Summary of 2011 ISF General 4-H Exhibit Changes
We are still in conversations with State Fair regarding relocating our 4-H exhibits from the
Jr. Home Economics Building. As soon as locations are finalized, we will provide local
Extension offices with more detailed information.
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Rule #7 – 4-H members will be limited to ONE exhibit in the 4-H Exhibit Division. This includes
Fashion Revue, Public Presentations, Club/Group exhibits in Public Adventures and Intercultural and
the one-day exhibit classes.
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Premiums section: At this time, because of the uncertainty of exhibit locations, we cannot post
exhibit check-in and release times. We anticipate check-in times will be close to what they have
been in the past, but in using different buildings, that may not be the case. Please plan to alert your 4H members and families of all changes as they are announced.
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As last year, primary 4-H judging will take place on only four days – Friday through Monday,
August 12-15. The Junior Department 4-H division will close down after judging on Monday, August
15. Livestock Shows will continue on schedule throughout the week of the fair. NOTE: The Illinois
4-H State Fair On-Line exhibits will be on display as noted on Saturday, August 20 in the
University of Illinois Extension Building.
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Due to low exhibit numbers, certain projects will ONLY be judged on one day. No additional judging
will be offered for the classes noted below.
These projects include the following:
o Welding (Section I) – Saturday, August 13
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Due to low exhibit numbers over the past few years and/or reorganization of events on the state level,
exhibit opportunities in the following areas WILL NOT BE HELD in 2011:
o Performance Showcase
o Communications
o Electronics
o Journalism
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REMINDER: There will NOT be a Jr. Department Dormitory available for exhibitors or staff.
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Changes were made in exhibit classes throughout the General 4-H Exhibit area. We encourage you to
review the “red changes” copy so you can become familiar with those changes for your members.
Major changes have been noted in the following areas:
o New Classes Added: Welding Clover Challenge
o Opportunities added for exhibitors to be selected for National 4-H Engineering
Challenge in Welding, Electricity, Aerospace, Bicycle, Computer Science, & Small Engines
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Video/Filmmaking Classes – All moved to Illinois 4-H State Fair On-Line Judging; New
class in Public Service Announcements; Display and recognition on Saturday, August 20
Geospatial Classes – Two classes judged and display of Illinois 4-H State Fair On-line
entries on Saturday, August 20
TWO Illinois 4-H State Fair On-line Judging Classes open to ALL 4-H members
(regardless of projects enrolled in) – My 4-H Project Video and My 4-H Project Map. These
two classes do not require a county selection process and are NOT eligible for State Fair
premiums. Other awards will be presented.
Club/Group Exhibits in Public Adventures & Intercultural – To clarify that Cloverbud
members are NOT to be included in the judging of these exhibit areas, it has been noted
that the club exhibitors must be of 4-H age (8 and older). As in the past, only those
members ages 10 and above are eligible for ribbons and premiums.
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We are requesting that all size notations for extra large exhibits be done via the 4-H
DMS State Fair Entry programs. Project areas include: Interior Design, Small Engines,
and Woodworking.
It should be noted that Fashion Revue criteria is based on how the garment fits and appears
on the model; not whether the garment was constructed or purchased.
Food & Nutrition Changes: New Cooking 401 class; 2 classes were eliminated; Several
products are to be exhibited without icing. All recipes used for all exhibits are to be
from the project books as indicated. Sports Nutrition now requires an educational
display instead of a food product.
Leadership – New classes developed to fit with the new LSYNO Books I and II.
Photography – New size limitations for poster and mount boards. Some classes now restricted
to ONE photo instead of two.
Public Presentations – We are requesting that equipment requests (from the posted list) be
done via the 4-H DMS State Fair Entry programs.
Visual Arts – Dropped the limitation for only one entry in Heritage Arts, but placed a
maximum number of two entries from each class.
Robotics – TOTAL CHANGE to comply with new materials and website (which should be
available soon, according to national staff). All entries are to be individual entries – NOT
by teams.
Club/Group Action Presentations – Will be offered for Friday, August 12 through Monday,
August 15 (original date posted in changes was incorrect and has been edited!) and Saturday,
August 20. The presentations on the 20th are limited to groups presenting in the geospatial or
filmmaking/video area. Premium amount has increased to $125/day.
4-H Promotional Windows – Only available in the Illinois Building. Please note early setup and late tear-down dates. Premium amount has increased to $150.00.
Of Special Note:
With Extension Reorganization and the loss of the Jr. Home Economics Building, plans for the
2011 State Fair are in flux. While these are the changes that are “in effect” at this time, be aware
that everything is still in limbo until we sort through exact locations for our exhibits and see what
our State Fair staff budget will accommodate. We know we have lost numerous staff members
who have volunteered to assist and judge in past years. To replace them all with paid positions
will be impossible. We hope that some of you will still be able to provide some assistance during
our days at the State Fair.
With those items noted, there still may be some classes/project areas that may be eliminated
if we need to condense space and costs more than we are currently anticipating. We will try
to provide that information as soon as possible to local Extension staff. We ask for your patience,
understanding and support as we try to work through this difficult task. Thank you.