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UNLMadisonCounty

School’s (Almost) Out for the Summer…Get Ready for the Fair!

Enclosed is a pre-carbon form where you will write what projects you plan to

enter at the county fair. Please use your fairbook to enter the correct department,

division, and class. Also, include a description of the project to make it easier to

input registrations into ShoWorks. Call Sarah or Kristen at 402-370-4040 if you

are unsure where to place a project.

ONLY PRE-ENTERED PROJECTS INCLUDED ON YOUR ENTRY FORM WILL

BE ACCEPTED AT THE FAIR. NO SUBSTITUTIONS.

Pre-fair entries are due to the

Extension Office by Friday, June 17

NO LATE ENTRIES WILL BE ACCEPTED.

If a pink sheet is included in your mailing, you enrolled in a clothing project and are eligible to model

for the modeling judge and the style revue held Saturday afternoon of judging day. Complete a

separate sheet for each item and return with your pre-entry form by June 17. Those not modeling

do not need to return the pink sheet. Extra style revue forms are available at the Madison County

website: http://extension.unl.edu/statewide/madison/4h/

The 4-H Fairbook can be picked up at the Extension Office or retrieved from your club leader. It is

also available at the Madison County website (above)

Learn How to Prepare Gardening Exhibits for Fair

Wednesday, July 6 from 6:00 p.m. -7:00 p.m. at the Lifelong Learning Center in Norfolk

Find answers to all your questions about presenting horticulture produce as you prepare for the county fair.

Whether participating in 4-H or open class, youth and adults are encouraged to attend.

Reserve Your Camper Spot

4-H families can begin to reserve camper spots Monday, May 9 by calling the Madison Fairgrounds at 402-

454-2144. One camp spot is permitted per 4-H family. Camper spots open to the public May 16.

The fair rate is $100.00 and must be paid at the time of reservation. Cash and check are accepted, as well as

credit cards; a $4.00 transaction fee will apply.

Order Your 4-H T-shirts

If you are showing small pets or livestock at the county fair, you must wear a 4-H t-shirt. Other 4-H

members can also purchase a t-shirt. Cost is $10.00 each. Make checks payable to the 4-H Council; shirts

must be paid for in advance. Call the office by June 1 to order your 4-H t-shirt!

4-H chevrons ($2.00) and armbands ($4.00) are also available at the Extension Office at any time.

Add Your Name to the 4-H Council Ballot

Five youth and three adult positions are open. Youth terms are one year, while adults serve three years.

Typically, meetings are held the fourth Monday of the month. Contact Kristen at kgrant3@unl.edu or call

402-370-4040 to put your name on the ballot by July 1.

All who are involved in the 4-H program can vote for 4-H Council. Look for ballot boxes at the fair.

County Fair Information Office Number: 402-370-4040

Bring Rags for Fair Cleanup Thursday, July 7 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Clean up the 4-H Building the Thursday before judging day from 6 to 8 p.m. Washrags and buckets will be

needed. You supply the manpower, and 4-H Council will supply a treat!

Emcee or Narrate at the Style Revue Saturday, July 9 at 2:00 p.m.

Emcees and narrators are needed to orchestrate the 2016 style revue. You do not need to model to emcee or

narrate. Call the Office by June 17 to volunteer!

Monitor the 4-H Building during the Fair

Each club is required to watch the 4-H Building a minimum of two hours; independent families are

encouraged to watch the 4-H Building, as well. The 4-H Building is open daily from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.;

Sunday times are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call the Office by July 1 to reserve your time before it’s taken!

Select Your Slot for Favorite Foods Contest Wednesday, July 13 Create a themed table to showcase your favorite food! Interview with the judge during a half-hour time slot

between 8 a.m. and 12 p.m. Junior (age 8 to 12) and senior (13+) are judged in separate categories. Please

call the Office by July 1.

Enter the Presentation Contest Thursday, July 9 at 4 p.m.

Demonstrate your skills or create a video for the presentation contest, to be held at the fairgrounds. The

contest is growing—join the fun! See the updated classes in the fairbook. Sign up for the contest by July 1.

