State fair media recap

For everyone

This year was a good one for state fair media coverage, with 41 coordinated media spots. That includes three Minnesota Star Tribune features - a story featuring a state ambassador with backyard chickens, a fashion revue video and llama/alpaca costume portraiture - as well as a fun story on the 4-H Building cafeteria among other 4-H Building stories.

Check out the report for full details, including if anyone from your county was featured. We’d love to see you share the stories your 4-H’ers were featured in, if you haven’t done so already!

Anna Wagner Schliep

Senior communications specialist

Update: Hands in service: 4-H T-shirt quilt project

For everyone

For the second year of this activity, eleven quilt tops were completed by 30 youth and adults from 10 local programs (Anoka, Crow Wing, Douglas, Fillmore, Goodhue, Lake of the Woods, Olmsted, Redwood, Roseau and Wright) over four days on the second floor of the 4-H Building during state fair general encampment.

Youth and adults were able to sew, iron, cut, design, and assemble the quilt tops. The quilt tops were created from past event t-shirts and are in the process of being quilted, bound, and ready for distribution. Once quilts are completed, they will be distributed through Bridging and Project Linus programs.

Pictured is a completed quilt top created by Willow from Goodhue County.

Jodi Hintzen
Extension educator

State fair livestock interviews must be completed by 6 p.m. tomorrow!

For local educators and county support staff

A reminder that all 4-H'ers that will exhibit livestock at the state fair (except dairy) are required to participate in the online livestock interview process. Youth must complete their interview online by tomorrow, Aug. 25 at 6 p.m. We are asking that as local staff, you ensure all your participants complete this task once they've confirmed which state fair livestock trip they'll exhibit. Be sure to check this list of who has completed the process and follow up often with those who have not.

Here are the steps:

1. Using information provided on the YD Intranet, local staff share and promote info with their county participants taking a livestock trip to the state fair (except dairy).
2. Exhibitors should listen to the podcast on biosecurity and 4-H. Exhibitors will take their species specific test that includes questions from the webinar. The entire process will take 30-60 minutes per exhibitor. More specific information and links can be found on the 4-H livestock interviews page.
3. Exhibitors must complete the test by 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 25. Staff will keep track of which exhibitors have taken the livestock interview test and follow up with those who have not, using the information found on the YD Intranet.

If you have any questions about the interview process, please contact me at kochx040@umn.edu.

Kirstin Koch

Minnesota 4-H animal science program director

Come view volunteer talks at the state fair

For everyone

The volunteer systems team will be introducing a new event at the state fair this year called volunteer talks. Modeled after 4-H youth project talks, they will feature 4-H volunteers across the state and give the public a chance to hear about the variety of ways our 4-H volunteers contribute to the program. We are excited to showcase the work of volunteers at the local, regional and state level and share more broadly about the impacts of volunteerism.

If you are attending the state fair as staff or a member of the general public, stop by the 4-H Building and check them out at the times listed below:

• Friday, Aug. 28 at 10 a.m.
• Saturday, Aug. 29 at 10 a.m.
• Sunday, Aug. 30 at 4 p.m.
• Tuesday, Sept. 1 at 4 p.m.
• Thursday, Sept. 3 at 4 p.m.
• Sunday, Sept. 6 at 9:30 a.m.

For a complete list of volunteers participating in volunteer talks, check out the full schedule. For questions about the event contact me (jeremyf@umn.edu) or Karyn Santl (santl001@umn.edu).

Jeremy Freeman
4-H volunteer systems director

State fair chaperone reminders

For local educators

As you complete your paperwork for final registration, remember to support your state fair chaperones by ensuring they have the training and resources they need to be successful. A recording of the June 30 staff webinar reviewing tools and resources for state fair chaperones is posted online.

Here are some key points to remember:

• The chaperone plans spreadsheet needs to be edited by local staff for each county. After final registration begins, the sheet is locked for editing, and updates should be added by commenting and sending an email to dorms4-H@umn.edu.
• Ensure chaperones watch the 5-minute creating a positive and safe environment at the state fair training video. For a more complete training, volunteers can watch the 4-H chaperone policies and procedures training video, which is tracked on the chaperone training record and volunteer’s 4-HOnline training record.
• Share the 4-H state fair chaperone resources web page with chaperones to ensure they understand the scope of the role and resources to support them.
• Ensure chaperones know who they are chaperoning and have exchanged contact information with exhibitors.
• Encourage chaperones to download the 4-H at the Minnesota State Fair app for live information and announcements

Once state fair starts, our staff roles continue as we support our state fair chaperones who serve as part of the 4-H team at the Minnesota State Fair.

