We’re in the business of raising “blue ribbon kids.” The experience that 4-H’ers gain from completing exhibits and learning about their projects is invaluable. Some healthy competition takes place, but the outcomes of competition are not the goal of 4-H - our goal is for youth to have a positive learning experience! It is our hope that everyone who participates will learn and grows from the experience at County Fair.

Judges' placings always stand. 4-H members and parents should not confront a judge regarding a class placing. 4-H members may ask questions of the judge in a calm, respectful manner. Parents may observe the conference judging at a distance. Any questions asked by the judge are to be answered by the 4-H member. Please reference the 4-H code of conduct for more specific information for 4-H expectations at http://z.umn.edu/4hconduct.

Speaking with the judge is an important part of the County Fair experience. Conference judging gives members an opportunity to explain their projects and to answer questions in a “show and tell” manner. Conference judging focuses on what members have learned in a project.  When preparing for conference judging, members should think about these as possible questions:

• Why did you decide to make this item for your County Fair project?

• Why did you select these materials to use in making your project?

• What did you find hardest to do in making your project?

• What would you do differently if you could do it again?

The judge will ask members several questions and discuss with them the quality of their projects as compared to accepted standards for projects of this type.  Ribbon placings are awarded, based 50% on the quality of exhibit and 50% on what members have learned and discussed with the judge. 

If exhibitors are unable to attend judging, projects should be entered by a local adult or junior club leader. In the latter event, a written or visual report about their project and what was learned should accompany all entries. These exhibits are not likely to earn State Fair trips, since conference judging and knowledge learned accounts for 50% of the judge’s decision. 

If a concern in connection with the fair should arise, please speak to an Extension Office staff person. If the issue cannot be resolved, a written account including names of all parties involved and all pertinent information needs be submitted to Extension Office staff within 24 hours. The written account is also signed and accompanied by a $25.00 check payable to Wright County 4-H. Once received, a grievance committee made up of 4-H volunteers will make a decision on the request. If the committee rules in favor of the filer, the fee will be returned.

For general fair information, please visit the Wright County Fair website: www.wrightcountyfair.org  4-H operates in partnership with the Wright County Fair to provide an opportunity for members to exhibit their achievements. Please keep in mind that every effort will be made to assure the safety of all entries but, in no event will 4-H or the Wright County Fair be responsible for loss or damage to exhibits. Additionally, dogs are not allowed on the fairgrounds during the Wright County Fair.

Remember that you can always exhibit in open class in addition to being a 4-H exhibitor. If you have extra exhibit ideas, why not try it?  See www.wrightcountyfair.org for more information. 

Your 4-H’er will receive a wristband which gets them into the fair for free when they check in at the front desk of the 4H exhibit building.  Adults must pay the regular fees to attend the fair plus parking.  For more information about fees and the fair itself, you can visit their website at www.wrightcountyfair.org. 

The 4-H Food Stand at the fair is one of our largest fundraisers for Wright County 4-H programs.  Your cooperative help at the food stand is very important and appreciated!  We hope that working in the food stand is a fun and educational experience in food service and teamwork, in addition to being an important fundraiser.

Please remember the dress code for working the food stand:

1. All workers must wear closed-toed shoes, and pants or shorts that end BELOW the fingertips, as well as an apron.

2. Each person working with food prep should have a clean hat or head covering.

3. Those working the grill may not wear shorts.  

4. Please change clothes/shoes if you have been working in the livestock barns before working your food stand shift.

5. Be sure to also adhere to 4-H event dress code standards.

 Please check out the food stand manual at: (link to come) for more information about volunteer positions and procedures.