All Things Fair
Requirements for Participation at Fairs
Youth may enroll in a 4-H project at any time during the program year. However, to be eligible to exhibit a Home Arts or Animal Science project at a fair, the following minimum requirements must be met:
1. Enrollment Completion
All youth members must complete their 4-H enrollment before attending any club meetings or participating in any 4-H activities.
2. Project Instruction Hours
Youth members must complete a minimum of 6 hours of project instruction by the designated Parent/Leader Meeting Night or club deadline.
Note: If a member does not meet this requirement, they will not be eligible to exhibit their project as a 4-H member and may not participate in the fair with that entry.
3. Annual Project Report
Youth must complete a written 4-H Annual Project Report (APR) for each project. This report serves as documentation of supervision, project duration, meeting attendance, and work completed. The report must be submitted to both the project leader and the community club leader for review and signature, confirming the project was completed satisfactorily.
4. Code of Conduct
While participating in any fair event, 4-H members are representatives of the program and are expected to follow the California 4-H Youth Code of Conduct. Any violations must be promptly reported to the supervising volunteer or staff member, who is responsible for taking appropriate disciplinary action.
5. Compliance with Fair Rules
Youth members must comply with all rules and guidelines set forth in the premium book or official rulebook of the participating fair, including the State Rules for California Fairs and any agreements between 4-H, FFA, Grange, and Independent Exhibitors.
6. Entry Forms and Deadlines
Paper entry forms (with the required signatures from club and/or project leaders) and online submissions must be completed and submitted by the deadlines outlined by the fair organizers. It is the responsibility of the youth member to ensure all fair entry requirements are met on time.
Addendum 1 Summary of Changes for 2025
Addendum 2 Exhibit Program Guidelines for Fair Management and Exhibit Staff
Addendum 3 Official Youth Agreement
Annual Project Report Verification
Each fair, 4-H youth members need to submit an Annual Project Report for verification of completing their project and required project instruction time per CDFA. Please make sure that all submitted APR forms are signed.
Steps to Success
