4-H/FFA Indoor Exhibits Rules
- Only youth enrolled as a bona fide 4-H /FFA member in Caroline/Dorchester County by June 1 are eligible to participate in the 4-H/FFA Division. ***Bona fide members are those 4-H members who are enrolled and paid through 4HOnline by June 1st, and FFA members who are active and verified by the FFA Advisor by June 1st.
- All Caroline/Dorchester County youth who are not bona fide members or non-Caroline/Dorchester County 4-H/FFA members can only exhibit entries in the Open Class Youth/Adult Division.
- The chairperson can/will disqualify any entry if it does not follow instructions, at their discretion. NO EXCEPTIONS.
- Only classes listed in this exhibit catalog will be judged.
- Exhibits must be the work of the 4-H/FFA member.
- Only project work completed since the preceding COUNTY FAIR may be exhibited. Please note an exception as in collections where you add on to a previously started project. May not enter any article previously entered in the CAROLINE/DORCHESTER COUNTY FAIR.
- A member may enter only one exhibit per class unless otherwise stated. Identical items may not be entered in different divisions or classes. Be sure item fits a class description. Please plan ahead.
- Entry tags must be securely attached to your entries before bringing them to the Fair.
- All exhibits will be judged on their own merit – Danish System (Champion, Reserve Champion, blue, red, and white). Each exhibit will be awarded a ribbon unless it has been disqualified.
- A Champion and Reserve Champion will be awarded in each division (Junior, Intermediate, and Senior). The Champion and Reserve Champion within a division cannot be the same 4-H/FFA member. Champion and Reserve Champion rosettes must be from blue ribbon exhibits. If you receive the premium for the Champion or Reserve Champion, you will not be eligible to receive the premium for the blue ribbon also.
- 4-H ages, as of January 1 of current year, are: CLOVER—————–(5-7) JUNIOR——————(8-10) INTERMEDIATE——–(11-13) SENIOR——————(14-18)
- Clovers may exhibit project items in a special area that will be set up strictly for Clover exhibits. Clovers must complete an entry form online. Clovers will receive a participation ribbon only; no premiums will be paid.
- Please note: All exhibits going on to the Maryland State Fair – a 4-H member can only enter exhibits at the State Fair if they are enrolled in the project at the county level. You can add the project at any time through your member profile in 4HOnline.
- All reasonable precautions will be taken for the protection of exhibits, but the Fair committee is not responsible for any losses or damage.
- “We are not limited by a lack of a rule.”
Agricultural Products (Eggs, Grain, Hay & Straw, Vegetables, Wool)
Eggs
All eggs must be exhibited in egg cartons.
Grain
Exhibits shall consist of one quart of grain in a clear glass jar with a lid. Jars must be free of printing, labels, and advertisements except for a 3” x 5” card attached to the exhibit with string or tape. The following information must be printed on the card: a. Variety (e.g. Potomac Wheat)
Hay & Straw
Hay and straw must be cured below 20% moisture. Alfalfa, clover, or lespedeza hay with more than 10% grass will be classified as mixed. Exhibits shall consist of a bundle approximately 18” x 18” x 6” in size. Bundle must be securely tied 4 ways for hanging. Attach a 3” x 5” card to the exhibit with string or tape. The following information must be printed on the card: Variety and Species (e.g. WL323 Alfalfa, Benchmark Orchard grass) — if mixed, indicate main composition.
All hay and straw bundles must be brought in a trash bag (preferably clear). Exhibitors must provide their own bag.
Vegetables
All exhibits must have been grown by the Exhibitor.
All exhibits must be clean and free of labels and tags, unless otherwise specified in the section or class.
Only one sample of each exhibit will remain with the ribbon and entry tag. Following judging, all other vegetables will be donated to the Maryland Food Bank in an effort to help the community and reduce waste during the Fair.
Wool Fleece
Exhibitors may enter fleece, provided the exhibitor owned the sheep at time of shearing. The fleece must have been shorn this year. Fleeces entered by breed should be shorn from a sheep clearly representative of that breed. A commercial fleece may be from any sheep. A yearling fleece may be 16 months growth.
