify type of exhibit on entry form.
5. Flowers and Potted Plants-Each vase of cut flowers must contain at least three stems/variety. A maximum of three (3) entries.
6. Food Preservation-Fruits, jams, jellies, pickles, relishes & vegetables: Three (3) jars any combination. See Class 2 for labeling instructions.  A maximum of three (3) entries.
7. Vegetables-One (1) plate per variety with a maximum of three (3) plates. See Class Section A, #4 for guidelines in selecting and exhibiting.  A maximum of three (3) entries.
8.  Art-One (1) item per category. All work must be original -no kits -and made within the current 4-H year. No copyrighted materials, such as Garfield, Snoopy, Ninja Turtles or Batman, may be used. All exhibits should be free standing for table top display. A 3" x 5" card or piece of paper with the following information must be attached to the back: Member's name, age, club name and art medium used.                                                                 Categories:                                                                                                                                         A. Paintings (oil, acrylic, water color, tempera, mixed media)
         B. Drawing: (pastel, charcoal, pen and ink, crayon, pencil)
         C. Collages (any medium)
         D. Prints (block prints, silk screens, fabric prints)
         E. Other (mixed media, sculpture, batik, needlepoint, embroidery, creative stitchery, macramé…)
9. Poster Art-All posters must be designed on, or affixed to, standard poster board of 22" x 28" dimensions. They may be horizontal or vertical, not 3-dimensional. Posters incorporating copyrighted material, like the cartoon character "Peanuts" will not be accepted. The 4-H member's name, age, and a brief artwork interpretative statement must be affixed to the back of the poster board in the upper left hand corner. Posters should make people stop, read and remember. Use large letters, keep it simple, print neatly, use dark ink, and two or three colors. Posters without a 4-H Clover or some 4-H promotion will lose 10 points. Submit poster designs in any of these theme areas:                                  A. We Learn By Doing in 4-H
   B. 4-H Teaches Responsible Citizenship
   C. Skills for Life Through 4-H
   D. Beef, Dog or Horse projects. These posters may be entered in the 4-H Poster Contests at these shows at the
   Eastern States Exposition. Posters for the horse contest must deal with safety around horses.
   E. Open Theme --This category allows 4-H members to create a poster and a theme to go with it.
                 
   
10. Photo Exhibit-(1 entry per category) Entries may be Black and White or Color Photos. All Photos and Photo Stories must: *Convey a message, or *Define a subject or mood, or *Tell a story All Entries must be labeled with a short identifying caption on the front that conveys the message/meaning of their work's theme. Individual photos must be 5" X 7" minimum; 8" x 10" maximum. Photo Stories may use photos of any size, maximum of 8" x 10". Overall size with matt/frame cannot exceed 16" x 20". All entries must be matted or framed and be free-standing with members providing their own table easels. The exhibitor's name, age, club name, and caption must be on the back of each entry.                                                                                                          Categories:                                                                                                                                          A. Black and White Photo                                                                                                             B. Color Photo                                                                                                                                 C. Black and White Photo Story                                                                                                 D. Color Photo Story
11. Video Tape Exhibit-Video tape exhibit: Videotapes must be no longer than 10 minutes and camera (s) work must be done by the exhibitor. Tape must be: accompanied by a written explanation of the steps the exhibitor went through to plan and produce the tape, & labeled with the name of the exhibitor, age and title of the video production.                                                                                            Categories:                                                                                                                                         A. 4-H Promotion showing the value of 4-H experiences                                            B. Instruction -teaching some aspect of a 4-H project
    
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• Indoor Exhibit spaces are 3' wide and 3' deep.
• Large outdoor individual exhibits have no space restrictions but exhibitors provide all their own materials including tables.  Part of the exhibit can be alive (plants or animals) and a theme or central idea is required.  There is no limit on the number of outside exhibits.  Outside exhibitors should give a brief description of their exhibit as well as the amount of space required on the Pre-Registration Form.
  
• Up to one (1) exhibit per class, theme is required in  Section B.
• Three (3) entries per class no theme is required in Section C.
• An index card giving name, age, years in 4-H project, and name of club must be attached to each item.
• Work should be appropriate to age and experience.

• Blue - $10  Red - $7 White - $5  Best-in-Show - Add $10 to ribbon value

• Blue - $3   Red - $2    White-$1 Best-in-Show - Add $5 to ribbon value

• Blue - $3      Red - $1      White - $.50

Classes:

• Club Topic Exhibit-One (1) entry per project area per club. No limit on number of entries as long as they are in different project areas.
  
• 4-H Promotional Exhibit-Tell/show what your 4-H Club has been doing this past year. It could include pictures, drawings, posters, samples of projects, work in progress, newspaper articles, etc. Remember to present it as one central idea.
  
• Individual Exhibit-One (1) entry per individual, per project area. Maximum of three (3) entries.
  
• Club Hands on Topic Exhibit
• Individual Hands on Topic Exhibit

•  Help 4-H Members to decide on the type of exhibit(s) they wish to enter.
• Help them to choose a project area that they have enjoyed and is within their abilities and skills.
• Review these guidelines with them, emphasizing general overall rules and those specifically applying to their project .
• Check the pages that describe the fair you are entering for details about each event. It should list how much space will be allowed for each type of exhibit listed above. Space will vary from event to event.
• Always plan to build an exhibit to fit the smallest area you will exhibit in during the 4-H year, you can almost always add more to an exhibit if you have extra space, but it isn't too easy to cut down a backboard or poster after its made.
• If you have a question, call the building superintendent.
• Now its time to put the exhibits "down on paper." Have each group or member write down the following information about each exhibit subject and type of exhibit.

 It is competing against this standard that provides the incentive for youth. It is a goal they all can reach. A youngster doesn't need
to be concerned about doing better than their fellow member. They can also feel free to help others without fear of loosing out
themselves. Since the definition of a top quality exhibit is what judges will use for judgment, it is important that it be defined
clearly for members in advance, as for judges. Information about score sheets, or judging criteria should be provided in advance.
Official Rules

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Please print and fill out your entry form and mail it to Mary-Jean as directed.  If you have any questions in re guards to the exhibit hall please use the following email provided. 

Exhibit Hall Superintendent is  Mary-Jean McDonough @ mjmcd@portsmouthabbey.org

2010 Entry form will be available next year!

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• To be eligible for premiums, individuals and clubs must provide a volunteer for at least a one-hour shift.
• For the exhibit building, registration and set-up is Wednesday of Fair Week between 5 PM and 8 PM and is continued on Thursday from 1 PM to 5 PM at the 4-H Fair exhibit building off Glen Road  in Portsmouth.
• All exhibits in the exhibit building must be in place by 5 PM Thursday.  4-H members must put up their own exhibits.
• 4-H will not assume responsibility for items stolen, damaged or lost. All possible precautions will be taken to safeguard items
• exhibited.
• Foods needing refrigeration are not allowed and will be disqualified.
• Outside exhibits must be in place by 10 AM on Saturday.
• Under no circumstances will anyone be allowed to take exhibits during the fair cleanup period 5-5:20 PM on Sunday.
• Please click on the link provided for more detailed information about exhibits and rules.