EXHIBIT IDEAS
The following are only suggestions in a few of the project areas to help you determine
what to make for exhibit at the county and state fair. You are not limited to these
examples, and are encouraged to be creative and come up with your own ideas.
General Guidelines
Regardless of the project, where it says “any item made” – the following dimensions
must be used. Items which do not comply with size or other specifications will not
receive a premium or ribbon.
Posters: No larger than 14” X 22”. Anything larger will be disqualified. Flat posters
only – do not fasten items (like pencils, cake decorating tips etc.) to poster. Only use flat
pictures or hand drawn items.
Photo display: Photos must be mounted on an 8 X 10 solid mat board. Poster board or
foam core board is not acceptable. Photographs must be 8 X 10 or smaller with no more
than four photos per mat board. “Solid” requires that there are no cutouts or other holes
in the mat board, either around or behind the photo. Examples of online retailers that sell
8 X 10 mat boards include, Sears, Golden State Art, Redimat ant Etsy and several others.
Mount photos on the smoothest side of the mat board using an adhesive designed for
permanent mounting of photographs. Single window mat, made of mat board and sized
8 X 10 are acceptable. Digital Considerations: For state Fair 4-H photography exhibits,
techniques that can be performed in-camera or in a film darkroom are permissible in the
“digital darkroom”. The line is drawn between enhancing and altering a photo. Altering(editing to change the contents of a photo) is not permitted. Examples include adding a
sunset or object, removing someone from the shot, airbrushing to cover a bad
complexion. Enhancing- (editing to enhance the existing qualities of a photo) is
permitted. Examples include cropping, dodging, burning, brightness/contrast adjustments
and red eye reduction. Photos should arrive in a zip-lock style bag to protect them from
dust and humidity. Photos not meeting these guidelines will not be displayed, receive
ribbons or premiums.
Educational Display: Must not exceed 11” in height, 12” in depth (front to back) and
14” in width. Must stand alone and include 3-dimensional items. Posters with items
taped to them do not qualify as an educational display. Science fair display boards are
too large.
Entomology/Geology Boxes: Box must be exactly 18” long and 24” wide and 3 ½” deep
to fit in display racks. Display covers should be Plexiglas or plastic and should be
securely fastened with tape or screws. No handles or knobs. Insects or rocks should be
firmly secured so boxes can be displayed horizontally. All insects or rocks should be
properly labeled and in good condition. If a collection is in more than one box, a member
may send only one box for display at the state fair.
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Working Model: These exhibits should show how things actually work (cutaway
sections of motors or computers) or can be used to help people identify parts such as parts
of a motor or computer. Many times these exhibits are considered “hands on” and can be
handled by visitors. Working models should require floor space no larger than
14” X 22” X 30”.
Scrapbooking: exhibits should be only 1 page 1 side of the complete scrapbook. Size
not to exceed 12” X 12”. All pages should be in clear protective sleeve or clear zipper
bag. Do not frame.
Cake Decorating: The use of forms or pans is recommended. Cakes should not exceed
13” in height or at the base. Cake boards should not exceed 1 inch margin on each side
of cake pan or form. Must use Royal icing, rolled fondant or Dapp only (no real cakes or
butter crème icing or tube/gel icing – displays containing these items will be considered
ineligible and will be rejected)
Clover Kids: This program is designed to introduce 5-7 year olds to 4-H. Items to
exhibit include any skill learned while working on a specific project. Example: cookies,
candles, terrariums, picture frames, puppets, etc.
Project Areas
Aerospace (Rocketry): Models should include all body parts (main tube, fins, engine
mount, parachute, nose cone and shock cord). All parts should be securely attached with
clear glue. Exhibits should be displayed on launch pad not more than 18” square in an
upright position.
Arts and Crafts: 311-Learn the basics of brush strokes, handling of green ware, pottery
etc. Develop a sense of color schemes and size and proportion design. Learn elements
and principles of design by exploring different media. 312 and 313 – Advanced visual
arts. 314 - Learn to create your own greeting card and how to communicate through
pictures using a computer. 315 - Scrapbooking
Bicycle: Examples could include educational displays or posters on safety rules,
equipment, types of bicycles, etc.
Breads: Unit I: Muffins, quick breads, drop or rolled biscuits, simple yeast rolls or noknead loaf bread. Unit II: No knead batter bread, pizza crust or yeast rolls requiring
kneading. Unit III: Sweet breads (tea rings, cinnamon rolls, cheese bread) flat breads,
sourdough.
Cake Decorating: No real cakes, butter crème icing or tube/gel icing!! Displays
containing these items will be considered ineligible and will be rejected. The use of
forms or pans is recommended. Cake boards should not exceed 1” margin on each side
of cake pan or form. Cakes should not exceed 13” in height or at the base. If multi-tiered
cakes are made and exceed 13” in height, only the top layer of cake will be sent to the
state fair. Must use Royal Icing, rolled fondant or commercial product (Dapp) that will
harden and preserve the decorated cake.