Submit Pre-fair Entry Forms to the Extension Office by Friday, June 17

As you sign up for your high school

courses for next fall, be sure to check out the Admissions website at UNL for

requirements for admission at http://go.unl.edu/admission_requirements

DID YOU KNOW?

Nebraska State Fair Dates

August 24 to September 5, 2016

Static exhibits for State Fair must be delivered to

the Extension Office by 6:30 p.m. Monday,

August 22; food items can be brought until noon

the following day. Items can

be picked up after the State

Fair beginning Wednesday,

September 7 at noon.

2016 FCS Life Challenge Event at Lincoln

Experience dorm life at UNL, compete against

youth from across the state, and hone your public

speaking skills during the Life Challenge event at

Lincoln on June 19 and 20. Categories include:

Foods & Nutrition, Child Development, Home

Environment, Clothing & Textiles, and Personal

Finance. Call the Extension Office at 402-370-

4040 to sign up!

FCS Quiz

Youth ages 8 to 10 can

determine their home

environment knowledge by

taking the FCS quiz. Prepare

for Life Challenge or simply

see how much you know.

Come to the Extension Office to test your

knowledge about FCS!

Regional Speech Contest

Thursday, May 26 at 2:00 p.m. at the

Lifelong Learning Center

Best of Luck to the Madison County

Public Speaking Contest Competitors!

4-H Interview Contest

Thursday, May 26 from 2:00 to 5:00

p.m. at the Lifelong Learning Center

Contact Lee or Sarah at the Extension Office for

details or assistance in preparing materials for the

interview contest.

4-H HORTICULTURE CONTEST

A horticulture judging contest will be

held on Wednesday, June 15 at 7:00

p.m. at the Rhebb Acreage three miles

northeast of Norfolk (84494 Saddle

Rd). Open to 4-Hers and interested

adults. Prizes for first, second, and

third place finishers; snacks and fun for

all. Contact the Wayne County

Extension Office at 402-375-3310 for

more information and to register. Pre-

registration due by June 10. Directions

will be given when registering. This

would be great practice for the 2016

Nebraska 4-H Online Horticulture

Judging available from June 10

through June 20.

Livestock News!

Record Books for Bucket Calves

Turn in your record

books by Friday, July 1

to the Extension Office

to be judged prior to

the county fair.

Madison County Livestock Boosters

This newly formed committee was created to

encourage and support 4-H and FFA youth in

Madison County. One hundred percent of all

proceeds will be paid back to youth. Payment will

be based on class placement and overall champions.

In an effort to support our livestock exhibitors and

their projects and to increase participation, this

committee was formed. If you are interested in

becoming a member of the committee (includes all

species of animals) or willing to sponsor, please

contact Troy Patzel at 402-741-2159.

Sponsorship Levels are as follows:

Red Ribbon 0-$100

Blue Ribbon $101-$499

Purple Ribbon $500-$999

Champion $1000+

Thank you for your support!

4-H Horse Reminders:

District and state horse

packets were sent in April

to all age-eligible 4-H members. Please

return all forms and fees to the office by

Friday, May 13. You must have passed the

Level II advancement level to compete.

County Fair Exhibitors must have Level

I completed by June 17.

Ear Tags & ID Sheets

All livestock, horse, and rabbit

ID sheets are due to the

Extension Office on Wednesday, June 1.

Tags cost $1.00 each. ID sheets can be

retrieved at the office or found online on the

Madison County website.

Spring Trail

Challenge Clinic

Saturday, May 28, 9:00 a.m.

at Maskenthine Recreation Area in

Stanton County. Call 402-370-4040 to

register. Cost to attend: $5.00

State Fair and Ak-Sar-Ben

Highlights for all Breeding and

Market Animals

All Market Animals must have DNA

samples turned in and EID tags. DNA

Samples cost $6.00 each.

All Breeding Animals must have nomi-

nation card turned in. Nomination cards

cost $2.00 each.

Call Sarah with any

questions at the

Extension Office.

