2009 Piscataquis County Fair
August 27 - 30, 2009

Contact: Linda Whitten, 564-3301 or 1-800-287-1491 (in Maine)

1. Entries are open to 4-H members (5 years old as of January 1, but not over 19) in Piscataquis, Somerset, and Penobscot Counties, who are carrying on approved 4-H projects.
    
2. Entries must be from the current 4-H projects 2008/2009 4-H year. Exhibits will be judged by the Danish System and will be placed in three groups: BLUE=1st, RED=2nd, and White=3rd. Each qualifying exhibit will be awarded a ribbon and premium. A PURPLE ribbon may be awarded to outstanding work done on the exhibit and the attached 4-H Skills Card. It is an honor to receive a Purple Ribbon, so make sure that you write detailed information about your project on your Skills Card. All Cloverbuds (youth ages 5-8) will receive GREEN ribbons indicating their participation. They are not in competition with individuals or groups.
    

   Premiums for youth ages 9-19
   	Blue	$3.00
   	Red	$2.00
   	White	$1.00
   	Purple	$10.00
   Premiums for youth ages 5-8 (Cloverbuds)
   	Green	$1.00

    

3. Each exhibit must be plainly marked with a 4-H exhibit tag, which is available from the UMaine Extension Piscataquis County office. Any special circumstances that should be taken into account by the judges should be noted on the back of the exhibit tag.
    
4. 4-H youth ages 9-19 are required to submit a Life Skills card with their exhibits. The 4-H Skills cards will not be placed on the exhibit during the fair. They are only used by the judges to determine ribbon placement. If a judge wishes to make a comment about your exhibit or 4-H Skills card [Word] [PDF], he or she will write it on a post a note, not on the actual skills card.
    
5. Club leaders are required to submit an "Official registration Form for Piscataquis County Fair" with their club members exhibits. This form certifies that all of their club's exhibits were actual 4-H projects. Independent members must also submit this form with their exhibits.
    
6. A maximum of three exhibits per project will be allowed. For example, a 4-H'er may exhibit corn, peas, and potatoes in the garden category, but not three corn entries. Each exhibit will be judged on the basis of individual merit. No 4-H Skills Cards will be accepted as an exhibit.
    
7. All 4-H exhibits must be delivered to the 4-H Exhibit Hall on Tuesday, August 25th, 2009 between the hours of 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM only.  There will be no exceptions to this rule.
    
8. All 4-H exhibits must be removed from the 4-H Exhibit Hall Sunday, August 30th, 2009 between the hours of 4:00 PM and 5:00 PM.
    
9. Should any exhibits be of inferior quality or form, in the opinion of the judges, unworthy of premiums offered, it will be eliminated from the judging.
    
10. The Piscataquis Valley Fair will afford the best possible care and protection of all exhibits. However, it distinctly disclaims any liability for loss or damage to exhibits or personal property of exhibits.
     
11. NO “KITS” accepted! Definition of a kit: The prefabrication, assembly, or collection of component parts, which materially diminishes the exercise of those skills, which the project is designed to teach.
     
12. The management reserves the right to grant variances to the above regulations where extenuating circumstances warrant.

4-H Project Categories for 2009

If you have any questions concerning the requirements for the project areas listed below, please contact Linda Whitten at 564-3301 or 1-800-287-1491 (in Maine).

Animal Science: Any article made by the 4-H'er displaying what he or she has learned in the 4-H Animal Science project. Examples: a written report, poster or display.

Aquarium: An aquarium using plants, animals and fish the member has found in the area (no exotic fish), or display, poster or written report in a notebook on setting up an aquarium, life cycles in aquariums, or maintenance of aquarium.

Archery: Poster, display or written report in a notebook on the proper use of your archery equipment; safety involved when in use and not in use; proper maintenance of archery equipment, etc. or equivalent exhibit.

Art: A freehand painting or drawing that is in a frame ready for hanging with screw eyes, wire or other appropriate attachment. You can use oil paints, watercolors, acrylics, charcoal, crayons, pencil or pastels.

Astronomy: This is one of the new 4-H publications to teach youth the basics of astronomy. Any article made by the 4-H member that displays appropriate skills for the age level exhibited.

Basket Making: A basket made by 4-H member displaying appropriate skills for level exhibited.

