1. Entries are open to 4-H members (5 years old as of January 1 but not over 19) in Piscataquis, Somerset and Penobscot Counties who are carrying on approved 4-H projects.

2. Entries shall be from current 4-H projects 2004/2005 4-H year. Exhibits will be judged by the Danish System and will be placed in three groups, BLUE-1st, RED-2nd, WHITE-3rd. Each qualifyingexhibit will be awarded a ribbon and premium. Purple ribbons will be awarded to outstanding exhibits. Premiums are: Blue $3.00; Red $2.00; White $1.00; Purple $10.00

3. Each exhibit must be plainly marked with a 4-H exhibit tag, which is available from the Piscataquis County Extension Office. Any special circumstances that should be taken into account by the judges should eb noted on the back of the exhibit tag. NOTE: You need to put the words "Refer to Back of Tag" across bottom of exhibit tag. If you do not, the judge will have no idea that there are any special circumstances.

4. 4-H youth ages 5-8 years are required to submit a Life Skills card with their exhibits. Piscataquis County 4-H youth ages 9-19 must submit a Piscataquis County project record sheet with their exhibits. If the 4-H record sheet shows insufficient project work, the exhibit will recieve a green participation ribbon and no premium (money). The 4-H record sheets and Skills cards will not be placed on the exhibit during the fair. They are only used by the judges to determine ribbon placement. If a judge wished to make a comment about your exhibit or 4-H record sheet or Skills card, he or she will write it on a post it note, not on the actual project rcord sheet.

5. 4-H club leaders are required to submit an "Official Registration Form for Piscataquis County Fair" with their club member exhibits. This form certifies tha all fo their club's exhibits were actual 4-H projects. Independent members must also submit an "Official Registration Form for Piscataquis County Fair" with their exhibits.

6. A maximum of three (3) exhibits per project will be allowed. For example, a 4-H'er may exhibit corn, peas and potatoes in the garden category but not three corn entries. Each exhibit will be judged on individual merit. No project records will be accepted as an exhibit.

7. All 4-H exhibits must be delivered to the 4-H Exhibit Hall on Tuesday, August 23, 2005, between 4 PM and 6 PM or on Wednesday, August 25 from 9 AM to 10 AM.

8. All 4-H exhibits must be removed from the 4-H Exhibit Hall Sunday, August 28, 2005, between 4 PM and 5 PM.

9. Should any exhibits be of inferior quality or form, in the opinion of the judges, unworthy of premiums offered, it will be eliminated from the judging.

10. The Piscataquis Valley Fair will afford the best possible care and protection of all exhibits; however, it distinctly disclaims any liability for loss or damage to exhibits or personal property of exhibits.

11. NO KITS accepted! (Kit = the prefabrication, assembly, or collection of component parts which materially diminishes the exercise of those skills which the project is designed to teach.)

12. Scrapbooks (including any project arc specifically asking for a hard cover) and written reports MUST have HARD COVERS such as a 2 or 3-ring notebook with a hard cover. Use your imagination and be creative when designing a cover, creating a table of contents, including photos of your project, writing captions for your work, etc. The more work you put into your project, the better it is for you as a recipient of a ribbon and the better for the judge who is trying to learn something about you through your exhibit. Soft cover (paper) will not be accepted. Using a hard covered notebook protects your exhibit from wear and tear. Fairgoers love to look over the 4-H exhibits, and your project may be handled many times. Youth are encouraged to enter their 4-H activity workbook(s) in a hard cover notebook with their exhibit or as an exhibit.

13. Management reserves the right to grant variances to the above regulations when extenuating circumstances warrant.

In Danish System judging, the exhibitors are not judged against each other. In 4-H, a "modified" Danish System is used which uses standards adjusted according to age and/or years of experience. In Maine 4-H, ribbons traditionally awarded by the Danish System are Blue for excellence, exceeding the standards; Red for good work which meets the expected standard; and White for work which falls below the expected. the Danish System is used in 4-H because it is a way to provide recognition to greater numbers of youth who may all be making significant progress in their projects.

A Palette of Fun with Arts & Crafts Workshop with Suzette East, Professional Artist at 10:00

4-H Equine (Horse) Workshop - Make a horseshoe craft at 12:30 PM

4-H Horticulture Workshop - Make a Terrarium at 2:00 PM

4-H Dairy Foods Workshop - Make a blueberry smoothie at 5:30 PM

1. Premiums plus ribbons will be awarded as follows:

1st - $35
2nd - $20
3rd - $15
All Others $10.

3. Club exhibits will be judged on the following:

• Exhibits Theme: (Should express an idea or message) 10 Points
• Exhibit Title: (Brief and clearly visible in large 4-inch letters) 10 Points
• Attracts Attention: 10 Points
• Originality: 10 Points
• Explanation of 4-H to the public: 20 Points
• Use of modern technology: (such as a computer, digital camera video & television, etc) 10 Points
• Arrangement: (objects in exhibit should be well placed and balanced) 10 Points
• Workmanship: (quality and neatness of exhibit) 20 Points