Animal Identification

Guidelines and Deadlines

Refer to the April newsletter for all of

the guidelines and deadlines for the 2016

year, such as the nomination process,

correct identification means for the fairs,

and pre-entry deadlines. Please review

this carefully as items have changed

from previous years.

We will not accept late forms

or entries.

Do not forget to refer

back to previous

newsletters for news

and information about

the Madison County 4-H

Program, fairbook, ID

sheets, entry forms,

upcoming contests, etc.

Visit:

http://extension.unl.edu/

statewide/madison/4h/

2016 Nebraska State Fair to be Blow and Go for Cattle

Reasoning Behind the Decision

The decision to go to a blow & go show for 2016 was joint made by 4-H, FFA, and the NE State Fair

Over the past few years of growth, which is outstanding, the cattle barn has been the most congested. To

help add additional space in the past, we had been able to put chutes on the west end of the hog barn, but

that will no longer be a possibility in 2016.

There are 1220 stalls total in the beef barn available

1080 head were pre-entered in 2015. This leaves 140 stalls for tack space and chutes. We saw this

as a major hurdle to overcome.

As a group, we saw two options to solve the space issue…

A) Restrict entries or

B) Reduced the need for additional tack and supplies

Reducing entries was not a viable option. We want to encourage involvement, not restrict it.

We (4-H and FFA) hope to find additional ways to teach proper fitting and grooming practices at the

State Fair and will still work to educate and recognize our youth.

The 4-H Showmanship contest was Blow and Go in 2015, in general there was positive feedback

from families.

Rules for 2016 (as is in the 2016 Nebraska State Fair Fairbook)

N. GROOMING OF LIVESTOCK: Preparation and grooming of an animal should be the

primary responsibility of the State Fair exhibitor; however, assistance may be provided by other State

Fair youth exhibitors and/or immediate family members. Beef Shows including Showmanship, Market

Beef and Breeding Beef will be Blow and Go in 2016; animals may be clipped, blown and brushed or

combed to enhance their appearance. Guidelines for the Blow and Go show:

Beef animals will be shown free of any adhesive, glue, paint, or powder products.

Any compounds that have adhesive qualities that when applied cannot be combed or brushed through or

alter the color of the animal are forbidden. These products include but are not limited to commonly used

adhesives and colorants such as Prime Time, EZ Comb, Tail Adhesive, Ultra White Touch-Up, Black

Touch-Up, Black Finisher and black show foam.

Alcohol, water, oil, foam or any water- or alcohol-based products with no adhesive or glue qualities or

artificial colorings are permitted. These products include conditioners and commonly used sprays such

as Kleen Sheen, Revive, Final Bloom and white show foam. Paint will be allowed on the hooves and

dewclaws only.

4-H/FFA beef blocking chutes, which will require a permit, will be limited and there will be a

designated area for these blocking chutes.

We understand the amount of change that has happened for the 2016 State Fair. We are constantly striving to

put the Nebraska State Fair in a position to be one of the premier youth events in the country, and this

sometimes requires new thoughts and changes.

Madison County Workshops Register for workshops in Madison County by calling 402-370-4040