Fleece should be rolled properly – flesh side out and tied with paper twine, in such a way as to allow adequate handling, yet not affect the character or attractiveness. Each fleece must be tagged with the following: Name and address of exhibitor, sheep breed, sheep gender, number of months’ growth.
Art
Exhibitors must have done all work on the project.
Entries are limited to original paintings and drawings in all media.
All exhibits must be presented in a frame that is wired and ready to hang. No yarn, fishing line, string saw tooth hangers may be used. Only exceptions – Scratch Art and Unframed Art.
The maximum size is 36” x 36”, including matting/framing.
Pictures painted by numbers are not allowed.
Copyrighted and trademarked objects, characters, and images are not allowed.
Child Care
All exhibits must be clean and free of labels and tags, unless otherwise specified in the section or class.
“Original design” means not from a kit.
Judging Criteria: safety; age appropriateness; educational value.
All entries must include an attached 3” x 5” card indicating the age level the item is intended for and the educational value of the item. Please neatly print or type the card.
Clothing
All entries must be the work of the exhibitor.
All entries must be sewn, unless otherwise specified in the class description
All garments must be entered on wire hangers or plastic hangers with moveable hooks; plastic tube hangers are not allowed. Hangers must be provided by the exhibitor
Judging criteria: quality of workmanship; coordination of fabric; pattern, notions, intended use; cleanliness; personal creativity.
Crafts
Exhibitors must have done all work on the exhibit.
Craft entries will be evaluated in terms of the following definition of a quality craft: “A quality craft reflects the craftsman’s imagination and skill in creating decorative and/or useful handmade items from appropriate designs and materials.”
Displays will not be accepted in Crafts section.
General guidelines for crafts: Is the article original? Is the article functional or decorative? Is the construction material appropriate for the object? Is there simplicity of line? Are the colors and textures appropriate? Has the craftsman mastered necessary skills and techniques?
Copyrighted and trademarked objects, characters, and images are not allowed.
Electric
All exhibits must be clean and free of labels and tags, unless otherwise specified in the section or class.
A wiring diagram and statement of intended use must accompany each exhibit. Enclose all documentation in an envelope and attach envelope to exhibit with string or tape.
Documentation envelopes are NOT to include any kind of identifying information.
Exhibits must be in a clean and presentable condition.
Judging criteria: design; workmanship; approved materials; practicality; originality; safety (must meet Underwriters Code); performance.
Flowers & Plants (Arrangements & Corsages, Cut Flowers, House Plants/Dish Gardens)
Arrangements & Corsages
Fresh corsages should not include plastic or artificial materials.
Accents of dried or fresh plant may be used in arrangements and corsages only (e.g. dried baby’s breath may be used in a fresh arrangement).
An accent makes a secondary contribution to the design and must not be a major focal point.
Cut Flowers
Exhibits should be labeled with variety name, if known.
Exhibitors must provide suitable containers for specimen exhibits. Containers must have labels removed and be clean. Containers must have water; don’t overfill the container.
All plant material exhibited in specimen classes MUST BE GROWN BY THE EXHIBITOR.
No artificial flowers, fruit, or foliage are permitted. Cut fruit, cut vegetables, or prepared foods are not permitted. No background is allowed.
House Plants, Dish Gardens & Terrariums
House plants and terrariums should have been established in the pot or container for at least one month.
All plant material exhibited in specimen classes MUST BE GROWN BY THE EXHIBITOR.
Plants and containers weighing more than 40 pounds will be disqualified.
No artificial flowers, fruit, or foliage are permitted.
Basis for judging flowering plants: cultural perfection (clean, free from pests), size of plant (suitable to variety), abundance of flowers, good soil mixture and container, and color.
Basis for judging foliage plants: cultural perfection, size of plant (suitable to variety), foliage shape or form, container (size in proportion to plant).
Potted plants, except in hanging basket classes, must be in pots not to exceed 8” top diameter.
Dish garden containers may not exceed 20” maximum width.
Hanging baskets must be able to hang.
Food Preparation (Baked Goods, Decorated Cakes)
Baked Goods (Breads, Brownies, Cakes, Candy, Cookies, Pies)
Exhibitors must enter the exact number of items indicated in parentheses in the class description, i.e. Cookies (4) means 4 individual cookies.
