Fairbook
View the fairbook in it's entirety or just the section you need. A hard copy should be available in June. (PDF/printer friendly versions)
ID Sheets/Affidavits, entry forms & More
Beef, Sheep, Swine, & Goats
Exhibits are pre-entered online. Pre-entries are due to Extension Office by 4:00 p.m. July 16th, 2025. Paper entry forms are available if you are unable to enter online.
https://dakotane.fairwire.com
Livestock Entry Form
Cloverkid Animal Form
Pen Request Form
Instructions for online pen Request
Rabbits are checked in Tuesday, July 29th, 2025 from 8:00AM - 9:30AM
Livestock and horses are entered on Wednesday evening July 30th, 2025 from 6:00PM - 8:00 P.M.
Beef, Sheep, Swine, Goats, Poultry, Horse
Livestock Affidavits
Beef: Livestock Identification sheets due - June 15th, 20225
* Fair Entry forms due Friday, July 16th, 2025
* Bucket Calf Show (record book) - Record Book due Thursday, July 31st, 2025 by noon (Bucket Calf show is Friday, August 1st, 2025)
Letter to Bucket Calf Exhibitors
* Beef Shows - Friday, August 1st, 2025 (Market Beef, Cow/Calf, Feeder Calf, Breeding Heifer)
Goats: Livestock Identification sheets due - June 15th, 2025
* Fair Entry forms due Friday, July 16th, 2025
Horse: Identification sheets due: May 29th, 2025
* Fair Entry forms due Wednesday, July 16th, 2025
* Horse Show - Saturday, August 2nd, 2025
* Horse Waiver Form
Poultry:
* Fair Entry forms due Wednesday, July 16th, 2025
* Poultry Show, Thursday, July 31st, 2025
Rabbit/Small Animals: Identification sheets due: June 15th, 2025
* Fair Entry forms due Wednesday, July 16th, 2025
* Rabbit -Tuesday, July 29th, 2025
Sheep: Livestock Identification sheets due - June 15th, 2025
* Fair Entry forms due Wednesday, July 16th, 2025
*Sheep Show, Friday, August 1st, 2025
Swine: Identification sheets due: June 15th, 2025
* Fair Entry forms due Wednesday, July 16th, 2025
* Swine Show - Thursday, July 31st, 2025
Cat, Dog & Companion Animal
All exhibits are to be pre-entered by July 16th, 2025. Please enter online at:
https://dakotane.fairwire.com
Cat - Dog - Companion Animal:
* Fair Entry forms due Wednesday July 16th, 2025
* Cat Show - Sunday, July 27th, 2025
* Vaccination form - Cat
* Dog Show -Sunday, July 27th, 2025
* Vaccination form - Dog
Nebraska 4-H Dog Show Rule Book
*Companion Animal Show, Sunday, July 27th, 2025
Animal Entry Form
Cloverkid Animal Entry Form
County Fairbook
State Fairbook (rules may vary from county requirements)
REQUIRED: An 11' x 14' poster board with a 4' x 6' photograph of member and pet. Include name of member and pet, 4-H club, Town and County. May also include other photos, shor story, or any other information about you and your pet. This poster will be put up in the Exhibit Hall during Fair. This is for exhibition only,and will not be judges. You must bring it to the Dog, Cat and Companion Animal show.
RE: Dog & Cat vaccinations
Just a reminder that vaccinations for your cat/dog are required prior to exhibiting at the Dakota~Thurston County Fair. Proof of vaccinations must be sent in with fair entry paperwork (you will be getting entry forms in the mail in July).
Cats are required to have current rabies, distemper, panleucopenia, rhino trachetis, calici virus and feline leukemia vaccinations. Cats should also be free of fleas, ticks, ear mites, ring-worms, other parasites and infections diseases.
Dogs are must be immunized for DHL, Parvo and rabies.
The certificate of Vaccinations forms are required for the Nebraska State Fair, and must be signed by your veterinarian. The form is not mandatory for our County Fair, but feel free to use it. A Veterinary health certificate with a veterinarian's signature, or vaccination receipt is also acceptable.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact the Nebraska Extension Office. Dakota County at 402 987-2140.
Visit the UNL Companion Animal site for great information about your favorite furry friends.