Pajama Pant Workshop Lifelong Learning Center in Norfolk Wednesday, May 25 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. 4-H Members: $5 Non 4-H Members: $8 Pin, cut, and sew your own pair of comfy pajama pants! Participants supply 1 1/2 yards of cotton or flannel fabric; all other supplies are provided. No fleece. Space is limited to ten participants ages 10+ with sewing experience. Register by May 18. Bring a sack lunch. Beyond the Needle Workshop Lifelong Learning Center in Norfolk Friday, June 3 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. 4-H Members: $5 Non 4-H Members: $8 Create t-shirt headbands and scarves. Bring your own t-shirts and produce t-rrific accessories! Ages 8+ Register by May 27. Friday, June 3 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Did you design your own fabric last year in our workshop? If so, are you looking for a project to make out of it? Create an over-the-shoulder bag for just $5! If you did not design your own fabric but still want to make a bag, we will supply fabric. Cost is $10, (non 4-H $13). Leave with a fun new bag! Ages 8+ Bring a sack lunch. Modeling Revue Lifelong Learning Center in Norfolk Friday, June 3 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. 4-H Members: $2.50 Non 4-H Members: $5 Modeling requires poise and confidence. Learn how to “walk the walk” and model with confidence. Ideal for shopping in style, sewing, and beyond the needle participants. Register by May 27. Ages 8+ Babysitting Clinic Lifelong Learning Center in Norfolk Monday to Wednesday, June 13, 14, 15 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. 4-H Members: $20 Non 4-H Members: $25 Youth who have completed the fifth grade can learn how to be a safe babysitter at the Lifelong Learning Center, Nor-folk. The “I Have What it Takes to be Your Babysitter” 4-H Curriculum teaches techniques for managing various behav-iors, adjust to parenting styles, create healthy snack choices, focus on safety, make a simple toy for a babysitting kit, and train on-the-job during the 4-H Clover Kids Camp. Registration deadline is May 19. Bring a sack lunch all three days. Cloverbud Workshop Lifelong Learning Center in Norfolk Tuesday, June 14 OR Wednesday, June 15 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. 4-H Members: $5 Non 4-H Members: $8 Saddle up for a fun workshop learning about horses and cowboys! Gallop away on your own pool noodle horse. Limit ten youth. Register by May 27. Ages 5-7. ESI Camp (two sessions) Norfolk Middle School May 31 through June 8 or June 13 through June 24 Start your own business! Focusing on how to be an entrepreneur, this camp is open to grades 5 through 8. To register, call Chance Buss at the Norfolk Middle School at 402-644-2569. Hunting Insects Ta-Ha-Zouka Park in Norfolk Tuesday, June 21 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. 4-H Members: $35 Non 4-H Members: $38 Do you enjoy catching bugs? Do they creep you out but also fascinate you? If you answered “yes”, come learn about insects in the 4-H Entomology workshop. Identify, collect, and preserve the basic kinds of insects, as well as learn about lifecycles. As part of the workshop, participants will receive: insect pins, display box, labeling materials, and basic ID guide. Bring a sack lunch and dress for spending the day outside in the sun; a hat, sunscreen, and insect repellant are recommended. Space is limited to ten participants; registrations are due by noon on Friday, June 17. Ages 8+ Biscuit and Jelly Making Workshop Madison County Fairgrounds Wednesday, June 22 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. 4-H Mmbers: $7 Non 4-H Members: $10 Nothing goes together better than homemade biscuits and jelly! Learn how to make both at this culinary workshop. Par-ticipants will leave with a canned jar of jelly for the fair. Register by June 15. Ages 5+

Stanton County 4-H Exhibit Workshop Register for workshops by June 3 in Stanton County by calling 402-439-2231

Please bring your lunch and a drink. Wear old clothes. Cloverbuds (age 5-7) need an adult or teenager to assist them. All workshops held at the Stanton County Fairgrounds Exhibit Hall.

FREE Fitting and Show Clinic RSVP to Jaci Bruhn by June 8 at 402-649-0697. Saturday, June 11 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The Wranglers 4-H Club is sponsoring a free fitting and showing clinic. Lunch break will be at noon. Daily hair care and fitting covered in the morning session with showmanship in the afternoon. Bring calves washed & clean. Bring any product, chutes, blowers, or anything used for showing.

Electricity Tuesday, June 14 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. 4-H Members: $7 Non 4-H Members: $10 Learn electrical safety from Tim Stamm and re-wire an old lamp as an exhibit. Participants provide an old lamp. Ages 10+

Burlap Table Runner Tuesday, June 14 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. 4-H Members: $12 Non 4-H Members: $15 Create a beautiful burlap ribbon table runner for your home. Burlap is available with many other ribbon choices for accents. Ages 8+ Bring a helper with you.

Cake Decorating Tuesday, June 14 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Complete Kits: $12 (Includes tips and bags.) Learn the art of cake decorating, or improve your skills. Beginning techniques and a few advanced techniques will be explored. Includes making sugar molds.

