4-H at Fair - Static Exhibits

Large room with people among displays full of fair exhibits, including various food items

4‑H STATIC EXHIBITS

All projects which don’t move on their own (for example, Food & Nutrition; Photography; and Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) are called static exhibits. All 4‑H static exhibit projects are open to all 4‑H members ages 8–18 (by Jan. 1 of the current year), unless otherwise stated (Clover Kids static exhibits are open to 4‑H members ages 5–7). 

At the Lancaster County Super Fair, 4‑H & FFA static exhibits are showcased in the Sandhills Global Event Center, 84th & Havelock, Lincoln in the Ag Society Hall (which is air conditioned). Each individual is limited to 1 entry per class number. A specific project can only be entered in 1 category or class — except Fashion Show garments, which must also be entered in the Static Exhibit clothing. Projects must have been completed during the current 4‑H year. For your reference, Nebraska 4‑H has many scoresheets available for state-fair-eligible classes linked in the State Fair 4‑H Fairbook.

 

Hand holding three 4-H emblems

2025 DATES

  • Check-in: Tuesday, July 29, 4–8 p.m. 

  • Judging (not open to the public): Wednesday, July 30, 8 a.m.

  • Open to the Public: Thursday, July 31–Sunday, Aug. 3, 10 a.m.–9 p.m. — except Sunday closes at 8 p.m. 

  • Release Time: Monday, Aug. 4, 7–11 a.m.

 

STATIC EXHIBIT CHECK-IN — All Lancaster County Super Fair 4‑H & FFA static exhibits are not preregistered, but MUST be physically checked in during Static Exhibit Check-In in the Ag Society Hall. An adult — such as a club leader or parent(s) — should assist 4‑H members in entering exhibits. EACH static exhibit must have a 4-H Static Exhibit Entry Tag attached. Some classes require additional information — see Fair Book for detailed entry requirements for each class.

STATIC EXHIBIT RELEASE — All 4‑H & FFA static exhibits MUST be picked up during release time.

For more information about Static Exhibits, contact Extension Associate Kristin Geisert at kristin.geisert@unl.edu or 402‑441‑7180.


PROJECT BOOKS

National 4‑H and Nebraska 4‑H have developed many research-based project books (a.k.a. curriculum) to help teach projects. Purchasing project books is optional and not required to participate in 4‑H or exhibit at fairs. Examples: 

  • Cooking series
  • Design Decisions
  • Investigating Electricity
  • Photography series
  • STEAM Clothing series
  • I have what it takes to be YOUR Teen Babysitter (free PDFs online)
  • Sewing For Fun (4H167) manual and packet is out of print, but archived as scanned PDFs. Activities include Needlebook, Square Pin Cushion, Tote Bag, Launder Bag, Stuffed Square Pillows and Pillowcases. 

These are available to view and purchase at the Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County office. They may also be ordered online through UNL Marketplace and Shop 4‑H. For guidance, contact 4‑H staff.


RELATED RESOURCES:

Fair Results  Weekly E-News

SUPER FAIR 4-H RESOURCES

Interview Judging

Interview Judging is an opportunity for 4‑H members to talk to judges about their fair static exhibits and share what was easy, what was challenging and the lessons they learned. 4‑H members also learn what the judge looks for and how to improve their skills. To sign up for a 5-minute time slot, members, parents or leaders may call the Extension office at 402‑4417180 between July 5 and the Friday before static exhibit check-in. If slots are still available, you may sign up in person at Static Exhibit Check-in. 4‑H members may interview judge 1 exhibit from each project area (for example: 1 item from Visual Arts – Themes, 1 item from Design Decisions and 1 item from Cooking 101); except Clothing Level 1 may interview judge 1 entry per project category and Clothing Levels 2 & 3 may interview judge an unlimited number. Parents/grandparents/guardians are not allowed in the judging areas. 

2025 DATES:

  • Interview Judging: Wednesday, July 30, beginning at 9 a.m.
  • Sign up for time slots: Call the Extension office at 402‑441‑7180 between July 7 and July 25. If slots are still available, you may sign up in person at Static Exhibit Check-in on Tuesday, July 29, 4–8 p.m. 

VIDEO EXAMPLES ON YOUTUBE

Aerospace

Clothing

Foods & Nutrition

Home Environment

Photography

A male judge shaking hands with a boy, rocket models are in the background