Clothing Day
Learn about the art of clothing construction. Understand the basic of sewing. Understand textiles through science experiments. Learn about finishing touches and adding style to garments. Learn about complex patterns and difficult fabrics. Try crocheting and knitting. Learn how to quilt!
Sewing is a skill, and it is lots of fun to learn how to do it. Sewing involves creativity, good technique, and patience. There is a lot more to sewing than you might think! In the 4-H sewing projects, you will learn that Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math are required to create clothing and other textile products. You'll learn about the tools you need, become familiar with textiles, and learn how to make clothes fit. Perhaps you'll move beyond the process to the end result - service learning projects to give away, modeling to show off what you have done, and maybe even a business to sell what you have made!
COUNTY FAIR
CLOTHING DAY - JULY 28th, 2025
JUDGING & STYLE REVUE
DAKOTA~THURSTON COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS
Entries are due July 16th, 2025
All exhibits are to be pre-entered by July 16th, 2025. Please enter online at:
https://dakotane.fairwire.com
For our county fair clothing projects are entered prior to the actual fair.
- STEAM Cothing 1: Fundamentals
- STEAM Clothing 2: Simply Sewing
- STEAM Clothing 3 A Stitch Further
- STEAM Clothing Beyond the Needle
- Knitting
- Crocheting
- Quilt Quest
- Shopping in Style
- Outfit Challenge
- Fashion Show
- Cloverkids
Entries for clothing day are to be made online visit: dakotane.fairwire.com
If you are having trouble with the online entry process, paper entry forms are available below.
- Letter about Clothing Day sent to youth with online instructions
- Online entry instructions
- Clothing Construction Entry Form
- Modeling Entry Form (paper version)
Narrations can also be submitted online at: https://go.unl.edu/dtfashionshow - Knitting info sheet
- Crochet info sheet
- Shopping In Style Written Report
- Clothing Shopping Challenge Report Form - Outfit Challenge
STEAM Clothing 1 Sewing Skills
To learn more about the clothing curriculum visit the Nebraska 4-H Curriculum page Consumer & Family Sciences
State Fair classes, rules and info
Exhibit Hall - Static Entries
The Exhibit Hall holds what are called Static Exhibits. Basically anything without a heartbeat.
All exhibits are to be pre-entered by July 16th, 2025. Please enter online at:
https://dakotane.fairwire.com
Entry day is Wednesday, July 30th, 2025 between 9:00 A.M - Noon.
Your first stop should be at the 4-H entry table to check in with Extension Office Staff and pick up your entry tags. Remember everything but horticulture/floriculture was pre-entered. If you have items that were not pre-entered, they may be able to be exhibited/entered in Open Class.
INTERVIEW JUDGING
It is highly recommended that youth INTERVIEW JUDGE. Youth present their projects to the judge and visit with the judge about their project. This process helps youth learn to convey their thoughts and explain the process of completing the 4-H project.
Consider this a practice interview, skill building for later in life!
- Letter sent to exhibitors
- Letters to 1st year 4-Y'er
- Letter to Cloverkid exhibitor
- Exhibit Hall Entry Form
- Cloverkid Exhibit Hall Entry Form
Healthy Lifestyles - Food & Nutrition
Exhibits are pre-entered. online. Pre-entries are due to Extension Office by 4:00 p.m., July 16th, 2025. Paper forms are below if you prefer that to online submission.
https://dakotane.fairwire.com
Exhibit Hall Entry Form
Cloverkid Entry Form
Entry day is Wednesday, July 30th, 2025, between 9:00 A.M - Noon.