Edible Wild Herbs Rachel Liester of Red Road Herbs Tuesday, June 14 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. 4-H Members: $2 Non 4-H Members: $5 Did you know that some herbs growing in the wild can be eaten? Learn which herbs are safe or not safe to consume.

Robotics Wednesday, June 15 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. 4-H Members: $20 Non 4-H Members: $23 Using the 4-H robotics curriculum featuring NXT mind storm kits, this class is hands-on. Receive and build a robot to perform tasks. Learn mechanical engineering, mathematics, computer programming, and teamwork. Participants will assemble a robot to exhibit at the fair. Ages 8+

Horticulture: Herb Drying Wednesday, June 15 11 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. 4-H Members: $10 Non 4-H Members: $13 Build your own dehydrator using a picture frame! Tammy Furstenau will teach not only how to construct a dehydrator, but also how to dry herbs for the fair.

Pop Art Self-Portrait Wednesday, June 15 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. 4-H Members: $2 Non 4-H Members: $5 Make a creative wall hanging that highlights you! Using Sharpie markers, draw your own pop art self-portrait. Leave this workshop with a portrait that will truly “pop” out of your wall.

Fast Foods Recipe File Wednesday, June 15 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. 4-H Members: $4 Non 4-H Members: $7 When baking, do you have a hard time finding that special recipe? File all of your favorite recipes in one spot at the Fast Foods Recipe File workshop. Bring ten recipes. Ages 8+

Photography Workshop Instructor Ina Glaubius is a State Fair 4-H judge. 4-H Members: 10 Non 4-H Members: $13 Tuesday, June 21 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Level 1: Be ready for Focus on Photography exhibits for the county fair. Learn different camera settings, basic lighting, and more. 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Level 2 & 3: Shoot for State Fair with emphasis on aperture / shutter speeds, composition, and lighting. Friday, June 24 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. All levels: Come back to learn how to prepare exhibit for your local county fair!

SPRING AND SUMMER EVENTS More workshops and information will be posted in future newsletters; dates are subject to change.

May

13—District and State Horse Show Entries Deadline

25—Pajama Pant Workshop, Lifelong Learning Center, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

26—Regional Speech and Interview Contest, Lifelong Learning Center

28— 4-H Trail Challenge at Maskethine Recreational Area in Stanton: 9am

30—Office Closed in Observance of Memorial Day

31 through June 8—ESI Camp with Norfolk Public School

No 4-H Council

June

1—Livestock ID Sheets Due to the Extension Office

3—Beyond the Needle Workshop, Lifelong Learning Center, 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

3—Modeling Workshop and Revue, Lifelong Learning Center, 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.

13—4-H Council, Lifelong Learning Center, 7 p.m.

13—District Horse Show at Kearney

13-15—Babysitting Clinic, Lifelong Learning Center, 9:30 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. daily

14 and 15—Cloverbud Camp, Lifelong Learning Center, 1 to 3 p.m.

14—District Horse Show at Chadron

15—District Horse Show at McCook

16—District Horse Show at Leigh

17—District Horse Show at Bloomfield

17—Pre-fair Entries Due at Noon

19-20—PASE and Life Challenge, Lincoln

21—District Horse Show at Lincoln

21—Hunting Insects Workshop, Ta-Ha-Zouka Park, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

22—Biscuit and Jelly Making Workshop, Madison County Fairgrounds, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

July

1—Bucket Calf Record Books Due to the Extension Office

4—Office Closed in Observance of Independence Day

6—How to Prepare Gardening Exhibits for Fair Workshop, 6 to 7 p.m.

7—4-H Council, Madison County Fairgrounds, 5:30 p.m.

7—Clean Up Night, Madison County Fairgrounds, 6 to 8 p.m.

9—Judging Day for Static Exhibits, Madison County Fairgrounds, 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

9—Style Review, Commercial Building, 2 p.m.

10-14—State Horse Show, Fonner Park in Grand Island

12-17—Madison County Fair and Rodeo

13—Judging Day for Food and Gardening, Madison County Fairgrounds, 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

18—Payouts at Fairgrounds, 4 to 6 p.m.