July 22-26, 2026
Cream of the Crop
at the Gage County Fair
The Gage County Fair is one of the most rewarding parts of the 4-H and FFA experience. It is where all the time, effort, and learning that youth put into their projects throughout the year comes together. Whether it is a livestock project, a food exhibit, or something built or created, the fair is a chance to share that work with the community and take pride in what has been accomplished.
Gage County Fair Schedule
Gage County 4-H & FFA Fairbook
Gage County Open Class Fairbook
Exhibitor Information
Livestock & Animal Project Areas
***New for 2026: Gage County 4-H/FFA animal entries for the Gage County Fair & Expo must be entered online on the Showman App. Deadline July 15, 11:59 p.m.
Gage County 4-H/FFA Livestock Entry Website
4-H Members must be enrolled in 4-H through 4HOnline by June 15th, 11:59 p.m. FFA Members must be active members in good standing with their chapter.
Livestock must be appropriately identified following ID requirements by June 15th, 11:59 p.m.
Gage County Livestock Identification Requirements
Youth for the Quality Care of Livestock (YQCA) must be completed by June 15th, 11:59 p.m.
Stalling at the Fair
All livestock with the exception of producing Dairy Cattle and Goats and unweaned Stocker Feeders are required to stall the duration of the County Fair. Animal entries are required to be in place on Wednesday by noon (except Swine - Thursday by noon and Horse - Wednesday by 5:00 p.m.). Livestock are released at 7:00 p.m. on Sunday of the Fair. If livestock is removed beforehand, premiums will be forfeited.
Tie outs and outdoor tack areas will be available in a first-come-first serve basis. Exhibitors may begin claiming their spots on the Saturday before the County Fair beginning at 8:00 a.m. - if your area is claimed prior to this time, your items will be removed.
Stall Assignments will be emailed to families with the livestock letter after July 15th.
Dress Code
Official 4-H or FFA attire is required (more information availble in the fairbook). 4-H/FFA show shirts are sponsored annually by Gage County Farm Bureau. One shirt per regular 4-H member livestock showman is provided. Additional shirts will be available for purchase at time of order. The current shirt plus the two previous years are allowed. Shirt orders due June 15th, 11:59 p.m.
Order 4-H/FFA Show Shirts through DawgsHut (linked when available to order)
Static Exhibit Project Areas
4-H/FFA Static Exhibits must be pre-entered through ShoWorks (gage.fairwire.com) by July 15th, 11:59 p.m.
Gage County Fair 4-H/FFA Static Entry Website
4-H Members must be enrolled in 4-H through 4HOnline by June 15th, 11:59 p.m. FFA Members must be active members in good standing with their chapter.
Check-in for Static Exhibits
Check-in will take place on the Monday before the County Fair 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. and Tuesday before the County Fair from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. at the 4-H Building on the Fairgrounds. When you arrive at the building, locate the areas that you have exhibits. Superintendents will be available on Tuesday to assist with check-in.
Preparing Exhibits for Check-in
- Pick up entry tags at the Extension Office Thursday/Friday before the county fair. Or on Monday/Tuesday before the county fair at check-in.
- Check to make sure the entry tags are correct. If not, stop at the 4-H information booth at the 4-H Building at check-in.
- You will recieve two copies of your entry tags. Secure both copies to the exhibit.
- Secure tags to the exhibits using tape, rubber bands, paperclips, binder clips, or any other method that works best for your exhibit. Please make sure the entry tags are removable and the barcode and exhibitor name are not covered. Entry tags should be on the front of the exhibit.
- Secure any supporting information required for your project area (make sure to read the class and department information).
- Include the exhibitor's name on the exhibit - in a different location than the entry tag (just in case the entry tag is separated from the exhibit).
Supporting Information
Certain areas require supporting information. