4H Fair Hints
Patapsco Valley 4H FAIR HINTS –
ENTERING PROJECTS:
You can enter things you have worked on throughout the entire year from mid-August of last year up to fair date of this year. Even things you did at school, camp, etc.
You can enter online for more fair projects than you actually end up bringing in to enter at fair. So if you think you might do it, then enter it online. You will not be penalized for entering online 10 crafts, then end up only bringing to fair say 6 of them. If for some reason you did not enter something online then you cannot enter it in 4H fair but you could enter it in Open Class which is for any citizen, see front of fair book for instructions on this.
Read fair book instructions carefully as sometimes there are special instructions…like trimming candle wick to certain length, photograph mat the correct size for the size of the photo, correct container for flower display, correct hanging device for artwork. For example if you enter a recycled craft you need to make a note on entry tag that it is recycled and what recycled material was used. Closely reading the fair book entry instructions will tell you all these specific things.
Michael’s Art Supply needs 48 hours’ notice to cut mats.
If entering flower/horticulture display - do not pick items until last minute to keep fresh, and if necessary refrigerate items to keep fresh.
Always use glue that can withstand hot temperatures in fair building when making projects. No AC at fairgrounds.
Register entries for fair projects online by date…do it a bit ahead of time in case you have an issue. Print a hard copy of your entries (before exiting the entry online program) to take to fair entry day in case of issue.
Put together a kit to take with you the day you go to drop off your fair entries at fairgrounds. Kit should include: kitchen string (lots), safety pins, scissors, rubber bands, pen, hole-punch, heavy tape, some index 3” x 5” cards, quart size zip-lock bags, Popsicle sticks for plant entries.
On the day you drop off your fair entries at fairgrounds…..Be sure to bring your Howard Co. Fair exhibitor card with you as this has your exhibitor # on it. Note that perishable entries like flowers, baked goods, veggies are entered a later date than non-perishable entries like crafts, clothing, etc. (see fair book for dates)
Drop off times for fair items are strictly enforced…do not be late and do not come near end as they will close the line at time to close even if you are already in line.
Be sure to bring a printed list of what you entered - in case of mistake you can show this.
When you go up to table to get your tags for all your entries you can then go back to your car for more room to attach tags OR you can use their tables (but this gets crowded) Another idea is to go the first day of fair entry drop off and pick up all your tags and take them home, then secure them at home and drop off your entries on the second day – this takes more time but will not feel rushed and give you plenty of time to do it right. Once all entries are properly tagged you go back to booth at fairgrounds and drop them off (only during scheduled drop off times listed in fair book) If a ? comes up while you are doing this there are volunteers on site at drop off, ask them!
Make sure your tags have Member Name, correct 4H Age (what age you were on Jan. 1), years in that project, class entered (like crafts, or horticulture)
As you secure the tag to your fair entries be sure tag is placed in the appropriate place (see fair book instructions) and make sure it won’t come off (heavy tape, safety pin, etc.)
WEEK OF FAIR:
During fair 4H members and families can enter the fair at the special 4H entrance located at the far upper end (North) of fair.
Help out your club during the stated Building Watch Time which for our club is normally the second Saturday from 2-4 pm but your 4H Leader will remind you of this. Wear a 4H shirt.
During fair 4H members need to pick up their thank you notes at the thank you note desk at fair IF they won a special entry. If you are not sure go to desk and ask. Then you must fill out and turn in your thank you note during fair. (specified times for picking up notes and dropping off notes and location of desk at fair will be provided by your 4H Leader)
And do not forget to pick up your entries at time stated in book.
ENTERING PROJECTS:
You can enter things you have worked on throughout the entire year from mid-August of last year up to fair date of this year. Even things you did at school, camp, etc.
You can enter online for more fair projects than you actually end up bringing in to enter at fair. So if you think you might do it, then enter it online. You will not be penalized for entering online 10 crafts, then end up only bringing to fair say 6 of them. If for some reason you did not enter something online then you cannot enter it in 4H fair but you could enter it in Open Class which is for any citizen, see front of fair book for instructions on this.
Read fair book instructions carefully as sometimes there are special instructions…like trimming candle wick to certain length, photograph mat the correct size for the size of the photo, correct container for flower display, correct hanging device for artwork. For example if you enter a recycled craft you need to make a note on entry tag that it is recycled and what recycled material was used. Closely reading the fair book entry instructions will tell you all these specific things.
Michael’s Art Supply needs 48 hours’ notice to cut mats.
If entering flower/horticulture display - do not pick items until last minute to keep fresh, and if necessary refrigerate items to keep fresh.
Always use glue that can withstand hot temperatures in fair building when making projects. No AC at fairgrounds.
Register entries for fair projects online by date…do it a bit ahead of time in case you have an issue. Print a hard copy of your entries (before exiting the entry online program) to take to fair entry day in case of issue.
Put together a kit to take with you the day you go to drop off your fair entries at fairgrounds. Kit should include: kitchen string (lots), safety pins, scissors, rubber bands, pen, hole-punch, heavy tape, some index 3” x 5” cards, quart size zip-lock bags, Popsicle sticks for plant entries.
On the day you drop off your fair entries at fairgrounds…..Be sure to bring your Howard Co. Fair exhibitor card with you as this has your exhibitor # on it. Note that perishable entries like flowers, baked goods, veggies are entered a later date than non-perishable entries like crafts, clothing, etc. (see fair book for dates)
Drop off times for fair items are strictly enforced…do not be late and do not come near end as they will close the line at time to close even if you are already in line.
Be sure to bring a printed list of what you entered - in case of mistake you can show this.
When you go up to table to get your tags for all your entries you can then go back to your car for more room to attach tags OR you can use their tables (but this gets crowded) Another idea is to go the first day of fair entry drop off and pick up all your tags and take them home, then secure them at home and drop off your entries on the second day – this takes more time but will not feel rushed and give you plenty of time to do it right. Once all entries are properly tagged you go back to booth at fairgrounds and drop them off (only during scheduled drop off times listed in fair book) If a ? comes up while you are doing this there are volunteers on site at drop off, ask them!
Make sure your tags have Member Name, correct 4H Age (what age you were on Jan. 1), years in that project, class entered (like crafts, or horticulture)
As you secure the tag to your fair entries be sure tag is placed in the appropriate place (see fair book instructions) and make sure it won’t come off (heavy tape, safety pin, etc.)
WEEK OF FAIR:
During fair 4H members and families can enter the fair at the special 4H entrance located at the far upper end (North) of fair.
Help out your club during the stated Building Watch Time which for our club is normally the second Saturday from 2-4 pm but your 4H Leader will remind you of this. Wear a 4H shirt.
During fair 4H members need to pick up their thank you notes at the thank you note desk at fair IF they won a special entry. If you are not sure go to desk and ask. Then you must fill out and turn in your thank you note during fair. (specified times for picking up notes and dropping off notes and location of desk at fair will be provided by your 4H Leader)
And do not forget to pick up your entries at time stated in book.