4-H CONTESTS
4-H contests are fun learning opportunities, open to all enrolled 4-H’ers ages 8–18 (by Jan. 1 of the current year), unless otherwise stated.
The contests on this page are Lancaster County Super Fair 4-H events, though several are held prior to the fair. Premium payouts for all these contests must be picked up on the Monday during the fair, 7–11 a.m. at the Sandhills Global Event Center – Ag Society Hall (except livestock judging, rabbit and poultry contests).
Each individual is limited to only 1 entry per class number unless indicated otherwise. A specific project can only be entered in 1 category or class, except Fashion Show garments, which must also be entered in Static Exhibit clothing.
ON THIS PAGE:
Speech & PSA | Presentation | Life Challenge | Fashion Show | Shooting Sports | Plant Science | Table Setting | Dog Virtual Trivia | Horse Judging | Livestock Judging | Other Animal
RELATED RESOURCES:
Print-Friendly Handout (PDF): How to Enter 4-H Contests at the Super Fair
Speech & Public Service Announcement
March 30, 2025 • Register by March 24 • Deadline for PSA March 24
The Prepared Speech and Radio Public Service Announcement (PSA) Contests provide 4-H’ers the opportunity to learn to express themselves clearly, organize their ideas and have confidence. Contests are open to all 4-H’ers ages 5–18 (by Jan. 1 of the current year). Youth may choose to participate in either one or both contests. Contest is usually held in March.
Prepared Speech
The Prepared Speech Contest is held at the Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County conference rooms, 444 Cherrycreek Road, Suite A, Lincoln.
Public Service Announcement
In the Radio Public Service Announcement Contest, 4-H'ers submit a 60-second promotional audio recording that could be played on the radio to promote the work of Nebraska 4-H.
Presentation
April 26, 2025 • Register by April 21
The Lancaster County 4-H Presentation Contest, open to all enrolled 4-H’ers ages 8–18 (by January 1 of the current year), will be held on Saturday, April 26, 2025, beginning at 9 a.m. at the Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County conference rooms, 444 Cherrycreek Road, Suite A, Lincoln. Time slots will be assigned in advance; however, 4-H staff will do their best to accommodate a time preference requested by a 4-H’er. A schedule of presentation times will be emailed to participants ahead of the contest date. During the contest, arrive and check-in at least 10 minutes prior to your scheduled time
An Illustrated Presentation is a live presentation with a formal talk where youth will use visual aids (such as props, posters, computer-based visuals, handouts, video, etc.) to show and tell others how to do something. The judge views the entire presentation and engages in a question-and-answer session following the presentation. 4-H’er may compete as an individual and part of a team of 2 individuals. All Illustrated Presentation topics should be related to what the 4-H youth is learning through 4-H educational experiences. Time limit: 3–5 minutes junior individual, 6–8 minutes intermediate/senior individual, 8–10 minutes team. Participants may be penalized if they exceed the time limits.
A Video Communication class is available for all age divisions. Create a 60–90 second multi-media video around a theme related to 4-H. Judges will be evaluating on both the organization of information as well as the audio and video production. 4-H’er will need to be present to introduce their video and answer any questions from the judge. No team entries allowed. Youth may use a phone, laptop or tablet to create a multi-media piece around the 2024 theme: 4-H is a Feeling.
Register by Monday, April 21 by contacting Kristin Geisert at kristin.geisert@unl.edu or 402-441-7180 and providing youth name(s), age(s) by Jan. 1 of current year, presentation title(s) and email address. Specify if it is a individual or team illustrated presentation or a video communication entry.
Presenters using computer-based visuals may bring files on a USB drive that is PC formatted. Participants may also provide their own computer or other equipment as needed.
Handout (PDF) — all participants are strongly encouraged to read
Presentation Contest – Procedures & Information 2024
Example Videos:
• 4-H Illustrated Presentation Contest Junior Division Example (Re-enactment)
• 4-H Illustrated Presentation Contest Intermediate Division Example (Re-enactment)
State 4-H Communications Resources:
• Planning a 4-H Presentation
• Giving a Presentation
• Creating Presentation Visuals
• Creating Digital Presentation Visuals
For more information about the Presentation contest, contact Kristin Geisert at kristin.geisert@unl.edu or 402-441-7180.
Life Challenge
May 29, 2025 • Register by May 19
The Life Challenge judging contest helps youth learn more about issues related to family and consumer science (FCS). Open to all 4-H’ers ages 8–18 (by January 1 of the current year) — need not be enrolled in a specific project.
The contest will be held on Thursday, May 29, 2025, 8:30 a.m. to noon at the Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County conference rooms, 444 Cherrycreek Road, Suite A, Lincoln. Register by Monday, May 19 by calling Kristin Geisert at 402-441-7180 or emailing kristin.geisert@unl.edu (there is no entry form).