Choose from 1 of 4 different levels that build on skills and knowledge from the previous level
All food entries require the recipe to be included with the exhibit
All food preservation entries require a 4-H Food Preservation Card attached to the entry (and recipe)
4-H Food Preservation Card printable
4-H Food Preservation Card PDF fill-in
Cooking 101
- Learn how to use MyPlate
- Learn how to avoid spreading germs while cooking
- Learn how to measure and mix ingredients
- Learn how to test baked goods for doneness
- Learn how to brown meat
- Learn how to set the table for a family meal
Cooking 201
- Understand and prevent foodborne illnesses
- Learn how to thaw foods
- Learn proper knife techniques
- Learn how to read Nutrition Fact labels
- Learn how to make soups, rice, pasta, and other foods
Cooking 301
- Practice making bread, grilling meats, vegetables, and fruit
- Learn how to and practice making butter
- Learn about yeast, gluten, and different types of fats
Cooking 401
- Learn about herbs and spices
- Learn how to make ethnic foods
- Practice making cakes, candy, pastries, and pies
Curriculum for each level can be ordered from Shop4h.org
Cooking 101 Curriculum
Cooking 201 Curriculum
Cooking 301 Curriculum
Cooking 401 Curriculum
FOOD PRESERVATION
Unit 1 Freezing Project Manual
- Learn how to safely freeze foods and maintain quality
- Learn how to use frozen foods in healthy recipes
Unit 2 Drying Project Manual
- Learn how to safely dry foods and maintain quality
- Learn how to use dried foods in healthy recipes
Unit 3 Boiling Water Canning Project Manual
- Learn how to safely preserve fruits, tomatoes, fruit spreads, and pickles
- Learn how to use home-canned foods in healthy recipes
Unit 4 Pressure Canning Project Manual
- Learn how to safely preserve tomatoes, vegetables, and meats
- Learn how to use home-canned foods in healthy recipes
Curriculum for each level can be ordered from Shop4h.org
Home Food Preservation Curriculum - Drying Project Manual
Home Food Preservation Curriculum - Boiling Water Canning Project Manual
Home Food Preservation Curriculum - Pressure Canning Project Manual
Home Food Preservation Curriculum - Freezing Project Manual
For more information on Food preservation and safe preservation practices
Home Design & Restoration
Exhibits are pre-entered online. Pre-entries are due to Extension Office by 4:00 p.m., July 16th, 2025.
https://dakotane.fairwire.com
Paper entry forms are available if you are unable to enter online.
Exhibit Hall Entry Form
Cloverkid Entry Form
Entry day is Wednesday, July 30th, 2025, between 9:00 A.M - Noon
The purpose of Home Design & Restoration is to learn design principles and develop graphic design techniques. In addition, activities in this category encourage well-thought-out design plans and diverse artistic techniques. Be sure to take note of the rules section to develop a successful project.
Home Design & Restoration Supporting Information
Design Decisions
Explore ways to make your house more green; Learn new painting techniques; Design or select furniture, fabric, and storage items for your room; Accessorize a room-design or select unique items such as wall art, wall arrangements, or lamps
Design My Place
Apply color and design principles using different materials to make and display objects for your home; Develop original designs; Plan a comfortable, clean, attractive home; Make connections between visual arts and other disciplines
Learn painting, printing, and graphic design techniques; Make connections between visual arts and other disciplines.
Heirloom Treasurers & Family Keepsakes
Recognize factors that make antiques valuable; Refurbish and restore heirloom or heritage furnishings and accessories; Preserve family heirlooms Preserving Heirlooms
Visual Arts Mediums - Visual Arts Themes
With an emphasis on originality, the purpose of the 4-H Visual Arts projects is to practice using design elements and principles while exploring and experimenting with various mediums and techniques. In addition, youth should practice self-expression and work to communicate their personal voice through their work.
Visual Art Supporting Information
Horse
4-H members who have access to or own a horse have many opportunities to participate in shows and events with their equine partner. However, Nebraska 4-H also offers a variety of horse programs that do not require youth to own or have access to a horse. Additionally, there are volunteer opportunities within these programs which are open to both youth and their families.
Exhibits are pre-entered online. Pre-entries are due to Extension Office by 4:00 p.m. July 16th, 2025. Paper entry forms are available if you are unable to enter online.
https://dakotane.fairwire.com
Livestock Entry Form
Cloverkid Animal Form
Pen Request Form
Instructions for online pen Request
Horses are entered on Wednesday evening July 30th, 2025 from 6:00PM - 8:00 P.M.
Horse: Identification sheets due: May 29th, 2025
* Fair Entry forms due Wednesday, July 16th, 2025
* Horse Show - Saturday, August 2nd, 2025
* Horse Waiver Form
- Fonner Park State 4-H Horse Expo
- State 4-H Rodeo
- Horsemanship Advancement Levels
- 4-H Horse Stampede
- And More
Horticulture, Floriculture, Crops & Range
Choose a garden site, plan a garden, plant, water, feed and weed!