• You are encouraged to check in with your chaperones each day to offer support and ensure they have what they need.
• Share with them that statewide communications will be sent to chaperones each day that they should look for in their email.
• Remind them that a team of 4-H staff is on-site to offer additional support as needed.
• There are a few spots open for those who would like to join a volunteer conversation and share their volunteer story during the volunteer talks in the 4-H Building. Contact Jeremy at jeremyf@umn.edu to get more details.

Chaperones play a vital role in the state fair experience. State fair 4-H exhibitors, parents, and chaperones join us in thanking you for your careful attention to preparing and supporting chaperones for your state fair 4-H delegations. Reach out to your volunteer systems educators if you’d like to visit more about engaging volunteers at the state fair showcase.

Carrie Olson

Extension educators, volunteer systems

Would a project from your county fair make a great media story?

For educators

Was there a really interesting project at your county fair that you think think would make a great media story, and will be at the state fair?

As I'm already in the midst of planning media interviews for the state fair, it's helpful to know which 4-H'ers and their projects we could potentially feature or pitch to media.

If any come to mind from your county fair, send me a note at wagne549@umn.edu and I'll keep it in mind!

I appreciate your insight and help with sourcing these great stories ahead of time.

Anna Wagner Schliep
Senior communications specialist

State fair final registration preparations

For everyone

The final registration webinar recording and slides are available on the state fair page of the YD Intranet, in the "webinars" drawer.

There are several links and references in the webinar and slides, including these two primary documents:

• The staff roles and county/tribal checklist document lists the responsibilities for all staff and has the detailed checklist for county/tribal staff.
• The final registration instructions detail what to bring along to final registration.

Additionally, there is a brand new video guide to final registration, posted in the “final registration” drawer on the state fair page of the YD Intranet.

Contact any one of us for additional support or information.

Randi Schwartz, Minnesota 4-H program manager

Amber Greeley, director of state and county fairs programs

Todd Mehrkens, academic technologist

State fair livestock interviews must be completed by Aug. 25

For local educators and county support staff

Minnesota 4-H livestock exhibitors can now complete the interview process needed to exhibit at the Minnesota State Fair. All 4-H'ers that will exhibit livestock at the state fair (except dairy) are required to participate in this online livestock interview process. Youth are able to complete their interview online anytime between now and Aug. 25 at 6 p.m. We are asking that as local staff, you ensure all your participants complete this task once they've confirmed which state fair livestock trip they'll exhibit.

Here are the steps:

1. Using information provided in the communication toolkit, local staff share and promote info with their county participants taking a livestock trip to the state fair (except dairy).
2. Exhibitors should listen to the podcast on antibiotic stewardship in livestock production.
3. Exhibitors will take their species specific test that includes questions from the webinar. The entire process will take 30-60 minutes per exhibitor. More specific information and links can be found on the 4-H livestock interviews page. Exhibitors must complete the test by 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 25, but are encouraged to complete the test prior to state fair week if possible. Staff will keep track of which exhibitors have taken the livestock interview test and follow up with those who have not, using the information found on the YD Intranet.

If you have any questions about the interview process, please contact me at kochx040@umn.edu.

Kirstin Koch

Minnesota 4-H animal science program director

Promote state fair livestock exhibitor get together

For educators and county support staff

Do you have livestock exhibitors attending the state fair for the first time? Bringing a new species? Or do you simply want to meet others? The animal science ambassadors are hosting a livestock exhibitor gathering on Wednesday, Aug. 26 from 2 to 3 p.m. in the white tent between Christensen Pavilion and Como Avenue. Questions can be directed to David Foley or Katie Johnson. Please promote on your social media channels and/or emails to exhibitors attending the state fair using the following message:

Are you a 4-H livestock exhibitor attending state fair and wanting to review species information, get to know other 4-H youth, tour important fair locations, and have the opportunity to ask questions to experienced 4-H livestock exhibitors? On Wednesday, Aug. 26 from 2 to 3 p.m., attend the state fair livestock exhibitor get together with the animal science ambassador team in the white tent between Christensen Pavilion and Como Avenue. All exhibitors are welcome but the get together will especially focus on 4-H'ers with three years or less experience, showmen who are new to their species, and exhibitors with small county delegations.

Katie Johnson

Extension educator

State fair livestock interview process

For local educators and county support staff

Minnesota 4-H livestock exhibitors can now complete the interview process needed to exhibit at the Minnesota State Fair. All 4-H'ers that will exhibit livestock at the state fair (except dairy) are required to participate in this online livestock interview process. Youth are able to complete their interview online anytime between now and Aug. 25 at 6 p.m. We are asking that as local staff, you ensure all your participants complete this task once they've confirmed which state fair livestock trip they'll exhibit.

