FAST 4-H FACTS FOR THE FAIR

2007 COUNTY FAIR DATES: Monday, August 6th through Sunday, August 12th.

ADMISSION: 4-H members and volunteers with valid organizational i.d. card pay only $2.00 per day for admission to grounds. Cost of amusement rides is extra, with most rides costing $1.00 each. All-day wristbands may be purchased for $12.00 ($6.00 on Thursday ONLY. Total savings per member on Youth Day is $9.95). Parking is free.

HOW MEMBERS CAN TAKE PART:

Exhibiting: 4-H members can enter a poster or other item (craft item, first aid kit, clothing item made, etc.) representing their work in a project area. Animal science project entries can be made either by keeping an animal at Fair during week, or by bringing it in the day of project evaluation (see special Exhibitor Handbooks for animal science guidelines). Members exhibiting at the Fair receive a ribbon and a $1 premium from the Agricultural Society after the Fair. Exhibits must be entered at the Junior Fair Building between Noon and 4:00 p.m. August 2nd through 5th (animals August 5th only). All exhibits must be identified with a tag and recorded on an inventory form (both available from the 4-H Office).

Project Evaluation: 4-H participation is a guided educational experience. As part of this experience, members are encouraged to take part in an evaluation interview to complete their work in a particular project area. Evaluation consists of a discussion between member and a 4-H judge about the project exhibit and what was learned in Club activities. Based on the level of knowledge the member displays, various types of ribbons and recognition are awarded (see below). Evaluation takes place either before the Fair or at various times during the Fair.

“Showcases” and Demonstrations: Individual members or small groups can share what they have learned with others at the Fair through “how-to” demonstrations of techniques or talents. “Showcases” are more informal and can involve many group members. They can feature virtually anything related to 4-H project work, or can be skits, songs, dances, or drill routines which demonstrate teamwork, talent, and effort. Showcases involving musical numbers must be approved by the 4-H Office to ensure use of appropriate content for a youth development setting. Showcases can be done any time during Fair Week , but must be scheduled through the 4-H staff. Demonstrations are more structured “how to” presentations by one or two members. Members doing showcases receive a $4.00 group premium, with $2.00 additional if the presentation is repeated. Demonstrators receive $6.00 for an individual talk or $12.00 for a talk by two or three members. Contact the 4-H Staff for planning guides for members and to schedule specific times. 4-H Animal Science members also do a series of “Animal Science Showcase” presentations in the Cow Palace at specific times.

Competitive Events: 4-H Members who wish to test their abilities in relation to those of others can take part in competitive events. These are held at various times during the Fair for the Animal Science Program or in pre-Fair situations for Horse and Dog project members. In other project areas, members can take part in pre-Fair evaluation by means of special evaluation sessions arranged by Club advisors. The most outstanding projects are selected to represent Cuyahoga County at Ohio State Fair competition. Winners receive trophies or special award certificates.

4-H CLUB DISPLAY CONTEST: Each year Community Clubs and Day Camp programs involved with 4-H “learn by doing” can enter the Display Contest. The purpose of the Contest is to enhance the “look” of 4-H displays at the Fair to provide a better impression to the public. Points are awarded for creativity, inclusion of project work by members, and use of Junior Fair theme. This year's theme is “Animal Safari Adventure”. To reserve a space for your Club and receive a detailed list of judging guidelines, contact Greg Siek or Dina Allen. Hurry - display space is limited, and is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis!!!

SPECIAL DISPLAYS CLASS. There will be three 8-foot display risers reserved for this class, with a $10.00 entry fee for this category, payable to Cuyahoga County 4-H by July 31st. Spaces will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. If any of the spaces are unused, they will be divided and re-assigned to other groups.

