4-H at the New York State Fair

The primary purpose of 4-H participation at the New York State Fair (NYSF) is to advance the 4-H mission in an environment that creates unique positive youth development opportunities in the following areas:

• Providing another level of 4-H evaluation and feedback from positive, supportive adults that encourages further skill development and mastery in 4-H.
   

• Opportunities for youth to engage with positive and supportive adults in ways that enhance their overall 4-H experience and adds value to their local experiences.
   

• Developing career readiness skills for participating youth, particularly in the areas of responsibility, accountability, communication and teamwork.
   

• Allowing youth from diverse backgrounds and locations to work together, learn from one another, and increase their knowledge and appreciation for the diversity of New York State and the 4-H program.
   

• 4-H at the NYSF – The NYSF provides a highly public venue for 4-H to showcase the diversity of its programs and positive youth development framework to residents of New York State, NYS Government officials, Cornell University leaders and the media.
   

The NYSF 4-H Youth Building provides a zone of hands-on education and interaction for families attending the Fair who are looking for this kind of education and entertainment.

New York State 4-H is excited to offer a number of competative and non-competative opportunties for youth at the New York State Fair.

​** Registration will open soon**
 

Registration Deadline - August 21st

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Friday, Aug 28th

Avian Bowl

Contact: NYS Animal Science Team

Saturday, Aug 29th

Lego Challenge

Contact: Sasha Diederich

Sunday, Aug 30th

The Great 4-H Cook Off

Contact: Vicki Fleming

Monday, Aug 31st

e-Sports

Contact: Nicole Fiorentino

Tuesday, Sept 1st

Cupcake Showdown

Contact:

Wednesday, Sept 2nd

PiNY (Produced in New York)

Contact: Rachel Williams

Thursday, Sept 3rd

WHEP (Wildlife Habitat Edcuatation Program)

Contact:

Friday, Sept 4th

Chicken and Turkey BBQ

Contact: Jim Knarr

Saturday, Sept 5th

Model Horse Exposition

Contact: Jenny Groen

Sunday, Sept 6th

Fashion & Textile Revue

Contact: Kristina Gabalski

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Youth Bulding Schedule of Events

Animal Science Schedules

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State Fair Schedule of Events

Results will be posted as soon as possible after the conclusion and the recording of results.

Exhibit Cards, Exhibit Lists & Universal Evaluation Forms

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EXHIBIT CARDS

Print Version​

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Fillable Version

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Every exhibit being evaluated MUST have a signed and fully completed exhibit card.

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These cards are used to assist evaluators in finding youth exhibits in exhibit spaces and will help the fair going public identify youth exhibitor projects. Cards should be no smaller than a 1/4 sheet of paper.

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Contact Wendy Richardson if you have questions.

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UNIVERSAL EVALUATION FORM

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Every Exhibit must have a Completed Evaluation form attached.

Food and Nutrition
 

STEM Evaluation

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​Environmental Education

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Fine Arts

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Home Environment

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Communications

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Horticulture

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Photography

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Universal Evaluation Information Sheet

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EXHIBIT LIST

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3 copies are required when submitting exhibits for evaluation.​

Please email a version to both Wendy Richardson and Autumn Lavine if possible before State Fair.

Exhibiting at fairs has traditionally been an important part of a 4-Her’s project learning experience. Fair judges are part of the team that plays a key role in the 4-Her’s learning process during the year.
 

Evaluators have responsibility during the conference exhibit evaluation to: Evaluate, Educate, and Encourage. This can be accomplished by gathering information from and sharing information with the 4-H’er.

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Danish System

Danish gives every 4-H exhibitor the recognition deserved for the work that was done even if they haven’t yet reached the highest levels and helps young people recognize the need to set goals, improve their skills and “make the best better.” The Danish system rewards achievement more than individuals. The goal, especially for young people, is to cooperate to reach goals more than to compete against friends for ribbons.

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Exhibitors are encouraged to help each other meet goals instead of competing against each other; to cooperate instead of compete. There is no reason to hope your fellow exhibitor does worse than you. In Danish you strive to join your “Blue Ribbon” team, not to beat them.

People often say to State Fair 4-H Staff, “Seems like wherever we go at the Fair, we see 4-Hers. How do you do it?” Teen Power, that’s how! Nearly 500 4-H teens serve in leadership roles at The Fair annually as Teen Leaders—giving public presentations, helping with evaluations, writing the fair news, welcoming the public to the Youth Building, involving fairgoers in hands-on activities, overseeing the Incubation and Embryology demonstration area, and more.

4-H Teen Leaders are virtually everywhere on the grounds. Although teens only receive a small premium for serving in leadership roles, most teens agree they do it for the fun and the experience. Without our cadre of Teen Leaders, the 4-H exhibits at the State Fair wouldn’t be early as interactive or as full of the vibrancy of our young people. We welcome your participation this year, hope that your experience is an excellent one, and that you will reflect on it often for years to come.

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EXPLORE THE LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

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Application Link Comming Soon

NYS 4-H Needs YOUth!

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The New York State 4-H Office is seeking motivated 4-H Teens (age 16+) to join us in helping make the NY State Fair an exciting and memorable experience for fair visitors and 4-H families. Successful applicants will be invited to spend a part of the fair (August 19 - September 1) working as a Junior Superintendent (aka Jr. Super) in the 4-H Youth Building. Your responsibilities could include anything from leading icebreaker activities to helping with evaluations to holding baby chicks.

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What You Bring to the Table

You should have an excellent sense of responsibility, a willingness to serve as a leader and a team player and be flexible enough to accommodate ever-changing needs. You need to be comfortable being on your feet, engaging with the public, and having full and active days.

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What We Offer

We offer a fun, welcoming, and inclusive environment where you can gain real work experience while making friends and having a great time. This opportunity comes with a stipend, so you will be compensated for your effort!

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To Apply

To be considered for this opportunity you must fill out an online application by August 1st. Printable copies of the application are available on request. We can't wait to see you at the fair!

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For more information contact Autumn Lavine - AML84@cornell.edu

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 APPLY