1. This department is open to only bona-fide 4-H members in Florida.
2. Each 4-H member will be limited to one (1) registration form of exhibits with no more than six (6) exhibits in one class, except for classes 12 and 15, where members are limited to only one (1) entry and class 11, limited to three (3) entries. NO LIVE ANIMAL EXHIBITS WILL BE ACCEPTED IN THIS DEPARTMENT.
3. Exhibits should be the expression of what has been learned through a 4-H experience (such as a 4-H Club Meeting, project, or other 4-H event or activity).
4. The member entering the exhibit must have completed the exhibit within the past year.
5. Counties submitting group or club projects may NOT submit more than twenty-five (25) of the same project. These counties should screen projects and bring only the top twenty-five (25) for exhibition at the North Florida Fair.  Class 1 Horticulture is exempt from this rule.
6. Projects that do not meet Fair specifications will be awarded participation ribbons with no monetary value. A suitable exhibit is clean, neat, in good condition and meets fair and class specifications listed in the rule book.
7. Record books and project books by themselves are not considered exhibits. Also, toys, such as model airplanes, are not considered 4-H projects and will not be accepted for exhibition.
8. A Junior 4-H member is a 4-Her who reaches his/her 8th birthday by Sept. 1st and has not passed his/her 10th birthday prior to Sept. 1st of the current 4-H year. An Intermediate member is a 4-H’er who reaches his/her 11^th birthday by September 1^st, but has not passed his/her 13^th birthday prior to September 1^st of the current 4-H year.  A Senior member is a 4-H’er who reaches his/her 14^th birthday by Sept. 1st, but has not passed his/her 19th birthday prior to Sept. 1st of the current 4-H year.
9. All reasonable care will be taken of exhibits; however, the 4-H Division and North Florida Fair are not liable for damage, breakage, loss, etc.
10. All 4-H exhibits must be registered at the County Extension Office by Monday, October 7, 2024. No registration will be accepted after that date.
11. All exhibit entry forms are due to Robin Caruso at the North Florida Fair by Friday, October 18th 
12. Place the 4-H club county on the entry form.
13. Exhibits should be brought to the 4-H Building at the North Florida Fairgrounds on Monday, November 4th between 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM, EST.  An appointment is required for individuals who plan to drop off 10 or more exhibits at once.  Email [email protected] to schedule your drop-off appointment.  No exception will be made to this rule.   Be sure that your exhibit is properly checked in and recorded. DO NOT just set it down and leave. TIP: Keep each 4-H’ers exhibits and registration form together.
14. Baked Goods check-in will be on Monday, November 4, 2024 from 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM, EST at the Leon County Extension Office located at 615 Paul Russell Road.
15. All exhibits must remain in place and no exhibits removed from the fairgrounds until Monday, November 18, 2024 from 10:00 AM until 1:00 PM, EST. Removal of exhibits before this time will cause forfeiture of premium money. Items not removed by 4pm on Tuesday, November 19th will be discarded.
16. Special Merit Award rosettes and premiums will be awarded in Junior, Intermediate, and Senior Divisions to exhibits demonstrating particular outstanding effort and quality in each class. Specific requirements and class limitations are listed below. Be reminded that 4-H members are limited to one (1) registration page of exhibits with no more than six (6) entries in one class (except for classes 12 and 15 where members are limited to one (1) entry and class 11, limited to three (3) entries as indicated below).
17. Premium Schedule:
    1. Award of Merit: $12.00
    2. Blue Ribbon: $ 8.00
    3. Red Ribbon: $ 6.00
    4. White Ribbon $ 4.00
    5. Participation $ 0.00
18. Premiums will be paid as recorded in the official judges’ book, not by the ribbons that may be attached to exhibits.  Premiums will be mailed to the 4-H    Extension Agent in each county and he/she will forward the premiums to the appropriate 4-H member. It is imperative that you include your club county name on your entry form for this purpose.
19. Each child’s exhibits will be turned in individually at the North Florida Fair registration.