Here are the steps:

1. Using information provided in the communication toolkit, local staff share and promote info with their county participants taking a livestock trip to the state fair (except dairy).
2. Exhibitors should listen to the podcast on antibiotic stewardship in livestock production.
3. Exhibitors will take their species specific test that includes questions from the webinar. The entire process will take 30-60 minutes per exhibitor. More specific information and links can be found on the 4-H livestock interviews page. Exhibitors must complete the test by 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 25, but are encouraged to complete the test prior to state fair week if possible. Staff will keep track of which exhibitors have taken the livestock interview test and follow up with those who have not, using the information found on the YD Intranet.

If you have any questions about the interview process, please contact me at kochx040@umn.edu.

Kirstin Koch
Extension educator

Promote state fair livestock exhibitor get together

For educators and county support staff

Do you have livestock exhibitors attending the state fair for the first time? Bringing a new species? Or do you simply want to meet others? The animal science ambassadors are hosting a livestock exhibitor gathering on Wednesday, Aug. 26 from 2 to 3 p.m. in the white tent between Christensen Pavilion and Como Avenue. Questions can be directed to David Foley or Katie Johnson. Please promote on your social media channels and/or emails to exhibitors attending the state fair using the following message:

Are you a 4-H livestock exhibitor attending state fair and wanting to review species information, get to know other 4-H youth, tour important fair locations, and have the opportunity to ask questions to experienced 4-H livestock exhibitors? On Wednesday, Aug. 26 from 2 to 3 p.m., attend the state fair livestock exhibitor get together with the animal science ambassador team in the white tent between Christensen Pavilion and Como Avenue. All exhibitors are welcome but the get together will especially focus on 4-H'ers with three years or less experience, showmen who are new to their species, and exhibitors with small county delegations.

Katie Johnson

Extension educator

Send county 4-H Plastic Sculpture Challenge exhibits to the state fair

For everyone

Counties are encouraged to send two 4-H Plastic Sculpture Challenge exhibits to the state fair from entries shown at your county fair or a county showcase. Plastic sculptures will be displayed along with the artist statement. No conference judging occurs at the state fair (this is similar to club banners being sent to the state fair). Exhibitors will receive written feedback from a panel of judges.

A few reminders for county staff:

• Register youth's two plastic sculptures on state fair form 1 (under entry only). Use individual name, club name, or a county team name for a team of two or more youth (e.g. Zarlow County Ambies, or Smith Siblings Team).
• Individuals, teams of two or more, and club exhibits are eligible.
• Sculptures must include an artist statement (attached to form 1). Artist statements of 50 words or less should include:
• Name(s) of artists
• Title of sculpture
• A statement about what was created and why
• What materials were used
• What the youth learned and how it will change their use of single-use plastics
• How others can reduce their use of single-use plastics

Anne Stevenson & Heidi Wyatt

Review state fair updates

For educators and support staff

State Fair registration webinar 

The state fair registration training webinar was held on Tuesday, June 9. Thank you to all of you that were able to join us last week. 

For those of you that were unable to join, please take some time to watch the recording to learn about the state fair registration process and your role. 

County fair/state fair related resources

As you’re preparing for your county fair, make sure to check out the tools and resources for local staff drawer as well as the Z-link/Qualtrics forms drawer on the state fair intranet. There are a lot of resources that are related to the state fair that you will use at your county fair. 

As mentioned on the webinar, one new piece in the Tools and Resources for local staff drawer is a letter template to school administration about youth members missing school for state fair. 

Community impact recognition

During your judges’ orientation, please remember to communicate with your county fair judges about the community impact recognition and encourage them to recognize deserving youth. Check out the judge instruction sheet and log sheet on the state fair intranet. As a staff member, if you see or know of a youth/exhibit that did not receive the recognition and you think it deserves one, please go ahead and give the recognition. 

In 2024 you received your initial batch of community impact recognition stickers. We’ve tracked your sticker usage (based on results entered in FairEntry) and have sent out more stickers to counties that we thought may need more (or have requested more). If you need more, please just let me know and we’ll get more mailed to you. 

County fair signs

Reminder that there are a couple of signs that should be posted at your county fairs that can be found in the county fair templates folder on the county fair intranet site:

• Livestock risk warning signs should be hung in your barns. More information on this can be found on the risk management site.  
• Opinions expressed signs should be hung in your 4-H building. 

If you have questions, please send me an email.

Amber Greeley
Director of state and county fairs programs

Award state fair trips for 4-H market rabbit exhibitors

For educators, county and regional support staff

As we start thinking about county and state fair quotas, a reminder to local staff to ensure word gets out to rabbit superintendents and judges that market rabbits have their own quota that does not take away from the breeding rabbit trips.