All food entries MUST be accompanied by a 3” x 5” Recipe Card (except Decorated Cakes only). The Recipe Card MUST include the list of the ingredients, the amounts, and procedures for preparing the product. Recipe Cards must be printed or typed. EXHIBITS WITHOUT RECIPE CARDS WILL BE DISQUALIFIED!
COMMERCIAL FROSTING IS NOT ALLOWED (except for Decorated Cakes only). The frosting recipe must be included on the Recipe Card.
All entries MUST be on a DISPOSABLE plate furnished by the exhibitor and in a plastic resealable bag.
Since refrigeration is not available, cream cheese, yogurt, whipping cream, etc. may NOT be used in fillings or icings. Eggs used in recipes MUST be cooked.
All entries must be the work of the exhibitor.
Basis for judging baked goods: outside appearance, shape, crust or surface, volume, uniform size (biscuits, cookies, etc. – 1 ½ to 2 ½ inch diameter), inside appearance – texture, grain, color, eating quality – flavor, aroma.
Basis for judging frosting and candy: Frosting – consistency in flavor, distribution, style, color; Candy – texture, flavor, and appearance.
GIFT BASKET/BOX CLASSES – Items should be arranged in a decorated basket/box to be used as a gift. A maximum of 3 adornments may be included. Place one sample of each item together in a plastic bag for judging. Attach a label with Exhibitor’s name to the bag. Indicate on the Recipe Card which audience the gift is intended for.
BAKING FOR SPECIAL DIETARY NEEDS – These are baked items where ingredients have been eliminated, reduced, or substituted so people with special dietary needs may enjoy a baked product. Substitutions must be specific. Include an explanation of changes made to the recipe and what special needs will be met by these changes. Judges will evaluate the item for its quality, taste, appearance, and effectiveness in totally meeting a special dietary need.
Decorated Cakes
You may use box cake mix/frosting or homemade recipe. No recipe card needed for this section only.
Entire cake must be exhibited.
Only Clovers and Juniors are permitted to enter cupcake cakes.
Copyrighted and trademarked images cannot be used.
Each exhibitor is limited to 1 decorated cake total, not per class.
Cakes must be brought and exhibited on a sturdy aluminum foil covered base.
OVERALL CAKE SIZE IS LIMITED TO 9” X 13” X 12”.
All decorations on/in the cake MUST be edible.
Judging criteria: appearance/decoration, carrying out idea/theme, neatness, and follows rules (i.e.: only edible decorations, not copyrighted image, proper size, etc.).
All Decorated Cakes will be auctioned off during the Cake Auction on Wednesday night of the Fair. Exhibitor must be present to showcase their cake at the auction. Proceeds will be split 50/50. (One half of the proceeds will be given to the exhibitor and the other half will be donated to the Fair.)
Clover members may decorate a cake for the Silence Auction. Decorated cakes exhibited by clovers will not be judged (they will receive a special participation ribbon), but they will be sent to the Silence cake auction, in the Williams Building for clovers. The Clover cakes will have a minimum starting bid of $50.00. 1 12. The Fair committee is not responsible for cakes that may be damaged in transport.
Food Preservation
All foods should be processed using a tested recipe. (Recipe sources – Ball Blue Book, USDA, recipes found in pectin or other canning ingredients made by companies such as Kerr, Mrs. Wagg’s, Ball, etc.)
Label each jar lid with the following: a) Product Name b) Processing Time and Method c) Source of Recipe
Fruits, pickled vegetables, and some tomatoes should be processed in a boiling water bath canner. Vegetables and some tomato products must be processed in a pressure canner. Please use the appropriate method for the food being preserved.
Use only mason jars and 2-piece self-sealing lids.
Jars will not be opened during judging.
Home Environment
All entries must be the work of the Exhibitor.
Entries will be disqualified if they are not considered functional items used in a home environment.
Craft/wooden items are not allowed in this section.
Judging criteria: quality of workmanship; usefulness/functional home use items; color and design application; personal creativity; cleanliness.
Framed pictures must be ready to hang on the wall or stand independently on a solid surface. Taped hangers are not acceptable.
