County Fair Details

Jon Gordon, a famous author said, “The people and organizations who thrive are those who embrace change during challenging times.”  These are indeed challenging times.  We will come out of these times stronger as we continue to live by the 4-H Motto, “To Make the Best Better.”  

I cannot emphasize the importance of checking your email, the fair websites at https://www.centralkansas.k-state.edu/4-h/county-fairs/index.html during this time.  Things are still very fluid and can change at any time.  It is also vital to READ everything entirely! 

During the these times, we must remain vigilant to keep safety of the participants, volunteers, judges, and public top priority as we transition to face-to-face programming.  We must consider the following and note that no participant should be asked to participate in any manner that makes them feel uncomfortable or is unsafe.  In order to practice social distancing (social distancing is at least 6 feet between people) and for the safety of everyone, we are strongly encouraging the following:

• Reduce the physical closeness of participants and the length of time they are close to each other.
• The use of cloth face coverings.
• Reduce the amount of necessary touching of shared equipment/materials.
• Whenever possible, group participants/volunteers from the same household together.
• Discourage handshakes, hugs or any other signs of greeting that violate physical distancing.
• Limit sharing of items that are difficult to clean, sanitize, or disinfect.
• Circulate outdoor air as much as possible.
• Prioritize outdoor activities where social distancing can be maintained as much as possible.

The pre-fair entry deadline for BOTH fairs has been extended to Sunday, July 5, 11:59 p.m.  All pre-entries will be done ONLINE for BOTH fairs. EVERY EXHIBIT will need to be pre-entered. 

Conference Judging:  Conference judging is a staple to the 4-H experience.  This year, in-person conference judging will not take place for static exhibits that will be displayed in the 4-H Building.  We are taking the Kansas State Fair approach for judging this year.  Therefore, for each exhibit in the 4-H Building (this will include the rabbit educational entries), the 4-H member is asked to complete the Conference Judging Form and attach to the exhibit (along with the completed entry card).  The Conference Judging Form is located on both county fair websites and is uploaded as a Microsoft Word document.  This form may be picked up at either Extension Office OR you may print it yourself.  The document can be typed or legibly handwritten.

4-H Livestock:  Please read the Division Details and the Fair Schedule for specific information.

Virtual Classes:  To help minimize the gathering of people, some divisions and/or classes will be held virtually.  We will be using a web-based program called Flipgrid for some divisions / classes.  After pre-entries are due, details will be emailed (using the email address on file and/or submitted with the pre-entry) to the 4-H members who pre-entered into the divisions / classes using Flipgrid.  Refer to the Division Details document under each county fair page for the divisions and/or classes going virtual.

Judging Contests:  The Photography and FCS judging contests will be held online.  Details will be emailed out to ALL 4-H members.

Ottawa County Fair:

• The Fair Schedule and Fair Paper can be found on the website at https://www.centralkansas.k-state.edu/4-h/county-fairs/ottawa/
• Read the Division Details document thoroughly for details not included in the county fair paper.

• EVERY EXHIBIT will need to be pre-entered. 

• Note:  On the Tuesday of the fair, enter exhibits in the 4-H Building before checking in and weighing livestock.

Tri-Rivers Fair:

• The Fair Schedule and Fair Paper can be found on the website at https://www.centralkansas.k-state.edu/4-h/county-fairs/tririvers/
• Read the Division Details document thoroughly for details not included in the county fair paper.
• EVERY EXHIBIT will need to be pre-entered.  Some divisions will have a specific ONLINE pre-entry form located on the website.  If your division is not listed by name, please use the 4-H Divisions Not Already Pre-Entered link for all other exhibits.

As comprehensive as we have tried to make the information on the website and this email, inevitably I am sure we have missed something.  After you have reviewed all the information, do not hesitate to contact us with questions. 

See you all at the county fair!