Study Packet — Posted When Available
For more information about the Life Challenge contest, contact Kristin Geisert at kristin.geisert@unl.edu or 402-441-7180.
Fashion Show
Judging July 22, 2025 • Public Show July 31, 2025 • Register by July 14
In the Fashion Show contest, 4-H’ers learn how to present themselves and gain confidence as they model their constructed or purchased clothing projects and show the proper fit of their clothing. Fashion Show is open to 4-H’ers ages 5–18.
The contest consists of two parts:
1) Judging and a Clover Kids optional modeling practice session will be held before the Lancaster County Super Fair on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, 8 a.m. at the Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County conference rooms, 444 Cherrycreek Road, Suite A, Lincoln. Prior to judging, a letter will be mailed to participants assigning specific check-in and judging times. STEAM Clothing 1 Non-Wearables (including Fiber Arts/Knitting or Crocheting Level 1) participants will not be judged on judging day. Clothing 1 Non-Wearables participants need to register and complete the Fashion Show Narration form. They will receive participation ribbons at the public Fashion Show.
2) The public Fashion Show will be held during the Lancaster County Super Fair, on Thursday, July 31, 2025 at 7:30 p.m. at the Sandhills Global Event Center – South Hall — please use east entrance. 4-H’ers will model runway style in the middle of the audience. Invite parents, relatives and friends to this event! The evening of the public Fashion Show, the 4-H members will model their clothing projects. Dressing rooms will be marked with respective clothing areas. Participants may begin dressing at 6:30 p.m., but must be in line by 7:15 p.m. 4-H staff will transport garments for the public Fashion Show from the static exhibit displays in the Ag Society Hall to the South Hall the afternoon of the show. Ribbons and trophies will be handed out during the public Fashion Show.
Handout (PDF) — all participants are strongly encouraged to read
Fashion Show – Procedures & Information 2024
Forms (fill-in PDFs)
4-H members must preregister for Fashion Show by Monday, July 14. Participants need to fill out one of the following entry forms for EACH entry:
• Fashion Show Narration Entry Form — for item(s) constructed by youth ages 8–18.
• Shopping in Style Fashion Show Written Report with Narration Entry Form [NEW FORM IN 2025] — for purchased item(s) exhibited by youth ages 8–18.
• Clover Kids Fashion Show Entry Form 2024 — for item modeled by youth ages 5–7.
Example Videos:
• 4-H Fashion Show at 2024 Lancaster County Super Fair
• 4-H Fashion Show at 2023 Lancaster County Super Fair
• 4-H Fashion Show at 2022 Lancaster County Super Fair
For more information about the Fashion Show contest, contact Kristin Geisert at kristin.geisert@unl.edu or 402-441-7180.
Shooting Sports
2025 Dates TBA
Participants must be actively enrolled in the 4-H shooting sports project under the direct supervision of a certified 4-H shooting sports instructor to participate in these contests.
Participants must provide the required equipment (unless otherwise noted).
Participants exhibiting unsafe practices may be disqualified from the contest at the discretion of the superintendent.
Participants, coaches and spectators are required to wear eye protection FOR ALL SPORTS EXCEPT ARCHERY.
Attire: Appropriate and clean attire is required for all participants. Shirts must have a 4-H emblem, e.g. a 4-H Shooting Sports club shirt, or participants must wear a 4-H armband. Shirts must be button-up with a regular, polo, or round collar; or T-shirt; with short or long sleeves; and must cover the midriff in all shooting positions. Slacks, jeans, skirts, or shorts must be of an appropriate length, free of holes/rips and reasonably loose-fitting. Shoes must be close-toed. Refer to the contest’s governing rulebook for additional requirements.
For more information about the Shooting Sports contests, contact Kate Pulec at kpulec3@unl.edu or 402-441-7180.
Plant Science
In-Person June 17, 2025 • Register by June 16 • Online Contests Open Two Weeks in June
In-Person Horticulture, Tree, Grass & Weed ID Contests
Open to all 4-H’ers ages 9–18 (by Jan. 1 of the current year) from all counties. This contest will be held on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, 10 a.m.–Noon at the Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County conference rooms, 444 Cherrycreek Road, Suite A, Lincoln.
Lancaster County 4-H Online Tree and Grass & Weed ID Contests
Open to all youth and adults. Enrollment in 4-H is not required to participate. The contests will be available June 10-24, 2025.
Nebraska 4-H Online Horticulture Judging Contest
A statewide online Horticulture Judging Contest which tests 4-H'ers knowledge in three areas: general knowledge questions, plant part and seed identification, as well as a judging portion. The contest will be available June 10-24, 2025.
Table Setting
Aug. 1, 2025 • Register by July 22
The Table Setting Contest is open to all 4-H members ages 8–18 (by January 1 of current year) — participants need not be enrolled in a specific project.