A wall hanging is a free flowing, flat fabric based on original or pattern creation. It is intended to be suspended by a rod or dowel. Usually, layers of fabric are applied to develop the design. A wall hanging is meant to be seen from a distance either inside or outside and to serve as an accessory to the home or room. Embellishments include beads, feathers, and other items that serve to enhance the overall fabric design. All wall hangings should have a rod pocket, extender tabs, or rings for hanging.
Group Entries must be entered under the name of only one of the group members.
Miscellaneous (Collections, Project Displays, Record Books, Scrapbooks)
Collections
Case dimensions may not exceed 25” X 30”. Photos may be used to indicate the size/scope of collections too large to exhibit in their entirety.
If the exhibit was judged last year, please add an attached sheet with information about all the items added in the current year.
Basis for judging collections: presentation (neatness, cleanliness, and general eye appeal, variety of coverage), education value (extent to which the exhibit reflects collector’s knowledge of hobby), and variety.
Project Displays
A Project Display is an exhibit showing or telling something about a selected project. Example: a poster telling about dog care and a display of items needed to care for a dog; samples of items needed to make a wall hanging and a sample wall hanging. Topics for project displays could include: nutrition facts; horse care; citizenship; and any other 4-H/FFA project related topic.
Project displays must be free standing.
Basis for judging: appearance, educational value, appeal, creativity, and neatness.
Record Books
Include a list of events and/or activities in 4-H/FFA that you have participated in from January 1 – July 1 of the current year. Include a list of the exhibits you plan to enter in the county Fair in your record book.
Judging is based on what work you have completed in each project area for the first half of the year.
Scrapbooks
Scrapbooks may be any theme, not just 4-H/FFA, must be at least 6 completed pages (front and back), and be bound together in a scrapbook, binder, etc.
For Scrapbook Page class – exhibit one completed page front and back.
Photography
All photos must be at least 5” x 7” in size and not larger than 11” x 14”, except sequence/story classes, which should be a minimum 4” x 6”, max of 5” x 7” in size.
All photos must be mounted on a firm mat weight board using spray adhesive, heat seal or other permanent mounting medium, DO NOT use tape or self-adhesive photo corners. Poster Board and Foam Core is not acceptable.
Do not put the pictures in a picture frame; you may use a mat frame but make sure your photo is mounted on mat board first. Do not use clips of any kind.
Photos may be mounted horizontally or vertically. Mat size should correspond to photo size: Photo: 5” x 7” – Mat: 8” x 10”; Photo: 8” x 10” – Mat: 11” x 14”; Photo: 11” x 14” – Mat: 16” x 20”
Do NOT cover photos with plastic, cellophane, or ANY other covering.
The following information MUST be printed on the upper left-hand corner of the back of the mount: Exhibitor’s Name, Age, 4-H/FFA County/City and Phone. A white 3” x 5” card must be taped to the top, back, right corner of the mount. The following information must be typed on the card: Title of Picture; Date Picture Taken; Name of Camera; Type of Camera; Kind of Film Used.
Entries in experimental photography or digitally altered must specify what was experimental or digitally altered.
The entry tag should be attached with string and taped to the back to hang on the right side (top front) of the photo.
No filters (sepia tone, Instagram/Snap chat filters) are to be used to enhance the photo. No Photoshop, Lightroom, merging pictures, or advanced editing in any other classes except those so noted.
Judging criteria: composition; storytelling ability; photo quality, and mounting.
Woodworking
All exhibits must be clean and free of labels and tags, unless otherwise specified in the section or class.
All exhibits MUST include the following documentation: a plan, blueprint, working drawing or sketch used in construction; statement of intended use; birdhouse plans must state the species of bird the house is designed for; and a “before” photograph for the “refinishing” class.
Enclose documentation (listed above) in an envelope and attach to exhibit with string or tape.
Documentation envelopes are NOT to include any kind of identifying information.
The maximum exhibit size is 3’ x 6’ x 5’.
All exhibits must be made of worked wood (cut, shaped, sanded, etc.). Kits are only allowed if wood has been worked.
Judging criteria: design and plan; workmanship; choice of wood; suitability and quality of finish; usefulness.