4-H FAIR   EXHIBITS

DIVISION A – 4-H JUNIOR DIVISION
DIVISION B – 4- H   INTERMEDIATE DIVISION
DIVISION C – 4-H   SENIOR DIVISION

CLASS 1: Horticulture

1. Harvested fruits and vegetables included (nuts WILL NOT be accepted, but can be entered in the home agriculture department under the youth division).
2. Small plants should be arranged in an attractive display (i.e., dish garden or container garden). Unusual or large specimens may be entered singly.
3. Specimens must be owned by the exhibitor and have been in his/her possession at least six weeks before the Fair starts. Start date for each plant must be on a popsicle stick/label
4. Plants and flowers must be labeled with their common names.
5. All plants must be in good condition.
6. You must provide a saucer or dish for draining.
7. Entries will be judged based on general appearance, condition, and quality.

CLASS 2: Clothing Construction

1. Garments must be clean, pressed, and presented on hangers.
2. Entries will be judged based on construction and pressing techniques, appropriate fabric, and design.

CLASS 3: Sewing

1. Examples of sewing exhibits include pillows, tote bags, aprons, duffle bags, sewn accessories, and machine quilting. This category DOES NOT include crochet or knitting (see class 4: Needlework)
2. Sewing exhibits will be judged based on appropriate fabric, appropriate sewing techniques, neatness, and creativity.

CLASS 4: Needlework

1. Examples of credible needlework exhibits include: crocheting, knitting, embroidery, and hand quilting.
2. Needlework exhibits will be judged based on creativity, neatness, technique, and accuracy

CLASS 5: Baked Goods

1.   Baked Goods check-in will be on Monday, November 4, 2024 from 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM, EST at the Leon County Extension Office located at 615 Paul Russell Road.  Judging will be the same day
2.   No items requiring refrigeration will be accepted.
3.   Foods with icing needing refrigeration such as those that contain cream cheese, or fresh fruit will be considered highly perishable and will be disqualified due to food safety guidelines.
4.   Recipe must be included.  No names should appear on recipe. Food is to be covered with plastic wrap and the recipe attached to the bottom of the container before wrapping.  Items submitted without a recipe will be disqualified.
5.   Foods will be judged based on appearance, texture, and flavor.
6.   Exhibits must be entered in a disposable container and covered with clear plastic wrap.
7.  Entire recipe required for judging (Exceptions: ½ loaf bread, ½ dozen biscuits, ½ dozen muffins, ½ cake, ½ pie, ½ dozen cookies).
8.  Items are submitted into five categories: Cakes, breads, pies, cookies and healthy alternatives.  Each category is further divided into types.  Cakes (decorated, angel, butter, chiffon, sponge).  Breads (yeast, quick), Pies (fruit), Cookies (bar, drop, bagged, molded, rolled/cut out, filled), Healthy alternatives (cake, bread, cookie, pie).
9.  Commercially prepared mixes may NOT be used.
10.  Foods will be discarded after being judged and a picture will be displayed of baked goods

CLASS 6: Canning

1.   Only standard canning jars should be used. Jars should be clean, polished, and labeled with product name and date processed. No ring band should be on the jar.
2.   Recipe procedures must be included.
3.   Pickles, preserves, jams, jellies, fruits, vegetables, and meats may be entered.
4.   Members should follow USDA guidelines for canning. Exhibits that were prepared without following these guidelines will be disqualified. Copies of these guidelines are available from your local county extension office.

CLASS 7: Crafts

1.   Entries in this class include: macramé, ceramics, pottery, candles, wreaths, picture frames, holiday ornaments, etc.
2.   Craft Exhibits will be judged based on creativity, technique, and neatness.

CLASS 8: Hobbies and Collections

1.   Examples of credible hobbies and collections exhibits include: leaf collections, insect collections, stamp collections, etc.

