4-H Exhibit Hall

2025 Exhibit Hall Info | Premiums | Rules | Categories

2025 Exhibit Hall Information

4-H Fair Theme: Growing Futures in Agriculture with 4-H

2025 Fair 4-H Information Booklet

Drop off at the UMaine Cooperative Extension Office

  • August 1st – 22nd: Drop off at the UMaine Cooperative Extension Office.
  • Monday, August 25 by 4 pm: Last chance to drop off exhibits at the Extension Office
  • Entry Forms and Exhibit/Life Skills Card is required.

Drop off at the 4-H Exhibit Hall on the Blue Hill Fairgrounds

  • Tuesday, August 26th, 12:00 pm: Last chance to drop off exhibits at 4-H Exhibit Hall

Fair Premiums

Individual 4-H Exhibits (Rules and Info)

Exhibits will be judged on the Danish System

$13 Blue Ribbon

$12 Red Ribbon

$11 White Ribbon

$5 Cloverbuds (ages 5-8)

Club 4-H Exhibits (Rules and Info)

Club Exhibits will be judged on the Danish System

$30 Blue Ribbon

$20 Red Ribbon

$10 White Ribbon

“Future 4-H’ers” Exhibits (Rules and Info)

Exhibits are not judged, display only

No prizes will be awarded for this category

4-H Exhibit Hall Rules

Individual Exhibits

RULE 1: Exhibitors must be an enrolled 4-H Member in Hancock or surrounding counties.

RULE 2: Exhibits must be produced and/or prepared by the 4-H Member during the current 4-H year. Clubs may work together on projects, but individual members are responsible for producing their own entry for the 4-H Individual Exhibits (example: a club may work together on a sewing project, but the item entered must be made by the individual 4-H member). NO KITS will be accepted (i.e. articles made of pre-cut or pre-formed pieces that are only assembled by the 4-H’er).

RULE 3: Two exhibits may be entered in all classes (example: two different types of vegetable in GARDEN class), with the exception of CRAFTS which may have eight entries with no more than two of the same medium (example: 2 Textiles such as felt and embroidery; and 2 Jewelry pieces). *New* Participants may enter no more than 10 total projects.

RULE 4: Poster and artwork sizes must not exceed 24”x 36”.

RULE 5: Exhibits must be checked in at the Extension Office in Ellsworth anytime during the month of August, with a deadline of 4 pm on Monday, August 26th. Exhibits can also be brought to the 4-H Exhibit Hall on the Blue Hill Fairgrounds at 12:00 pm on Tuesday, August 27th. Exhibit Card/Life Skills Card and Entry Forms must be completed and attached to the exhibit prior to check-in (these are available at the Extension Office). Exhibits must remain in the 4-H Exhibit Hall until 6 pm on Labor Day or forfeit the premiums. 

RULE 6: Judging will be done using the Danish System, which means each worthy exhibit will be awarded a ribbon and premium based on how well it displays the appropriate skills for the member’s age and skill level, with the exception of Cloverbuds (see Rule 7). The judges’ decisions will be final.

RULE 7: According to the UMaine 4-H Cloverbud Policy, exhibitors ages 5-8 will receive a stipend of $5 for each exhibit and a special ribbon. Cloverbuds are considered beginner-level, and all entries are submitted for non-competitive display. 

RULE 8: There will be 10 “Best Project” Ribbons awarded by the judges, and the exhibitors will also receive an additional $10 premium. A “Best of Show” will be chosen from the “Best Projects”, and the exhibitor will also receive an additional $15 premium. The decisions of the judges will be final.

RULE 9: For public safety reasons, we will not accept Knives, Firearms, or any other item which could be considered a weapon as an exhibit. A poster, illustration, or model may be substituted. 

RULE 10: UMaine Cooperative Extension/4-H and the Blue Hill Fair distinctly disclaim any liability for loss or damage to exhibits. We will afford the best protection possible for exhibits, but please be aware that there is no security in the 4-H Exhibit Hall.

Club Exhibits

RULE 1: Any club or sub-group within a club can enter a Club Exhibit. 4-H Club Exhibits must be made by the 4-H Members.

RULE 2: Exhibits must not exceed 4’x 4’x 4’.

RULE 3: Clubs must provide their own table on which to place their exhibit. If an electrical outlet is needed, please contact the Extension Office prior to dropping off your exhibit.

RULE 4: The exhibit must include the name of the 4-H Club, the town/location, and the number or percentage of club members who participated in preparing it.