The 2025 4‑H Table Setting Contest will be held on Friday, Aug. 1 during the Lancaster County Super Fair at the Sandhills Global Event Center - South Hall. Judging time slots will be at 5 p.m., 6 p.m., or 7 p.m., and will be assigned ahead of time by 4-H staff. Register by Tuesday, July 22 by contacting the Extension office at 402-441-7180. You must give the age of youth (by January 1 of the current year) and category they will be entering. There is no entry form. For the 2025 Super Fair, the "Birthday" category of the 4‑H Table Setting contest has been changed to "Holiday." Any holiday celebrated throughout the year may be used for this theme.
Why participate in the Table Setting Contest? It is a fun way to learn how to:
• Properly set a table and present to the judge.
• Plan nutritious meals using MyPlate, online at myplate.gov.
• Express originality and creativity in choosing a theme.
• Express knowledge of food, nutrition, and food safety.
Participants select a theme and display one place setting, including table covering, dishes, glassware, silverware, centerpiece and menu. There are three age divisions and four categories:
• Formal
• Casual
• Picnic
• Holiday — Rotating Category
Handout (PDF): — all participants are strongly encouraged to read
Table Setting Contest – Procedures & Guidelines
Example Video:
• 4-H Table Setting Contest Judging Example: Casual Junior Division (Re-enactment)
For more information about the Table Setting contest, contact Kristin Geisert at kristin.geisert@unl.edu or 402-441-7180.
Dog Virtual Trivia
May 7–14, 2025
The Lancaster County 4-H Dog Virtual Trivia Contest is an opportunity for youth to test their knowledge of dog science and skills in working with dogs — as well as expand their knowledge. The contest will be available online Wednesday, May 7, noon–Wednesday, May 14, 11:59 p.m. Preregistration is not required. This contest tests youth’s knowledge of dog science and skills in working with dogs while providing an opportunity to expand their knowledge in this area. Contest is open to 4-H’ers ages 8–18 — need not be enrolled in a specific project and do not need a dog.
The contest consists of questions including, but not limited to, breed identification, dog body language, parasites and nutrition/feed (age/stage). This year’s contest focuses on Sporting, Foundation Stock Service and Miscellaneous Class dog breeds (that start with letters R–W).
Study Packet — Posted When Available
For more information about the Dog Virtual Trivia contest, contact Elizabeth Thiltges at ethiltges2@unl.edu or 402-441-7180.
Horse Judging
May 31, 2025
The Lancaster County Super Fair 4-H Horse Judging Contest will be held on Saturday, May 31 at the Sandhills Global Event Center – LivestockMarket Pavilion, 2:00 p.m. You may register in advance by emailing name(s) and age(s) of youth to Kate Pulec at kpulec3@unl.edu or before the event from 1:30–2:00 p.m. Open to all 4-H’ers — need not be enrolled in a horse project.
There are 3 age divisions. The Horse Judging Contest may consist of 4 classes of 4 horses, 2 halter and 2 performance, to be judged by 4-H members in the Elementary, Junior and Senior age divisions. 4-H members in the senior age division may be asked to judge 1 additional class. All division participants must complete 1 set of oral reasons to be eligible to win the championship buckle. The required dress for judging is a 4-H shirt or plain white T-shirt, blue jeans, belt, boots and 4-H armband OR English attire. No hats, shorts or sandals are permitted. Note: This is a premium event, but does not count as one of the premium events of the horse division. The top 10 contestants in all 3 age groups will be recognized at Horse Awards Night. The champion in each age group must participate in both judging and oral reasons to receive a belt buckle.
For more information about the Horse Judging contest, contact Kate Pulec at kpulec3@unl.edu or 402-441-7180.
Livestock Judging
Aug. 3, 2025 • Register by July 31
A 4-H/FFA Livestock Judging Contest will be held at the Lancaster County Super Fair on Sunday, Aug. 3, 2025, 12–2 p.m. at the Sandhills Global Event Center in the Currency Pavilion — Arena, West Side. Register by Thursday, July 31, 6 p.m. in the livestock office at the fair.
Open to 4-H and FFA members. Come join the fun judging livestock and bring your parents! There will be a short orientation before the contest outlining how to fill out the judging cards and where to answer questions for those who have never judged before.
There are 3 age divisions. Youth may judge as individuals or teams. Teams will consist of 4 youth and 1 adult.
7 classes shall consist of 2 beef, 2 sheep, 2 swine and 1 meat goat. Classes will be decided day of contest and could consist of market and/or breeding animals. Contestants will have 12 minutes to judge each class. No reasons will be given; however, questions will be asked on 3 classes.
For more information about the Livestock Judging contest, contact Madelaine Polk at mpolk2@unl.edu or 402-441-7180.
Other Animal Show Contests
July 31–Aug. 3, 2025
The 4-H/FFA animal shows at the Lancaster County Super Fair include several animal-related contests, including herdsmanship, quiz bowls, costume contests and more. See 4-H/FFA Fair Book for details.