CLASS 9: Architectural   Models.

The Architectural Models project is designed to allow members to create 3-dimensional models.  These models should be constructed using blocks or similar pieces (i.e. Legos™).

1. Projects constructed using blocks or similar pieces (i.e. Legos).  Kits may be used for the Junior and Intermediate Levels only.  Please read and study the project level requirements below.
2. Each year a different and a more advanced architectural model should be chosen to show progress over the year before.
3. Members are limited to one (1) exhibit per year.  Members will exhibit based on the divisions listed below.

 JUNIOR – Ages 8-10
Construct items using up to 1,500 pieced or blocks.  Kits are permitted.  Motors are not permitted in this level.  Item must be displayed on a board of at least ¼” thickness.  Board may be finished and a “theme” may be used.    The project size must not exceed 24 X 24 X 24 inches.  If a cover is used, it must be removable and the overall project size including cover must not exceed the size limitations.

INTERMEDIATE – Ages 11-13
Construct an item or scene using unlimited pieces or blocks.  Kits and   motors are permitted.  Item must be displayed on a board of at least ¼” thickness and a “theme” may be used.  The project size must not exceed 30 X 36 X   36 inches.  If a cover is used, it must be removable and the overall project size including the cover must not exceed the size limitations.

SENIORS – Ages 14-18
Construct an item or scene using unlimited number of pieces or blocks.    Kits are not allowed but motors are permitted.  Item must be displayed on a board of at least ¼” thickness and a “theme” may be used.    The project size must not exceed 30 X 48 X 48 inches.  If a cover is used, it must be removable and the overall project size including the cover must not exceed the size limitations.

CLASS   10: Fine Arts

1.   Examples of credible fine arts exhibits include: woodworking, hand made jewelry, paintings, drawings, sculpture (wood, metal, clay, etc.), and textile weaving.
2.   Fine Arts incorporating copyrighted material (such as Mickey Mouse ®, Sponge Bob ®,   etc.) will not be accepted.

CLASS 11: Photography

1.   Only prints may be submitted for the exhibition.
2.   Photo entries may be in color or black and white.
3.   Photos should depict activities typical of those in which 4-H members and their friends would likely participate.
4.   4-H members may submit photo entries as either:
   1.   A series of photos – a picture sequence that show a logical    progression of images to tell a story, or
   2.   A single photo.
5.  Size of Photo:   Photos submitted must be 8″ x 10″ and mounted on an 8” x 10” piece of mounting material (i.e. mounting material will be the same size as the photo).
6.  Mounting of Photographs: All prints must be securely and permanently mounted on a non-frame board that may be of 5mm foam board or mat board no larger than 8” x 10”.  Masonite, photo folders, corrugated cardboard or thin poster board is not acceptable.  Double faced tape; glue or rubber cement is not allowed for mounting purposes. An adhesive spray or special adhesive board is best.  Mat Framing (of any kind) is not allowed and will result in disqualification.  Do not bring photos in a glass frame
7. Photo Story Class Submissions:  A minimum of 3 photos to a maximum of 5 photos can be submitted individually in this class.  Each photo should be sized 8” x 10” and individually mounted properly.  On the back of the photo please outline the sequence of the photos and provide an explanation about your “Photo Story”
8.  Members are limited to three (3) entries in this class.

CLASS 12: Graphic Design

The 4-H Graphic Design Program gives 4-H members the opportunity to use their creativity and artistic ability to promote their project areas or Florida 4-H program.  4-H’ers may choose to enter enter in one of three categories in the program: brochure, flyer, or other.

Youth must submit a clean printed example of their entry.  Entry can be printed in black & white, grayscale, or color.  Item can be placed in a sheet protector.