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Beginners: - simple borders, simple drop flowers, basic tip use (leaf, drop flower, writing
and star). Intermediate: - broader use of remaining tips, complicated borders such as
basket weaving and lattice. Advanced: - speciality cakes
Child Development: Examples could include toys, educational games, story books,
educational displays etc.
Clothing: Beginning – Handstitching skills of basting, slip stitch hems, buttons, hook
and eyes, machine skills of straight seams and simple curve lines. Intermediate – darts,
zippers, waistbands, patterns, facings and buttonholes. Advanced – complicated material
with plaids and naps, tailoring. Level I – Woven or knit shorts, skirt or pants with elastic
or drawstring casing. Apron, drawstring bag. Level II – Woven or knit pullover top or
tunic with the following: shirt type sleeves, short or long, neck ribbing or facing. Level
III – Vest, top, shirt or t-shirt, pants or skirt, jumper, dress with three of the following:
waistline or casing, curved seams or darts, button holes, hooks and eyes, snaps, hand
stitched hem, facing or ribbing. Buying clothes Level I - Pictures of members in outfit
with and without accessories. An outfit for sporting event. Poster displaying
photographs or illustrations showing something you have learned. Level II – Pictures of
members in outfit with and without accessories. An energy efficient outfit. Poster
displaying photographs or illustrations showing something you have learned.
Clowning: Examples include clown costumes and accessories, make-up, photo story,
educational display.
Computers: Examples include notebook showing program developed by youth,
educational display.
Crochet: Start with basic skills and tools like simple chain stitch, double crochet.
Examples include pot holders, scarf, afghan.
Electricity: Items should be made in accordance with National Electrical Code. Battery
operated items are eligible exhibits. Batteries should either not be connected or not
included. Educational display or working model.
Exploring: First year members in grades 2-4. Any item made.
Foods/Nutrition: All food projects should include a recipe and a sample for the judges to
taste at the county fair. (NOT REQUIRED FOR STATE FAIR) Items should last the
entire week, perishables like casseroles are not eligible for the state fair. Baked items
should be evenly shaped, have the same color and good flavoring. They should also be
tender, moist and have an even texture. Display 4 per plate of small items (cookies,
muffins, brownies). Cakes and loaves display ¼ to 1/3 of larger item. Level A – Snack
item (cereal based snack – exhibit in clear jar with screw on lid and sample in Ziploc
bag). Unbaked cookies, baked cookies, granola bars, cocoa mix (exhibit in clear jar with
screw on lid), brownies, bar cookies. Level B – Pretzels, biscuits, layer cake (square,
oblong, round, without frosting), dried fruit or trail mix, muffins, quick breads. Level C –
Muffins/quick breads, breadsticks, beginning yeast bread, rolls. Level D – preserved
foods, jelly, beef jerky (display in airtight Ziploc bag), advanced bread making. Dairy
Foods – baked item containing cream cheese, sour cream, milk, non-fat dry milk or
butter.
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International Foods – Any food that will keep from another country. Should include
information on that food item and about the country. Microwave magic – educational
displays showing how a microwave works and simple recipes.
Food Preservation: Canned goods/preserved items must follow University of Missouri
guidelines for processing. Each item must be accompanied by an index card or label that
outlines procedures and recipes used and date of processing. Examples could include
canned, dried, or pickled foods, (no cured hams), gift package of preserved foods,
educational displays.
Forestry: Examples could include educational displays of leaf, twig, wood samples or
3-D models.
Gardening: (Fruits & Vegetables) The 4-H’er must have grown the item – (The number
in parentheses is the number of items to be displayed): Potatoes (4), Watermelon (1),
Onions – dry (4), Cantaloupe (1), Tomatoes (4), Peppers (4), Pumpkin (1), Egg Plant
(2), Summer Squash (2), Winter Squash (1), Beets (4), Slicing Cucumbers (4).
Health/Fitness: Examples include educational displays on first aid, staying healthy and
fit, bowling or golf, photo stories, sports equipment made by member.
Horticulture: (Flowers) The 4-H member must have grown the flowers used in the
exhibit. Live plants or cut specimens should be displayed in 8” diameter or smaller
containers.
Knitting: Start with basic skills. Examples include pot holders, scarf, sweater, afghan.
Livestock: (beef, sheep, swine, rabbit, poultry) Any educational display, grooming box,
equipment made, etc. or poster.
Outdoor Adventures: Examples include educational displays on hiking, camping or
backpacking, homemade equipment or clothing, photo story.
Shooting Sports: Examples include photo display, outdoor clothing, hunting equipment
or aids, targets, educational displays. No live ammunition and no points on arrows.
Small Engines: Examples would be educational displays or working models.
Woodworking: Unit I – Measuring, sanding, nailing, butting up, safety. Letter or
napkin holder, birdhouse, shelf, knife rack, boot jack, paper towel holder. Unit II –
Chiseling, finishing, scrolling. Birdhouse, saw horse, tool box, stool. Unit III –
Scrolling, drilling, sawing, gluing, use of a pattern. Boomerang, bookshelf. Unit IV –
Drilling, painting, chiseling, router, dove tail joints. Wood toy, step stool, door knocker,
gun rack, cedar chest.
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