Plant Science includes: Horticulture, Floriculture, Agronomy (Field Crops), (things like grasslands), and Weed Science.
Entry forms will be mailed to each 4-H'er. Entries are due to Check-in desk on entry day July 30th, 2025
Horticulture/Floriculture entries can be Please enter online at:
https://dakotane.fairwire.com
Horticulture/Floriculture Entry Form
Cloverkid Plant Entry Form
Entry day is Wednesday, July 3oth, 2025 between 9:00 A.M - Noon.
Cultivars for Horticulture and Floriculture must be included on the entry tag or entry will be dropped one ribbon placing.
Review the Fairbook for the number of each flower or vegetable that should be included in the class entry. It is listed at the end of each class (i.e. Snap Beans 12)
Review the information about preparing your horticulture entries to the fair.
Preparing Cut Flowers for Exhibits at County Fairs and the Nebraska State Fair
Selecting Cut Flowers for Exhibit (V2)
Did you participate it the Special Gardening Project? You could participate by getting the seeds from the Extension Office, learning about the plant and harvesting the plant and completing the evaluation. Classes for the Special Gardening project include:
- State Fair Special Garden Project Educational Exhibit
- State Fair Special Garden Project Fresh Cut Flowers or Harvested Vegetables
Did you participate in the Special Agronomy Project? You could participate by getting the seeds from the Extension Office, learning about the plant and harvesting the plant and completing the evaluation. Classes for the Special Agronomy project include:
- Educational Exhibit
- Video Presentation
- Freshly Harvested Crop
Photography
Exhibits are pre-entered online. Pre-entries are due to Extension Office by 4:00PM July 17th, 2024.
https://dakotane.fairwire.com
Paper entry forms are available if you are unable to enter online.
Exhibit Hall Entry Form
Cloverkid Entry Form
Entry day is Wednesday, July 31st, 2024, between 9:00 A.M - Noon.
4-Her's may only enter projects from ONE UNIT Choose from:
- *Photography Basics: Unit 1: Learn about the importance of lighting, basic composition, explore your camera
- *Next Level Photography - Unit 2: Learn about shutter speed and aperture, capture hard and soft light to create moods, the rule of thirds
- *Mastering Photography - Unit 3: Learn about selecting a lens, learn about special effects, Master composition
4-Her is limited to three (3) entries from the Unit they choose.
Two (2) additional entries are allowed from the Other Photography Exhibits classes
Entry Tags: Entry tag must be securely attached to the upper right hand corner of displays or prints.
A photograph may only be used on one exhibit and may be taken with a film or digital camera.
Photos must be shot during the current project year by the 4-H member.
Securely attach photos. Photos that are unattached will be disqualified.
Do not use photo corners, borders or place coverings over the exhibits. Do not include negatives.
Data Tags - are required on all classes. Securely attach the tags to the back of exhibits or include as page one in your photo showcase. Unit II prints and displays require the Unit II Print/Display Data Tag. Unit II showcases require the Unit II Showcase Data Tag. All Unit III entries, including portfolios require the Unit III Data Tag.
Data tags are available at: https://4hfairbook.unl.edu/fairbookview.php/exhibits/5 (or below)
- Data Tag Instructions
- Level 1 Data Tag
- Level 2 Data Tag
- Level 3 Data Tag
- Photography - Exhibit Prep Handout
- How to Mat Photos
Exhibits not following these rules will be dropped one ribbon placing.
All types of cameras including Polaroid and other instant cameras can be used to take pictures in Unit I, Focus on Photography and Unit II, Controlling the Image. However, an adjustable or automatic camera with aperture and shutter speed controls is needed for Unit III, Mastering Photography.
Additional information on exhibiting photography exhibits: How To Mat Photos
Judges will be using the 4-H Photography Exhibit Score Sheets.
SPECIAL STATE FAIR DISPLAYS SELECTION (State Fair Only): Photos will be selected from state fair print entries for a special rotating display. This exhibit will be on display in the three Dean’s Offices on UNL’s East Campus.
*Curriculum manuals are available for each unit of the Photography project. They can be ordered from the Extension office or from Shop4-H.org