2009 4-H & Youth Rules and Special Awards

Kay Hoile, Chairperson - 410-257-9585

Elaine Bailey, 4-H Educator – 410-535-3662

GENERAL RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR 4-H AND YOUTH

1. Entries will be received from noon to 8:00pm on Monday of Fair week.  In order to expedite the entry process, please arrive by to 7pm if entering more than 10 items.  No entries will be received on Tuesday morning in this Department.

2.  Judging will begin at 9am the Tuesday of  Fair week.  During judging entry into the 4-H and Youth building will be limited to Fair Board members, judges and clerks assisting with the judging process.  Exhibit buildings will open officially at 4pm the Wednesday of Fair week.   

3.  The Danish System will be used for judging in the 4-H and Youth Department (except livestock and certain contests).

4.  This department is open to all boys and girls (4-H members and non-4-H members) in the five (5) Southern Maryland Counties. Some contests will be open to 4-H members only.

5.  All exhibitors must be 6 to 18 years old as of January 1 of the current year.  4-H Clover Club members may be 5 years old.  4-H Clover Club Projects will be displayed in one area.  These items will be judged for participation only - NO premiums will be awarded.

6.  The Fair Board and judges reserve the right to disqualify any exhibit not meeting fair show standards, or subdivide any classes as appropriate.  All 4-H and Youth exhibits must be show quality, exhibiting neatness, completeness, and a high grade of workmanship.

7. The age of the exhibitor will be considered by the judges.

8. THE DECISION OF THE JUDGES IS FINAL.

9. All exhibits must have been made, grown or processed since last year’s fair and must be the work of the exhibitor.

10. All 4-H and Youth exhibitors must have an entry number.  Numbers may be obtained in the 4-H building on entry day.

11. All livestock will be received on Tuesday from noon until 8 p.m. Health papers must be in order and presented to the Livestock Barn Staff PRIOR to unloading animals.  Livestock will be released after 6pm on the Sunday of Fair week.

12. ONE ENTRY PER CLASS.

13. Champion and Reserve Champion ribbons are awarded to Calvert County residents and/or Calvert County 4-H members except for Livestock and certain other contests.  Livestock competitions, contests and exhibit sections are divided into the following age groups for Champion and Reserve Champion Ribbon consideration: Pre – 6 to 7  Juniors – 8 to 10, Intermediate – 11 to 13, and Seniors – 14 to 18.  Age is determined as of January 1^st of the participating year.

14.  Entries are removed from the 4-H and Youth Building from noon to 8pm on the Monday following the Fair.  Any exhibitor removing entries removed prior to this time will forfeit premiums.

15. The Calvert County Fair, Inc. or the 4-H organization is not responsible for the safety of any exhibit(s). There are no individual lockers available for any exhibit(s).

16. All adults and leaders working with junior exhibitors are under an affirmative responsibility to do more than avoid improper conduct or questionable acts and behavior.  Their moral values must be so certain and positive that those younger and more pliable will be influenced by their fine example.  Those who, by their actions, exhibit less than model behavior will be escorted from the premises at the discretion of the Fair Board or their representatives.

Special Awards

Best In Show

The 4-H and Youth Best in Show Award is given in memory of Charles E. Lindsay.  It is chosen from exhibits entered by Calvert County residents within the 4-H/Youth Building by the Charles E. Lindsay Family.  Zach Juckett was the recipient of this award in 2008.  

Sheep, Dairy Goats, Cattle, Swine, Poultry & Rabbits

Plaques will be awarded for Champion and Reserve Champion.

All-Star Livestock Awards

The Calvert County 4-H All Stars sponsor awards for high-achieving Calvert County 4-H livestock showmen each year.  The awards are presented to 4-H members excelling in Cattle, Goats, Sheep, and Swine.  The winners shall be chosen by the judge of the breed at the time of the show at the Fair from entries of Calvert County 4-H'ers.  The decision of the judge is final.

The recipients of the awards for 2008 were:

                        Cattle: Roger Armiger                                                     Sheep: David Allen

                        Swine: Katie Burroughs                                                  Goats: David Allen

The Hudson Family Award

This is a memorial award given in remembrance of the loss of Kelli’s 4-H goat project in 2002.  This award is given to a Calvert County 4-H member who exhibits exceptional qualities in showmanship, sportsmanship, or effort in showing goats at the fair as chosen by the Hudson family.