Categories: Guidelines

• Brochure: A tri-fold brochure that should contain information on both the front and back.  It should be easily read and printed on 8 ½ x 11-inch sized paper.
• Flyer: An 8 ½ x 11-inch paper that promotes 4-H or a 4-H related program, project, event, or activity.
• Other (Any other promotional material- mini-books, bookmarks, postcards, etc.)

Scoring Guidelines

Each class will be judged on the following:

• Font Style and Graphics – 20 points
• Flow of Design – 20 points
• Promotes 4-H (Project/Program) – 20 points
• Educational Components  – 20 points
• Clear Delivery of Message- 20 points

CLASS 13: Tabletop Exhibits

1.  Tabletop exhibits may be developed from any of the 4-H demonstration categories listed in the Florida 4-H Events and Activities Handbook. Copies of this book are available from your club leader or local county extension office.
2.   Tabletop exhibits must be free standing, able to withstand the elements, and should measure a MAXIMUM of 36″ wide x 36″ high.
3.   Members are not required to purchase a commercial tri-fold backboard (available from office or school supply stores) for their tabletop exhibit. Members may make their own backboard out of a large cardboard box as long as it is consistent with the measurements given in line B, above. However, foam core board or corrugated plastic is recommended to maintain the integrity of your exhibit during the Fair.
4.   Tabletop exhibits will be judged based on effectiveness of message, quality of construction and general appearance, accuracy and appeal of information presented, and creativity.
5.  Diorama is an example of a tabletop exhibit.

CLASS 14: Scrapbooking

1.   An entry is one (1) scrapbook page measuring a MINIMUM of 8″ x 10″ and a MAXIMUM   of 12″ wide x 12″ high.
2.   The scrapbook page theme should be related to a 4-H project or activity depicting activities in which 4-Hers might have participated.
3.   Photos should have captions.
4.   The page should have appropriate journaling describing the photos (the relationship between the people in the photos – journaling tells the “story behind the photos”).
5.   The page should also have a focal point. The focal point can be a photo, memorabilia, or embellishment (such as an illustration, design, sticker, die cut, etc.)
6.   The page will be judged based on overall craftsmanship (neatness, matting techniques, spacing, colors), creativity (composition, appropriate embellishments, dimension, and   texture), journaling (meaningful, tells the story behind the photos, and explains the relationship between the people in the photos), and originality.

CLASS 15: Poetry

1.   Poems can be typed on one side of the paper.  Only one poem per page is acceptable.  Choose a font size that is easy to read such as Times New Roman, Courier.  Font size should be at least 12 point.
2.   Must be original work of 4-H’er submitting poem for display and judging.
3.   Work must be dated.
4.   Poetry must be 8” X 11” and submitted in a plastic sleeve.
5.   Poetry will be judged based on the following criteria:    Effective use of language; Mood Intensity; Originality in approach and theme/creativity; Meaningful content.
6.   Members are limited to one (1) entry in this class.

CLASS 16: Cloverbuds

1.   This is open only to 4-H youth between the ages of 5 and 7 as of  September 1, 2024.
2.   Entries in this class are for exhibition only. They will not be judged, but every entry will receive a participation ribbon.
3.   No premiums will be awarded to entries in this class.
4.   Members are limited to three (3) entries in this class.

CLASS 17: Recycled/Repurposed Clothing

1.   Member designs and sews a wearable garment from previously used materials.  The completed garment is different from its original use.
2.   Items will be judged on creativity as well as sewing skills.
3.   The original garment is not yardage like a bedspread or sheet, but an actual garment.  It might even be two or more original garments.  Additional fabric and trim may be added to complete the new garment.
4.   The new garment must show at least 50% change in construction. This means it can’t just be a t-shirt dress cut in half to construct a tank top and elastic-waist skirt.  It could be a pair of jeans made into a skirt and apron with calico fabric and trim added.  It could be a large dress made into a skirt to fit a smaller person with the dress collar cut down to fit onto a new blouse. It could be 2 old shirts re-made into shorts and a light jacket with trim from a man’s tie.