Bead Craft: Any beaded craft, except jewelry that is made by the 4-H member that displays appropriate skills for the age level exhibited.

Beef: Any article prepared by member displaying what he or she has learned in the Beef 4-H project. Other exhibits a 4-H'er could make are as follows: a rope halter, grooming & first aid kits, photo display in a notebook showing the growth and development of their animal, display, poster or written report in a notebook on the care of beef animals, feed program and herd management or a hand made cloth model of your animal using the Animal Science pattern, etc.

Beekeeping: Any article made the 4-H'er displaying what he or she has learned in this project. If honey is to be exhibited, it must include a report in a notebook that explains how it was extracted and photos of the hives. NO LIVE BEES. A poster or written report in a notebook on beekeeping, social structure of bees, beehive, or how to extract honey, or a hand made bees wax candle made from your hive.

Berries: One pint of fresh berries in a leak-proof container that the member has raised, one plant in a waterproof container, one jar of berry jam made from the berries that the member has raised, or a written report in a notebook on raising berries, the varieties, cultivars, insects and diseases.

Bicycle Adventures: Display, poster or written report in a notebook on bicycle safety, rules of the road, basic repairs, bike care, or photos of you and your bike and a map of your own bicycle route.

Birds/Wildlife I: Examples: Made by 4-H'er; birdfeeder, birdhouse, a written report in a notebook that includes a description of birds attracted to your feeder, the type of food the birds eat, photos of the birds taken by member, types of birds native to your area, and any behavior habits that you notice. A raptor kite made by the 4-H member. A written report in a notebook on bird habitats, anatomy, species, silhouettes, types of nests and food preferences.

Candlemaking: Any dipped, molded, or lace candles made by member that displays appropriate skills for level exhibited. Candles made with sculptured flowers, fantasy wax, scented beeswax, applied wax decoration on candle, stacked candle, baroque, chunk, soda, snowball, etc. Each candle exhibited must be made from a different method.

Ceramics: Items must be made from green ware - no plastics or resin items. Any item painted with stains (cover coats and sprayed with a sealer), glazed item or item using under glazes, scraffito or stencils.

Child Development: Suggestions: Create a babysitter's portfolio in a notebook, which may include a collection of notes, pictures, journal entries, drawings (that of the child), photographs, safety tips for toys, reading a story, qualities of a good babysitter, bedtime, dressing, bathing and mealtime tips and projects you can do with children. Create a babysitter's kit that includes games, toys, craft supplies, books videos, music, etc. Create a babysitter's first aide kit. A written report in a notebook about how kids can handle emergencies, how children develop home-alone skills, how to take care of kids, etc.

Community Service: Photo album of community service project(s) that 4-H member was involved with. Your album should include newspaper clippings, photos with explanations, explanation of project(s) and the results of your efforts. What happened because of your community service project? Did it have an impact upon your community? Poster or written report in a notebook on hospital or nursing home visits; cleanup activities around your town & community beautification activities; how can I create, change or improve something that is valuable to many people in my community, etc. Exhibits could also include a sample craft that you made for the residents of a nursing home.

Clothing: Articles made by the 4-H'er that displays appropriate skills for level.

• Beginner: apron, simple skirt, vest, poncho, pre-printed cloth panels such as stuffed animals, aprons or vests
   

• Intermediate: Blouse, shorts, shirt, pants, dress
   

• Advanced: Suit, full-length evening gown or party dress, fitted slacks or trousers, coat

Crochet: Any article crocheted by the 4-H member displaying what he or she has learned in the 4-H crochet project.

Crops & Crop Science: Plants must be in a waterproof container. A peck of beans, corn, potatoes or small grains or plants in waterproof container. Display, poster or written report in a notebook on raising a field crop, seedbed preparation, cultivation, harvesting and storage of crops.

Dairy: Any article prepared by the 4-H member displaying what he/she has learned in this project. Suggested items: rope halter, grooming kit, first aid kit, blanket, pound of cheese or butter made by the member, display, poster or written report in a notebook on dairy breeds, calf care, cow care, pedigrees, milk, etc.

Dairy Foods: Approximately 2 ounces of cheese or butter made by the 4-H member; display, poster or written report in a notebook on nutrients in milk, why milk needs to be refrigerated and how cheese and butter is made.

Dogs: Any article made by the 4-H member displaying appropriate skills for level exhibited. Suggested items: leash, dog bed, grooming kit, first aid kit, edible dog treats, etc.

Electricity:

• Beginner: Should demonstrate your knowledge of basic electricity by lighting 1 to 3 light bulbs with a dry cell battery in both series and parallel. Vary the brightness by using high voltage by putting batteries in series. Suggested items: a wired circuit, lead cord, trouble light or wired lamp.
   

• Intermediate: Demonstrate your knowledge of magnetism and conduction showing the different things you can do with electro-magnets, basic motors or telegraph.
   

• Advanced: Demonstrate practical knowledge of electricity; uses in the home; and how to wire. Example: 1 light bulb connected to two 3-way switches and one 4-way switch with a dimmer switch in between.

Embroidery: Any article made by the 4-H member that displays appropriate skills for the level exhibited.

Embryology: Any article made by the 4-H member such as an incubator, candle box or brooder. Or a display, poster or written report in a notebook on the development of a chick, care during incubation or a journal in a notebook) of your experiences in incubating fertile eggs into chicks.

Entomology:

• Beginner: 10 insects mounted and labeled.
   

• Intermediate: 15 different insects mounted and labeled.
   

• Advanced: 30 insects mounted and labeled or a display showing three stages of a life cycle of one insect.

Fabric Painting: Any article made by the 4-H member using fabric paints that displays appropriate skills for the level exhibited. Should show a design. Suggested items: tee shirt, sweatshirt, wall hanging, pillowcase etc. This category does not include tie dyed tee shirts.

Fishing: Articles made by the 4-H member such as, a collection of 6 flies including 1 dry, 1 nymph, 1 streamer and 3 other flies; fish print tee-shirt; streamer wallet; tying tool block; hatband; a tackle box with fishing accessories labeled; a poster or written report in a notebook on fishing safety, materials used to make lures, selection of rod and reel and where and how fish can be found.

Flower Garden:

• Beginner: A bouquet of your flowers or one plant in a waterproof container. Multiple entries must represent different bouquet styles and flower types.
   

• Intermediate: A mass arrangement using your own flowers. A mass arrangement has a thick, full look. The whole piece is colorful and has three or more flower colors combined with one or more kinds of leaves.
   

• Advanced: A fresh flower corsage or dried arrangement using your own flowers. Multiple entries must represent different styles and flowers.

Food & Nutrition: Food must be submitted on a white paper plate and in a clear plastic bag. No mixes allowed for any level. A 3” x 5” recipe card must be included.

• Beginner: Three cookies from one recipe or 3 bars from one recipe. Each set of entries must be made from a different recipe.
   

• Intermediate: One small loaf of quick bread, three muffins from one recipe or three biscuits from one recipe or three cupcakes from one recipe. Each set of entries must be made from a different recipe.
   

• Advanced: Yeast breads (3 rolls from one recipe, 1/2 loaf of bread from one recipe or 3 doughnuts from one recipe. Each set of entries must be made from a different recipe. Advanced, you are not required to submit a whole cake or pie. You are only required to submit 1/4 of your cake or pie.

Forestry: All collections properly mounted and labeled and in a notebook.

• Beginner: a notebook containing 10 leaves of different trees pressed and labeled with tree name, type, habitat (where located) and mature height.
   

• Intermediate: a notebook containing 15 leaves of different trees pressed and labeled with tree name, type, habitat and mature height.
   

• Advanced: create an exhibit that shows something you have learned in this project. Suggested items: tree cookies labeled with tree name and estimated age; report in a notebook on conifers, trees native to Maine, beneficial things trees provide, etc.

Garden (Vegetable): The following vegetables in the quantities stated:

• Beginner:

  • Beans or Peas – 10 pods

  • Radishes or Brussels Sprouts – 5

  • Corn – 3 ears

  • Beets, cucumbers, carrots, parsnips, onions, peppers, or tomatoes (green or ripe) – 3

  • Turnips, rutabagas, cabbage, broccoli, melon, squash or pumpkin – 1
     

• Intermediate: A basket of vegetables consisting of 3 different vegetables in the above quantities listed. Example: 3 cucumbers, 3 beets & 10 pea pods in a basket
   

• Advanced: A basket of vegetables consisting of 5 different vegetables in the quantities listed above. Example: 1 pumpkin, 3 onions, 1 squash, 3 carrots & 3 peppers in a basket

Geology: Rocks and minerals must be collected, not purchased please indicate where you found them.

• Beginner: 10 rocks and minerals properly labeled & where found
   

• Intermediate: 15 rocks and minerals properly labeled & where found
   

• Advanced: 20 rocks and minerals properly labeled and where found or a display of crystals, rocks or minerals within a family such as quartz or sulfide family properly labeled

Goats: Any article made by the 4-H member that displays appropriate skills for the level exhibited. Suggested items: halter, blanket, grooming kit, first aid kit, or approximately 2 ounces of goat cheese. Or a display, poster or written report in a notebook on goat care, breeds, feeding, diseases, milking etc.

Health & Safety: Any article, posters or display made by the 4-H member that promotes good health, safety or first aid. First aid kit must be assembled by 4-H’er.

Healthy Meals: Any article, posters or display made by the 4-H member that promotes healthy eating habits.

Holiday Crafts: A definition of a craft is something made or created by hand that represents a holiday. This category will be for handmade items with a holiday theme that are used to decorate someone’s home or to be given as a gift for a holiday such as, Halloween, Christmas, Easter or July 4th, etc. Suggested items: calico wreaths; scented wreaths; tree ornaments; sun catchers; window decorations; ceramic or pottery items; mason jars filled with potpourri with a candle insert; holiday table cloth, napkins or placemats; candle holders, candy dishes, etc.

Home Improvement: Something you made for using in your home that enhances (makes it look better) the area. This handmade item can be used inside or outside the home. Suggested items: latch-hooked rugs & wall hangings; pot holders; slate paintings; braided rugs; decorative flower pots; welcome plaques; decorative lawn ornaments and flags; chair cushions or seat covers; draft doggies, potpourri (scented) pillows; decorated straw hats; hand-painted jars; scissor holders; baskets; dried apple wreaths; refrigerator magnets; coasters; candy dishes; cloth baskets; stained glass items, etc.

Horse: Any article made by the 4-H member. Suggested items: leg wraps, blankets, leg quilts, lead lines or lariats, halters, lunge lines, grooming equipment box, saddle bags, chaps or a tack box. Or a poster, display or written report in a notebook on breeds, feeding care, diseases, anatomy, age determination, etc.

Indoor Gardening: Houseplants grown by the 4-H member. No cut flowers allowed.

• Beginner: 1 potted houseplant
   

• Intermediate: dish garden or terrarium
   

• Advanced: actual examples of three different ways to propagate houseplants

Jewelry: Handmade jewelry made from metal, polished stones, cloth, paper, ceramics, beads, etc. Suggested items: necklaces, bracelets, pins, rings, earrings, hair clips, and ankle bracelets. Each entry should be a different item (bracelet, ring, and necklace) and should be submitted in a sealable clear plastic bag.

Knitting: An article made using the knit and/or purl stitches that displays appropriate skills for level exhibited.

Leather Craft: Item made by the 4-H member such as a key case, key tag, comb case, belt, wallet, purse, handbag, holster, etc.

Metal Craft: Any article made by the 4-H member that displays appropriate skills for the level exhibited. Suggested items: tin can candle, tin punch lampshade, picture, decorated pie plate, candleholders, wind chimes, mobile, etc.

Model Rocketry: Entrants in the model rocketry display must follow the Model Rocketry Safety Code of the National Association of Rocketry.

• Beginner: The entrant will assemble one or more entry-level rocket kits for display. These kits are referred to as “easy to assemble” or Level 1 kits. Ready to fly kits are not eligible for entry.
   

• Intermediate: The entrant will assemble one or more advanced kits for display. These kits are referred to as “Level 2” or higher kits. In addition to the kit(s), the entrant must include a flight record for at least one of the rockets on display. This record should include the location, time, and weather conditions of the launch or launches as well as the size motor used during launch, a brief description of the flight and an estimate of the height of the flight.
   

• Advanced: The entrant will design and build one or more model rockets from scratch. Parts such as nose cones, body tubes and engine-retaining clips can be bought, but the rocket design must be original and the work of the entrant. The entrant must include documentation of the design and construction of the rocket or rockets. This can include but is not limited to sketches and drawings of the rocket design, photos taken during the construction process and posters displaying the design and/or construction of the rocket or rockets. Flight records as outlined in the intermediate section can also be included if desired.

Nutritious Snacks: Nutritious snack made by 4-H member that is nutritious and healthy. A poster, display or written report in a notebook on snacks that are healthy and nutritious. Recipe must be included with snack(s).

Paper Mache: Items made from paper mache that can be animal, vegetable, or characters, etc.

Photography: Be sure to use a photo album and to follow the directions carefully. Photo albums that do not meet the requirements will be disqualified.

• Beginner: 9 pictures mounted in an album that includes: one person, one animal, one building, one landscape, one flash, and four pictures telling a story. Or a poster, display or written report in a notebook on the parts of the camera that you used for your pictures; on flash pictures, care of your pictures and negatives; film types and their uses, etc.
   

• Intermediate: 11 pictures mounted in an album that includes: one indoor flash, one action, two photo series of at least three photos each, one outdoor flash and one supported close-up (pet or person). Or a poster, display or written report in a notebook on composition, exposure or lighting, etc.
   

• Advanced: 14 pictures mounted in an album (good composition photos of a person, pet, building, landscape and member’s choice, five photos in a story telling sequence, two flashes, one available light, or one close-up. Or a display, poster or written report in a notebook on existing light pictures, lenses, photo opportunities or how to use special effects.

Poultry: Item made by the 4-H member such as a brooder, waterer, feeder, 3 eggs, or a nest box. Or a display, poster or written report in a notebook on the care of broilers, laying flock or capons, etc.

Quick Meals or Snacks: This is a category for those 4-H youth who create their own recipes in a jar. The article made by the 4-H member must display appropriate skills for the level exhibited. Example: Busy Mom’s Cookie Jar. Recipe must be included.

Quilting:

• Beginner: quilted potholder, placemat, napkin, etc.
   

• Intermediate: Quilted pillow, crib cover, handbag, totebag, etc.
   

• Advanced: quilted vest, full-size quilt, wall hanging, etc.

Rabbits: Any article made by the 4-H member such as, a rabbit cage or nesting box. Or a poster, display or written report in a notebook on rabbit breeds, feeding, diseases, types of rabbits and what they are used for, or equivalent exhibit.

Reading: A book report in a notebook describing the following: the author, publisher & year published; what the book was about; your reactions to the book; a list of all the books and their authors that you have read in this project; and if you watched the movie about this book, describe any differences you found between the movie and book. Exhibits could also include handmade laminated bookmarks made with pressed dried flowers or leaves or drawings created by the 4-H member.

Scrapbooking: Any scrapbook made by the 4-H member. With all the scrapbook ideas available to you, you can create your very own scrapbook.

Sewing & textiles: Any article made by the 4-H member using a sewing machine or using hand stitching. Suggested items: a sewing box with contents labeled & what each item is used for; a drawing of a sewing machine with the names of the parts listed and what each part is used for; a handmade nine square pillow; a laundry bag; a 4-H pillow, tote bag or caddy from the pre-printed 4-H cloth; a cloth grocery or lunch bag; a zippered pencil case; a crazy tote bag; ice cream sampler, or a stuffed animal or clothing article from pre-printed cloth panels.

Sheep: Suggestions: Wool sample from a member’s animal, skein of yarn spun by member; poster, display or written report in a notebook on feeding, care, selection, breeds, wool, diseases or equivalent exhibit.

Small Animals: Includes small animals such as, cats, gerbils, ferrets, hamsters, gerbils, guinea pigs etc. NO LIVE ANIMALS. Items made by 4-H member such as, a cage, carrier, scratching post, toys, grooming kit, bed, etc. Or a poster, display or written report in a notebook on the care of your small animal, the breeds, feeding requirements, diseases, etc. or equivalent exhibit.

