Superintendents: Jennifer Smith and Sadie Garbin
Register by Tuesday, July 22
Contest: Friday, Aug. 1, begins 5 p.m. — time slots assigned
Public Viewing: approximately 7:45–8:15 p.m. (Sandhills Global Event Center – South Hall)
4-H members may enter only 1 category and must bring a card table for the display (except for the picnic category, in which an appropriate blanket or other covering may be placed on the floor). Register by calling the Extension office at 402-441-7180 (there is no entry form). Time slots will be assigned at 5 p.m., 6 p.m. or 7 p.m.
Participants are to display 1 place setting — include table coverings, dishes, glassware, silverware, centerpiece and menu. DO NOT PREPARE FOOD. Participant’s attire should correspond with the theme/occasion of their table setting.
Why participate in the Table Setting Contest? It is a fun way to learn how to: properly set a table, plan nutritious meals, express originality and creativity in choosing a theme, present to a judge and express knowledge of food, nutrition and food safety.
🔎 Resources: A how-to handout, “4-H Table Setting Contest Procedures and Guidelines,” is available online at https://lancaster.unl.edu/4h/fair/contests. All participants are strongly encouraged to read the handout.
A YouTube video example, 4-H Table Setting Judging Example: Casual Junior Division (Re-enactment)” is linked at https://lancaster.unl.edu/4h/fair/contests
- Premiums: Purple $4; Blue $3; Red $2; White $0
- Special Award to Top Contestant in Each Class and Special Recognition
- No state fair entry
B121910 Picnic Junior Division (ages 8–10)
B121920 Casual Junior Division (ages 8–10)
B121930 Formal Junior Division (ages 8–10)
B121940 Holiday Junior Division (ages 8–10) 🆕
B121912 Picnic Intermediate Division (ages 11–13)
B121922 Casual Intermediate Division (ages 11–13)
B121932 Formal Intermediate Division (ages 11–13)
B121942 Holiday Intermediate Division (ages 11–13) 🆕
B121915 Picnic Senior Division (ages 14–18)
B121925 Casual Senior Division (ages 14–18)
B121935 Formal Senior Division (ages 14–18)
B121945 Holiday Senior Division (ages 14–18)
STATEWIDE CONTEST: Nebraska 4-H Culinary Challenge Contest is for 4-H members ages 8–18 (by Jan. 1 of the current year) who form teams of 2 members to represent Lancaster County at the State Fair. A themed table, a menu including a challenge ingredient (in 2025, the ingredient is pork) and a technology presentation are exhibited during a live judge interview. 4-H members do not need to qualify at a county contest to participate. For more information, see https://go.unl.edu/4h-culinary. To participate, register online at https://www.statefair.org/ag-competitions/livestock-exhibitors/4-h-ffa-exhibitors by Aug. 10 at 8 p.m. If you have questions, contact Cami Wells at cwells2@unl.edu or 308-385-5088.