RULE 5: UMaine Cooperative Extension/4-H and the Blue Hill Fair distinctly disclaim any liability for loss or damage to exhibits. We will afford the best protection possible for exhibits, but please be aware that there is no security in the 4-H Exhibit Hall.

Future 4-H’er Exhibits

RULE 1: Participants do not need to be enrolled in 4-H

RULE 2: Exhibits must be checked in at the Extension Office in Ellsworth anytime during the month of August, with a deadline of 4 pm on Monday, August 25th. Exhibits can also be brought to the 4-H Exhibit Hall on the Blue Hill Fairgrounds at 12:00 pm on Tuesday, August 26th. Exhibit Card/Life Skills Card and Entry Forms must be completed and attached to the exhibit prior to check-in (these are available at the Extension Office). Exhibits must remain in the 4-H Exhibit Hall until 6 pm on Labor Day or forfeit the premiums. 

RULE 3: For public safety reasons, we will not accept Knives, Firearms, or any other item that could be considered a weapon as an exhibit. A poster, illustration, or model may be substituted. 

RULE 4: UMaine Cooperative Extension/4-H and the Blue Hill Fair distinctly disclaim any liability for loss or damage to exhibits. We will afford the best protection possible for exhibits, but please be aware that there is no security in the 4-H Exhibit Hall.

4-H Exhibit Hall Categories

Individual or Future 4-H’er Exhibits

ANIMALS – Projects Include: Beef, Dairy, Dog, Goat, Horse, Poultry, Sheep, Small Animal, Swine, Working Steer. If showing an animal in a 4-H Livestock show that pays premiums, members may not enter an exhibit for that animal in the 4-H Exhibit Hall. An animal exhibit must consist of one of the following:

  • A hardcover or spiral bound scrapbook illustrating your year’s project work OR
  • An educational display showing something you learned in the project OR
  • A product made for your animal such as a feeder, tack box, halter, lead line, scratching post, etc OR
  • A product from your animal such as fleece, yarn, cheese, ½ dozen eggs, etc.

ART – Any original drawing or painting in any medium (such as watercolor, charcoal, paint, pastel, etc).  No paint-by-number or tracings. Items must be ready for display (framed, matted, on a stand, etc).

AQUATIC LIFE – Any labeled poster, model, or display relating to aquatic life (such as fishing, aquaponics, vernal pools, etc).

BERRIES – Fresh berries that were grown by the 4-H Member. Place berries in a pint container or plate and include the name of the variety/type for the display.

CIVIC ENGAGEMENT/COMMUNITY SERVICE – Any labeled poster, model, or display that illustrates a project or experience in civic engagement and/or community service OR the importance of civic engagement and/or community service (such as importance of voting, roadside clean ups, etc)

CHILD DEVELOPMENT – Any handmade item (such as a toy, game, etc) OR Labeled poster, model, or display that pertains to child development such as nutrition, strategies, safety, ages & stages, etc. Please indicate the child’s age.

CLOTHING/SEWING – Any item sewn completely by the 4-H Member such as pillowcases, handbags, clothing, etc. Please indicate skill level (Cloverbud, Novice, Intermediate, or Advanced) and how many years you have been sewing.

CONSERVATION/NATURAL RESOURCES – Any labeled poster, model, or display that illustrates the practice of conserving a resource (such as recycling project, logging, water quality, etc). Must include an explanation of the conservation practice and/or ecological issue.

CRAFTS – Two entries per category (up to 8 items), must be made by the 4-H Member:

  • Textiles (such as Knit, Crochet, Embroidery, Macrame, Rug, Quilt, Weaving, Spinning, Felting, String Art, Fabric Painting, etc)
  • Paper or Canvas (such as Papermaking, Paper Mache, Origami, Scrapbooking, Bookbinding, Decoupage, Cardmaking, etc)
  • Wood, Metal, Glass, Stone (such as Woodcarving, Woodturning, Woodburning, Metalwork, Stained glass, Glassblowing, Pebble art, etc)
  • Ceramics (such as Pottery, Sculpture, etc)
  • Recycled Art (An item made from discarded materials that once had another purpose and would have otherwise been thrown away)
  • Leathercraft
  • Jewelry 
  • Other (such as Basketmaking, Candlemaking, Egg Decorating, Soapmaking, etc)

ELECTRICITY – A display of an electrical circuit or any labeled poster or display illustrating how a circuit works; OR a product, such as a lamp, built and properly wired by the 4-H member.

ENGINEERING – Any original project that demonstrates the application of scientific principles and engineering design processes to solve a problem or meet a need. This category includes, but is not limited to, prototypes, working models, schematics, and detailed plans for inventions or improvements. Projects should clearly articulate the problem addressed, and the function or intended impact of the solution. Submissions should be presented clearly with supporting documentation, labels, display boards, and/or functional prototypes.

FAIR THEME – Any labeled poster, model, or display that illustrates the theme of the 2025 Fair: “Growing Futures in Agriculture with 4-H!” (such as a meme, graphic, etc). The exhibit must be neat, well-organized, easy to understand, easy to see at a distance, and include correct spelling/grammar. The exhibit must show creativity and originality. The exhibit must display the correct use of the 4-H Clover logo, the UMaine Extension/4-H combined logo, 4-H (including the “-” between 4 and H), mottos, etc, if they are used in the display. Consult the Extension Office for Branding Guidelines.

FLOWERS – A fresh flower arrangement displayed in a container (such as in a vase, corsage, or foam).

FOOD – Any food item (such as bread, cookies, bars, muffins, biscuits, pie, etc) made by the 4-H member. A recipe card (3×5 inches) must be included. Small food items should be displayed in threes.

FOOD PRESERVATION – Canned: 1-3 jars of either vegetable, fruit, jam, jelly, pickles, or conserves. Dried: 1-3 samples of dried fruit, vegetable, or meat (can be smoked).

FORESTRY – A collection (3 specimens minimum) relating to forestry or forest ecology such as a collection of tree leaves, needles, twigs, seeds, and/or collection of disease, insect or animal-damaged specimens. Collections must be mounted and labeled with common names and/or scientific names. Damaged specimens must be labeled with the type of damage shown.

GAMES – Game, puzzle, cards, or any other exhibit that was made by the 4-H member for entertainment purposes.

GARDEN – Small vine crops such as beans, peas, etc (10 specimens); Large vine crops such as cucumbers, pumpkins, squash, etc (1 specimen); Root crops such as potatoes, carrots, beets, onion, etc (3 specimens); Vegetables grown in heads such as broccoli or cauliflower (1 specimen); Other vegetables such as corn, tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, etc (1-3 specimens). Vegetables should be brushed clean (do not wash), trimmed, and fresh. Tomatoes may be green. Place vegetables on a plate and include the name of the variety/type for the display. Best Project in this class will be awarded the Lynn Clement Garden Plaque.

HEALTH & NUTRITION – Any labeled poster, model, or display about health issues, such as nutrition, benefits of exercise, emotional health, sports health, etc.

HERBS – Five stems of a single or multiple herbs arranged in a container with water. Include the name(s) of the variety/type of herb for the display.

INDOOR GARDENING – A display of indoor plants such as a potted houseplant, dish garden or terrarium, dried flower arrangement, indoor vegetable garden, etc.

LEADERSHIP – Any labeled poster, model, or display that illustrates a project or experience in Leadership (such as National 4-H Trip, National 4-H Summit, Leadership in your Clubwork, Leadership at Eastern States Exposition, etc). Must include an explanation of the leadership activity, member’s role, and the results of the experience.

MUSIC & MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS – Any labeled poster, model, or display that illustrates to the public what you have learned through your music project (such as sheet music, a homemade instrument, musical recordings (mp3s, CDs, tapes, but please provide something to play them on).

NATURE COLLECTIONS – A collection from nature with at least 10 specimens/samples that follows a theme (for example, shells, pressed flowers/wildflowers, insects, rocks/minerals, items from a specific environment, etc). Collections must be mounted and labeled with common names and/or scientific names. Be sure to leave any protected or endangered species in nature.

OUTDOORS – Any labeled poster, model, or display related to the Outdoors and/or Outdoor Education OR an item made by the 4-H’ers related to the Outdoors and/or Outdoor Education.

PHOTOGRAPHY – Submit a photo displayed on a poster, board, or frame. The photo must be accompanied by a short description of the photo, what inspired the photographer to capture the moment, and how the photo was captured (DSLR, phone camera, etc.)” Note: Youth may also enter the 4-H photo contest in October where they will submit 5 photos from the year for judging and feedback.

SCIENCE AND DATA – Any exhibit that showcases a 4-H member’s scientific and research data or study. Present data from any science or research project the 4-H member has conducted and share results and conclusions. Example exhibits: a detailed report explaining the research question, hypothesis, methodology, data collected, analysis, and conclusion; a visual representation of the data, such as graphs, charts, tables, infographics, or art pieces (such as a temperature blanket); a concise summary of the project, including the main findings and significance of the research; and/or a science logbook, datasheets, or journal documenting the project’s progress, observations, and reflections.

SCULPTURE – Any original three-dimensional artwork created in any medium (such as clay, wood, metal, mixed media, found objects, etc.). This category includes carvings, models, assemblages, and constructions. Submissions must be stable and ready for display (e.g., on a self-contained base, stand, or otherwise prepared for presentation).

SHOOTING SPORTS – Any labeled poster, model, or display that illustrates a shooting sports project (such as a diagram identifying various parts of a gun; a survival kit with labeled contents and include the purpose of each content; a 3D model of a gun with labeled parts and functions of each; a model of a safe shooting range with safety rules; etc)

WOODWORKING – Any article made by the 4-H member exhibiting woodworking skills such as joining, cutting, fitting, sanding, finishing, etc. If the project is not portable, make a poster with 4-6 sequential photos that displays the woodworking project. No pre-cut kits are permitted; an adult may cut pieces for young members.

WRITING SAMPLER – A Poem, Journal, Short Story, Illustrated Story, or a Script for a theatrical production (such as a play, film) written by the 4-H’er.

CREATIVITY UNLIMITED – An outstanding individual project made entirely by a 4-H member during the current 4-H year, as long as it does not fit under any other category. Approval of this project must be obtained from the Hall Supervisor OR the Extension Office.

Club Exhibits

CLUB EXHIBIT

The purpose of this 4-H Club Exhibit is to tell the public about your club purpose, projects, interests, and/or activities. The exhibit should incorporate the fair theme “Growing Futures in Agriculture with 4-H!” The criteria for judging the 4-H Club Exhibits are:

  • Theme: Exhibit reflects the 4-H theme of the Blue Hill Fair.
  • Appearance: Exhibit is neat, well-organized, easy to understand, easy to see at a distance.
  • Originality: Exhibit shows creativity and originality.
  • Spelling/Grammar: Exhibit displays correct spelling, grammar, etc.
  • Branding: Exhibit displays correct use of the 4-H Clover logo, the UMaine Extension/4-H combined logo, 4-H (including the “-” between 4 and H), mottos, etc, if they are used in the display. Consult the Extension Office for Branding Guidelines.
  • Club Work: Exhibit highlights the club’s purpose, projects, interests, and/or activities and it also helps the public to understand the goals and philosophy of 4-H and your specific club.
  • Participation: Exhibit shows evidence of 4-H member involvement in the club.

 

CLUB GARDEN EXHIBIT

Any 4-H Club in Hancock and surrounding Counties who have four or more members participating in a 4-H Garden Project may submit a group vegetable display. This display of vegetables must fit into a 3’x3’ space and all members must have vegetables entered.

The criteria for judging the 4-H Club Garden Exhibits are:

  • Quality: Produce must be clean and appealing.
  • Appearance/Arrangement: Exhibit is neat, well-organized, easy to understand, easy to see at a distance.
  • Originality: Exhibit shows creativity and originality.
  • Spelling/Grammar: Exhibit displays correct spelling, grammar, etc.
  • Branding: Exhibit displays correct use of the 4-H Clover logo, the UMaine Extension/4-H combined logo, 4-H (including the “-” between 4 and H), mottos, etc, if they are used in the display. Consult the Extension Office for Branding Guidelines.
  • Participation: Exhibit shows evidence of 4-H member involvement in the club.

 

CLUB CIVIC ENGAGEMENT EXHIBIT

Exhibit should consist of a hardcover scrapbook documenting a full year of civic engagement work for your community. Scrapbook should be constructed by club members collaboratively. 

The criteria for judging the 4-H Club Civic Engagement Exhibits are:

  • Description: Describe each community service/civic engagement activity and list what your goals were, what the club did, who participated, how many people were reached and who were they, how much money was raised (if applicable), etc.
  • Evidence: Document each activity with photos, newspaper articles, thank you letters, etc, to show evidence in support of what you did.
  • Impacts: Show the results of your activities by explaining what you learned, what were the benefits to the club and community (even if the activity failed to reach your goal).
  • 4-H Awareness: How did the activity spread awareness of 4-H in the community? How did your club help make 4-H more visible in the community?
  • Creativity: Were the activities diverse, creative, and original?
  • Appearance: Exhibit is neat, well-organized, easy to understand, easy to see at a distance.
  • Spelling/Grammar: Exhibit displays correct spelling, grammar, etc.
  • Branding: Exhibit displays correct use of the 4-H Clover logo, the UMaine Extension/4-H combined logo, 4-H (including the “-” between 4 and H), mottos, etc, if they are used in the display. Consult the Extension Office for Branding Guidelines.
  • Participation: Exhibit shows evidence of 4-H member involvement in the club.