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All-Contest Day, April 6, 2026
United Methodist Church, Allen, NE
Link to forms: https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/dixon/dixon-county-4-h/contests/
(Forms were also mailed out to Dixon County 4-H families, March 2024)
Entry deadline is March 26, 2026.
Refer to General Rules for Ribbon Premium information.
MUSIC –
Can be Dance, Piano, Vocal Solo, Vocal Duet, Song Group, Instrumental Solo, and
Instrumental Duet. Winner to be announced at the 4-H Style Revue, Music Show, and Award Presentations, at the Dixon County Fair.
PUBLIC SPEAKING CONTEST –
Youth have the opportunity to write a speech or Public Service Announcement (PSA) that incorporates the topic of 4-H and deliver it to an audience. The 4-H Speaking Contest helps youth develop skills for communicating about current issues to real audiences, learn how to organize and prepare a speech, develop speech delivery skills, learn how to present themselves to others and develop self-confidence.
- Speaking Contest: Clover Kids (5-7, County Only), Novice (8, County Only), Junior (8-10), Intermediate (11-13), and Senior (14-18). The 5 top purples in Intermediate and Senior will move on to the Premier Communication Event, June 17-18, in Lincoln. Only individuals may compete in this class; no team entries are allowed.
Public Service Announcement: Junior PSA (8-10), Intermediate PSA (11-13), and Senior PSA (14-18). The 5 top purples in Intermediate and Senior will qualify for the State Speaking Contest on Friday, June 24, in Lincoln. The top 5 in each State division will be played at the Raising Nebraska building during the Nebraska State Fair. The 2025 Public Service Announcement state theme is, “Ready Today, Leading Tomorrow”. All 4-H PSA's must include the following tagline within the last 10 seconds of the PSA: "Learn more about the Nebraska Extension 4-H Youth Development Program at 4h.unl.edu." The tagline is included in the 60-second time limit. Submit a written copy of your PSA script with your recording.
For State, Radio PSAs will be submitted electronically as a .wav or .mp3 audio format along with the registration form. We will help in recording, following the contest if needed. Sound effects and public-domain music may be used. Copyrighted material may not be used. All PSAs must be the original work of the presenter. Contestants may not use PSAs written and provided by the state or national staff.
ILLUSTRATED PRESENTATIONS CONTEST
An Illustrated 4-H Presentation is a live presentation with a formal talk where youth will use visual aids (such as props, posters, computer-based visuals, handouts, video, etc.) to show and tell others how to do something. Presentations are given on a stage/platform. The judge views the entire presentation and engages in a question-and-answer session following THE presentation.
Resources
Modules under Communications (page 6 of Department B) are included resources, also
Posters - Learn the principles of effective posters; Design and execute a poster.
URL: https://4hcurriculum.unl.edu/index.php/main/program_project/32
Presentations - Prepare oral communications; Gain poise while speaking; Participate in a
county, district or state speaking contest.
URL: https://4hcurriculum.unl.edu/index.php/main/program_project/31
An Illustrated Presentation, given by one (1) individual or a team of two (2) individuals, is a live presentation with a formal talk where youth will use visual aids (such as props, posters, computer-based visuals, handouts, video, etc.) to show and tell others how to do something. Presentations are given on a stage/platform. The judge views the entire presentation and engages in a question-and-answer session following the presentation.
Rules:
- Age Division:
- Junior: ages 8-10 as of January 1 of the current year
- Intermediate: ages 11-13 as of January 1 of the current year
- Senior: ages 14-18 as of January 1 of the current year
- Length:
- Individual - Junior Division: 3-5 minutes
- Individual - Intermediate and Senior Divisions: 6-8 minutes
- Team - Junior Division: 5-7 minutes
- Team - Intermediate and Senior Divisions: 8-10 minutes
- Participants will be penalized if their presentation exceeds the time limit.
- All 4-H Presentations topics should be related to what the 4-H youth is learning through a 4-H educational experience focused on the priorities of career and college readiness, community development, entrepreneurship, food supply confidence, healthy living, leadership development, and STEM (science, technology, engineering, math).
- 4-H Presentations should include an introduction (the “why” portion of the topic), a body (the “show and tell” portion of the topic), and a conclusion/summary (the “what” portion of the topic).
- Equipment provided includes two (2) tables, one (1) easel, PC Compatible Computer (including the following software: Apple QuickTime Player, Microsoft Windows Media Player, and Microsoft PowerPoint 2019) with Wi-Fi internet connectivity, and a projector or television screen.
- Presenters using computer-based visuals may bring files on a USB drive that is PC formatted. Participants may also provide their own computer or other equipment as needed; however, participants must be able to connect their computer to an HDMI plug on the television.
- Live animals may be used in the presentation. All fair livestock health requirements must be followed. Presenters are responsible for all stalling arrangements, care, and handling of animals. Animals can only remain in the presentation area while the owner is present.If a pet, must have proof of vaccination submitted by March 26, 2026. If this entry qualifies for the Premier Communications Event, live animals cannot be used, due to the event location. Alternative ways of showing information about live animals (models, videos, photos, etc.) are encouraged.
IMPROMPTU SPEAKING CONTEST
The Impromptu Speech competition allows youth to write and present a speech around a 4-H-related topic that they select during the competition, where they are given 15 minutes to develop and prepare for their presentation. Judges evaluate the subject, organization, and delivery of the speech.
Rules:
- Length
- *Junior Division (ages 8-10): up to 3 minutes *County Only
- Intermediate Division (ages 11-13): 3 minutes
- Senior Division (ages 14-18): 5 minutes
- Only individuals may compete in this class; no team entries are allowed.
- On the day of the contest, participants will have a topic randomly selected for them. Youth will have no more than 15 minutes to develop a speech on the selected topic. Participants will then deliver the speech to judges and audience members.
VIDEO COMMUNICATIONS CONTEST
The Video Communication Contest allows youth to create a multi-media video around a theme related to 4-H. Judges will be evaluating both the organization of information as well as the audio and video production.
Rules:
- Length: 60-90 seconds
- Only individuals may compete in this class; no team entries are allowed.
- Youth may use a phone, laptop, or tablet to create a multi-media piece around the theme: Ready through 4-H…and Beyond
- Sound effects, public-domain music, and graphics can be used. Copyrighted materials may not be used.
- Videos will be submitted electronically as MP4 files along with the registration form.
FAVORITE FOODS CONTEST
- Clover Kids (5-7), Junior (8-10), and Senior (14-18).
- This is a county-only contest, with entries judged on food preparation, nutrition, meal management, menu planning, table setting, presentation, and food choice.
This contest allows members to prepare their favorite recipe and present it for a special occasion. Each contestant will be interviewed by the judge for about five minutes. Questions will be asked about the favorite food, menu, centerpiece, and place setting.
Contest Guidelines:
- Select and prepare a favorite recipe - doesn't have to be from project books, but should relate to learning in a project.
- Plan a menu that includes your favorite food. Write on a recipe card. Write the recipe on a similar-sized card. Members must do their own cards. Exhibit both menu and recipe on the table.
- Prepare a centerpiece and place the setting for one on a card table. Members must provide their own card table, table covering, place setting, and centerpiece.
- Contestants will draw for judging order.
- Parents and leaders may assist in carrying in articles for display, but 4-H'ers are to set up their own display. The favorite food may be displayed as the whole product or as one serving.
- All ages are based on January 1 of the current year. Contestants must pre-register for the contest. Entries will be judged on food, menu, table service, and the participant. The scorecard is available for review by contestants.
Displays requested to be set up for the duration of the Dixon County Fair.