4-H/FFA Club/Chapter Entries (Banners, Booths, Scrapbooks)
4-H/FFA Banners
Banner classes include theme (contact Fair Committee for current year’s theme) and open. Open banners may feature any theme promoting 4-H or FFA. Make sure when you look at the banner, that you can tell what it represents.
Size and Construction: a) Banner dimensions must be 50” wide and 38” tall. Failure to comply with dimensions will cause the banner to be disqualified and not receive a premium. b) Banner must be constructed to hang on a pole. The opening for the pole should be a minimum of 3”, and is included in the overall size of 38” long. c) Banners may be constructed of any type of durable material. Must be able to be folded or rolled. Appliqué and embroidery are suggested applications. d) The design must be on one side only.
Banner MUST display: a) Banner title b) Minimum of one OFFICIAL 4-H Clover or FFA crest must be displayed – with a minimum height or width of 6 inches c) ID card – Identification card must be typed not handwritten. Font size minimum 16pt. Card should be (business card size) 2”x3.5” in size and displayed horizontally and securely attached with safety pins, sewn, or glued on the back side of the banner on a bottom corner. The ID card must include the Club/Chapter Name and the county.
Judging criteria: ID card attached, design, craftsmanship, durability, has 4-H clover/FFA crest and AA Statement, effective title (short, personal, an action verb), conveys a message (accomplishes a purpose), banner attracts attention, holds interest, general appearance, workmanship, correct dimensions, and has a suitable subject.
4-H/FFA Booths
Booth classes include theme (contact Fair Committee for current year’s theme) and open. Open booths may feature any theme promoting 4-H or FFA. Make sure when you look at the booth, that you can tell what it represents.
Size and Construction: a) Booth must be 36” W x 30” D x 16” H, the sides must be in the shape of a right triangle using the following dimensions: 16” tall x 30” long/deep. b) ID Card – Identification card must be typed not hand written. Font size minimum 16pt. Card should be (business card size) 2”x3.5” in size and displayed horizontally and securely attached to the bottom board, on the right front corner. The ID card must include the Club/Chapter Name and the county.
Booth Details: a) Nothing in the booth may be taller than the sides of the booth where the item is placed. b) No Electrical hookups will be provided. If battery packs are used, they must be turned on when delivered and left on for the duration. c) Structure MUST be constructed of durable materials that will look good for the duration of the fair. d) Booth items MUST be securely fastened to prevent damage, loss or to prevent items from shifting if moved. Booths are often relocated after they are dropped off, if items shift due to poor design they will be left where they fall.
Booths MUST Display: a) Booth title b) Minimum of one OFFICIAL 4-H Clover or FFA crest must be displayed with the minimum size of 4 inches horizontal or vertical. c) EEO statement: Equal Opportunity Programs. Suggestions: Use readable font choices and sizes, make sure to use proper clover and crest in readable formats, colors and sizes. This is a marketing/promotional display, make sure to highlight your organization. When displayed can we tell who is promoting this booth and what for? Be creative with placements of logos, text, graphics, and 3-dimensional items.
Judging criteria: design and structure ratings, overall craftsmanship and cleanliness, durability, Items securely fastened, items fit into the booth, visual appearance, fonts are easy to easy read, large enough, and a pleasing color, one official 4-H Clover or FFA crest is used and clearly displayed, one creativity and imagination, promotion power ratings, and the ability to convey a clear message related to the title, and to attract attention and hold interest.
4-H/FFA Scrapbooks
4-H/FFA Scrapbooks and Officer’s Handbooks will be judged on the club’s/chapter’s activities of the first six months of the current year.
4-H/FFA Poster Art
Posters may be horizontal or vertical.
All posters must be 14″ X 22.
Posters must be drawn on or affixed to standard poster board and must be two-dimensional.
Exhibitors may use any medium including: marker, crayon, acrylic, oil, ink, or collage.
Copyrighted and trademarked objects, characters, and images are not allowed.
The following information must be printed on the upper left-hand corner of the back of the poster: Exhibitor’s Name, Age, Phone # and 4-H/FFA County/City. Posters must include the Affirmative Action statement “Equal Access/Equal Opportunity” on the front side of the poster.