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

Printable Resources

HANDOUTS

How to Enter 4-H Static Exhibits at the 2025 Lancaster County Super Fair

Babysitting Curriculum and Early Learning Guidelines (Links to Websites)

Creating a First Aid Kit is a Good Way to Teach Youth First Aid Basics

Collecting Insects (How-to Guide)

Entomology Labels

 

FORMS (Many are fill-in PDFs)

Tips for Completing Fill-In PDF Forms

1) Save the PDF to your device.
2) To ensure you can fill in the form correctly, open the PDF with Adobe Acrobat (you can download Adobe Acrobat Reader for free). 
3) Complete the form and save. 
4) Attach the completed form in an email (lancaster4H@unl.edu unless noted otherwise). 4‑H staff will respond with a confirmation email when a PDF is received.

Clothing Design Data Card (for some Beyond the Needle and Upcycled level 2 & 3 classes)

Fiber Arts-Knitting and Crochet Data Cards

Food Preservation Card

Home Design & Restoration Supporting Information Tag

Photography Data Tags: Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3

Visual Arts Supporting Information

 

WORKSHEET

Crop Production Project

Five siblings at fair holding a variety of exhibits, including artwork and an insect collection

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. 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