OHIO STATE FAIR PARTICIPATION: For most project categories (except small animals and livestock), members can compete for selection to represent Cuyahoga County 4-H at the Ohio State Fair. Events take place on a specified date during the State Fair, held August 1st to 12th. Horse project qualification show is held at the Fairgrounds July 12-13; Dog project evaluation is July 21st (ring work also). Note: Dog Program participants can enter State Fair Dog Show directly by July 13th. Evaluation for other project areas (clothing, creative arts, natural resources, nutrition, speaking skills) will be held in the Junior Fair Building, Saturday, July 28 at 2:00 p.m. or by appointment with Clubs. Contact 4-H staff for details on judging guidelines and sample forms for project areas or check the 4-H website at http://cuyahoga.osu.edu/4h/index.html

RIBBONS AND AWARDS: Recognition of member accomplishment is an important part of 4-H “learning by doing” philosophy. Advisors are encouraged to offer opportunities for recognition to members, and to help them prepare for positive results. County Fair recognition includes awards for:

Participation: Every member entering an exhibit or taking part in a project evaluation interview or Showcase receives a ribbon for their efforts.
Completion: Members taking part in an evaluation interview with a judge about what they have learned receives an additional ribbon by demonstrating that they have learned the basic information contained in the project book or group curriculum materials used.
Outstanding: Members who do extremely well in demonstrating project knowledge can receive outstanding ribbons. See project guidelines. State Fair Selection is awarded to members showing the highest level of achievement in each project area.
Special Trophies and Certificates: These are awarded for various project areas, and are often sponsored by specific donors for specific project areas. Many animal science projects have rosettes and trophies for placing in showmanship events.

CLOVERBUD ACTIVITIES

4-H “Cloverbud” members between the ages of 5 and 8 (grades K - 2) can take part in specially designed, non-competitive activities during Fair Week. Throughout the Fair, various mentoring, group “funshops,” displays, “show and tell” opportunities, and a special “Cloverbud Day Camp” will help Cloverbuds enjoy the Fair in ways appropriate to their age level. Parents of Cloverbuds, or advisors of Clubs with Cloverbud members, can contact Robin Stone or Dina Allen at the 4-H Office for more detailed information and a schedule of Cloverbud events.

4-H JUNIOR FAIR PREMIUM AWARDS

To encourage groups to contribute to the educational value of the Cuyahoga County Fair, the Cuyahoga County Agricultural Society, managing organization for the Fair, pays small monetary incentives to encourage groups to take part. This provides encouragement both for the youth members who put up exhibits and demonstrate their knowledge to the public, but also for Fair-goers who can enjoy a wider variety of learning experiences when they come. Premium awards are in no way designed to pay the entire cost of exhibiting and of taking part in the Fair, but provide a token of the Board's appreciation of the efforts required by 4-H members in to preparing an exhibit or otherwise sharing their knowledge and talents. For 2007, the premium rates will be:

EXHIBITION OF PROJECT WORK (one premium per distinct project): $ 1.00 Project exhibits must be on display for the entire length of Fair week to qualify for this premium.

STYLE REVUE PARTICIPATION $ 1.00
INDIVIDUAL DEMONSTRATION OR ILLUSTRATED TALK $ 6.00
TEAM DEMONSTRATION OR ILLUSTRATED TALK $12.00
GROUP SHOWCASE PRESENTATION $ 4.00
REPEAT OF SHOWCASE ON SAME DAY $ 2.00
PERFORMING ARTS ACTIVITY $ 4.00
REPEAT OF PERFORMANCE ON SAME DAY $ 2.00
CLUB PARTICIPATION IN ANIMAL SCIENCE SHOWCASE $ 4.00 (paid to Animal Science Committee)

ANIMAL SCIENCE PROJECT EXHIBITS:

Dairy Beef $ 5.00
Swine $ 4.00
Sheep and Goat $ 3.00
Poultry $ 2.50
Rabbit $ 2.50
"Pocket Pets" $ 1.50
HORSE PROGRAM DISPLAY OF BREEDS (per day) $ 3.00
HORSE EXPO / COLOR GUARD PARTICIPATION $ 4.00

4-H EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITY LOCATIONS AT THE FAIR:

4-H educational displays and events take place at various locations on the County Fairgrounds:

Junior Fair Building: Project exhibits, demonstrations, and “showcases,” project evaluation interviews, some special events.

Cow Palace: Animal project exhibits, “showcases,” evaluation and judging events, “Skill-a-Thon” learning games, showmanship sweepstakes, Market Auction, Dog Project “Fun Match” and demonstrations; 4-H Horse Expo.