CLASS 18: Recycled Arts

1.   Entries in this class must be made with at least one (1) recycled object (i.e. an item that is being used differently than its original purpose).  Recycled art can take many forms: 2-dimensional, 3-dimensional, fashion design and accessories, weaving, interactive, mechanical, electronic, kinetic and multimedia works.
2.   Over 50 percent of the final work of art must be from recycled or natural environmental materials, such as pine cones, sticks, plastics, aluminum cans newspapers,   cardboard, etc.
3.   All materials used must be clean, sanitary and safe. (i.e. items that previously contained food must be washed, remove excess dirt from natural materials, etc. and   sharp edges should be removed).
4.   Artwork must be original.
5.   Youth must attach a description of recycled material to their exhibit.

Getting   4-H Exhibits Ready for the Fair

• Exhibits can be actual items (pillow, garment, plant, photo, poster, etc.) or can be a freestanding tabletop exhibit.
• Actual items should be clean and neat. Clothes should be clean, well pressed, and in good shape. Clothes that have been well worn would not be a good choice for a display.
• Food should be entered on a disposable container and some thought given to how it will appear. Aluminum foil, gift-wrap, or a doily may add to the attractiveness of the exhibit. Food is to be covered with plastic wrap and the recipe attached to the bottom of the container before wrapping. No names should appear on recipe. Foods are “from scratch,” not a box, and no items needing refrigeration will be accepted.
• Plants should be well groomed for the show. Plants are to be labeled with common name. To get plants ready for show, do the following:
  • Wipe off all dirt and mildew on outside of pot.
  • Remove dead or diseased blooms, stems and branches.
  • Clean plant’s leaves.
• Photos must be mounted on a mat, foam core, construction paper or poster board.  No other mounting material (glass, wood, plastic, or metal) will be considered. DO NOT BRING PHOTOS IN A GLASS FRAME.
• When judging photos, judges consider (among other things):
  • Main subject well positioned and sharply focused.
  • Creativity in selecting subject.
  • Message conveyed.
  • Overall photo well balanced.

• Graphic design is a fun and powerful field.  Designers can easily get their message to a large audience with an effective design.  Test your piece out on three or four people.  Ask them how they feel when they see the design, what they think the message is, and any suggestions they have for improvement.  Remember to make sure your test audience has people of different ages, genders, and backgrounds as well as a couple for whom your message is intended and a couple who you are not trying to reach.  This will help you make sure your piece can have the most impact and reach the most people possible.  Most importantly, have fun!
• The freestanding table top exhibit should measure a MINIMUM of 28″ wide X 22″ high and a MAXIMUM of 36″ wide X 36″ high. The posters should be sturdy and (hopefully) withstand some of the humidity.  Mat board is a good choice as well as peg-board and heavy duty cardboard (perhaps from an appliance box). You could also purchase a tri-fold backboard but that is not required. Use your creativity. Poster board is basically too flimsy to stand up over 10 days time. Strapping tape can hold the pieces of board together better than masking tape. If you think the board is too flimsy and may curl, paint stirring sticks could possibly be taped to the back for support. A pleasing tabletop exhibit could also include items placed in front of the poster(s) to convey the message more clearly. Items placed flat on the table may not be seen by the public as security chains prevent persons from getting too close; therefore, make plans for any flat items to be raised at an angle by using some sort of brace (book, brick, easel, etc.). Lettering should be large enough for someone standing several feet away to read.
• For specific requirements of each “class,” please refer to the “4-H Club Department” section of the current North Florida Fair premium book.

Think about how other people will view your exhibit. If you were walking through the 4-H Building looking at the exhibits, how would people see your exhibits?   Be creative; put some effort into making a pleasing display–whether it’s just making sure your clothing garment is clean and pressed, or that you’ve made a poster backdrop for the rocket you’ve made. Give some attention and thought to how your exhibit will look to the general public.