Small Engines:

• Beginner: “Small Engines 1, Crank It Up” activity guide suggested exhibits: Start Your Engines portfolio; create your own toolbox with tools labeled & list their use for maintaining and repair of small engines etc. Or a poster, display or written report in a notebook on the following topics: Identify external small engine parts; proper staring & operating procedures of a small engine; how lubrication helps to reduce friction in an engine; the importance of air filters in small engines; why an engine needs a cooling system; spark plug maintenance; identify some of the many ways that small engines are used for work and play all around us; the importance of safety and safety labels, etc.
   

• Intermediate: “Small Engines 2, Warm It Up!” activity guide suggested exhibits: Poster, display or written report in a notebook on the following topics: Identify some ways that small engines are alike and different; identify internal small engine parts with the aid of your manual and activity leader; identify specialty tools used for maintenance and repair of small engines; determine the size of your small engine; complete a compression test and the compression ratio; test different oil grades for viscosity under different conditions; how to prepare your small engine for storage; what to do before you mow your lawn; compare different cuts and how they affect grass; how to start your own lawn business, etc or equivalent exhibit.
   

• Advanced: “Small Engines 3, Tune It Up” activity guide suggested exhibits: Poster, display, or written report in a notebook on the following topics: match engine sounds with problems or adjustments from a recording; how to overhaul a small engine; how to remove, sharpen and balance a lawnmower blade; the impact of small engine air pollution on the environment & what laws & regulations are in effect; why is it important to compare prices before purchasing a small engine, etc. or equivalent exhibit.

Swine: Grooming kit, first aid kit, or equivalent exhibit. A poster, display or written report in a notebook on the selection of animal, feeding, diseases, baby pig management, housing, etc. or equivalent exhibit. NO LIVE ANIMALS!

Theatre Arts:

• Beginner: “Theater Arts Adventures Act 1, Journey into the Imagination”. Suggested exhibits: create a theater arts portfolio; a poster display or written report in a notebook on “Why is it important to show appreciation to others?” or “Why is it important to be able to express yourself creatively?” or “Create a sign language chart using the alphabet letters A – Z or make your own rod puppet or a sock puppet
   

• Intermediate: “Theater Arts Adventures Act 2, Soaring into Action”. Suggested exhibits: a poster, display or written report in a notebook on “Why talking and listening are important in any good conversation” or “What is a puppet and name the eight types of puppets?” or “Write a story. List all the props and things you will need to create the sound effects. With a group of friends or by yourself, tape record your story complete with sound effects.” or “Create your own comic strip complete with captions.” or “Video tape one of your play rehearsals or performances.” Etc.
   

• Advanced: “Theater Arts Adventures Act 3, Quest for Expression”. Suggested exhibits: build your own puppet theater complete with puppets; or make a mask from paper, fabrics, feathers, etc.

Toys & Games: Toys or games you have created for toddlers, preschoolers or elementary age children. Suggested items: stuffed animals or dolls; sewing cards that use yarn or shoe laces to lace through the holes on a picture. Strategy or computer games for older youth.

Tractors: Poster, display or written report in a notebook on farm tractors, care & maintenance, safety, etc.

Wildflowers:

• Beginner: 5 study sheets in a notebook of different preserved wildflowers or drawings of wildflowers. 3 should be pictures or drawings of wildflowers that should not be picked.
   

• Intermediate: 10 study sheets in a notebook of different preserved wildflowers. 4 pictures or drawings of wildflowers that should not be picked.
   

• Advanced: 15 study sheets in a notebook of different preserved wildflowers. 5 pictures or drawings of wildflowers that should not be picked.

Wood Crafts: Any article created from wood by the 4-H member such as, wall plaque, candleholder, key rack, wooden decoration, magnet, etc.

Woodworking:

• Beginner: bookends or rack; napkin holder; key or letter holder; bag or broom holder; cutting board; picture frame; animal puzzle; airplane; tool box, etc.
   

• Intermediate: foot stool; bench; candle holder; game; spice or magazine rack; tray; whistle; bird house or feeder; saw horse, etc.
   

• Advanced: boomerang; belt buckle; ABC puzzle; book shelf; bookcase; off road vehicle; table top hockey game; step stool/chair; get along little doggie toy; a door knocker, etc.

Wreaths: Any wreath made by the 4-H member that displays appropriate skills for the level exhibited. A wreath could be made from balsam fir, flowers, dried flowers, dried fruits, silk flowers etc. Directions for making the wreath must be included with the exhibit.

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