In the quota information for staff, it reads: Each county will be awarded 1 or 2 trips for market rabbits. These trips are not transferable to breeding rabbits and are not transferable to poultry. If your county has 16 or more rabbit exhibitors (not including Cloverbuds) in 2026, you will get 2 market rabbit trips. If your county has 15 or fewer, you will get 1 market rabbit trip.

Please make sure that your rabbit youth, rabbit superintendents, and ultimately the judge knows that we should be awarding market rabbit trips for youth to go to the state fair market rabbit show. These trips are not interchangeable with your breeding rabbit trips - so you must use them or lose them. Our goal is to give as many 4-H youth as possible the state fair 4-H experience. Please help by getting market rabbit youth to the state show.

Any questions? Please contact your regioinal animal science educator or Amber Greeley at runk0014@umn.edu.

Sharon Davis

Extension educator and animal science director

Award state fair trips for 4-H market rabbit exhibitors

For educators, county and regional support staff

As we start thinking about county and state fair quotas, a reminder to local staff to ensure word gets out to rabbit superintendents and judges that market rabbits have their own quota that does not take away from the breeding rabbit trips.

In the quota information for staff, it reads: Each county will be awarded 1 or 2 trips for market rabbits. These trips are not transferable to breeding rabbits and are not transferable to poultry. If your county has 16 or more rabbit exhibitors (not including Cloverbuds) in 2026, you will get 2 market rabbit trips. If your county has 15 or fewer, you will get 1 market rabbit trip.

Please make sure that your rabbit youth, rabbit superintendents, and ultimately the judge knows that we should be awarding market rabbit trips for youth to go to the state fair market rabbit show. These trips are not interchangeable with your breeding rabbit trips - so you must use them or lose them. Our goal is to give as many 4-H youth as possible the state fair 4-H experience. Please help by getting market rabbit youth to the state show.

Any questions? Please contact your regioinal animal science educator or Amber Greeley at runk0014@umn.edu.

Sharon Davis

Extension educator and animal science director

State Arts-In 2026: A farewell to our current stage!

For everyone

Please encourage all youth ready for this incredible experience to be a part of the last state Arts-In production on this stage. Our current Harkness Stage will undergo a complete renovation in a new location as part of the much-anticipated building remodel.

State Arts-In is an intensive 22-day experience, taking place at the state fairgrounds, for youth in grades 9+. Participants develop skills in leadership, teamwork, and goal setting as they work toward creating a show to perform 3-4 times daily during the Minnesota State Fair. Registrants rank their choices of majors (tech, band, costuming, performing) as part of the enrollment process. Please invite youth to sign up now.

Early bird pricing is available through June 30.

Learn more and register.

Kirstin Delp

Minnesota 4-H State Arts-In director

2026 State Arts-In

For everyone

2026 State Arts-In is coming soon

Eleven Minnesota counties are represented in the youth already registered for State Arts-In. Let’s keep that number climbing – please invite youth from your county.

State Arts-In is a 22-day experience taking place at the state fairgrounds, for youth in grades 9+. Ranking their choices of majors (tech, band, costuming, performing) at registration, these young people will gather to put together a show to perform 3-4 times daily throughout the state fair. They'll also learn about leadership, teamwork, goal setting, and develop an amazing community.

Please encourage youth to sign up now.

Early bird registration is available through June 30.

Learn more and register.

Kirstin Delp

Minnesota 4-H State Arts-In director

Bonus trip applications are available

For educators, county and regional support staff

Bonus trips are available for counties to receive additional state fair livestock trips and state horse show trips. The intent of these trips is to encourage counties to strive for programming excellence across all species. Bonus trips for state fair livestock are based on programming excellence. State horse bonus trips are based on excellence in programming and quality programs.

Learn more about bonus trips and access the application.

Sharon Davis

Extension educator and animal science director

Check out the 2026 state fair quotas

For everyone who works with county or state fair programs

State fair quotas are now available!

Check out the state fair intranet for all livestock and general project quotas. There are separate info sheets for livestock and general projects that provide more details and hopefully help answer your questions.

Note that livestock quotas are already figured out for you, and are based on the number of exhibitors you had at your 2025 county fair. You'll need to determine your general project quotas based on your 2025 enrollment numbers (which are provided for you).

If you have any questions about your quotas, check in with Randi (schw1553@umn.edu) or Amber (runk0014@umn.edu).

Amber Greeley

Director of state and county fairs programs

Bonus trip applications are available

For educators, county and regional support staff

Bonus trips are available for counties to receive additional state fair livestock trips and state horse show trips. The intent of these trips is to encourage counties to strive for programming excellence across all species. Bonus trips for state fair livestock are based on programming excellence. State horse bonus trips are based on excellence in programming and quality programs.

Learn more about bonus trips and access the application.

Sharon Davis

Extension educator and animal science director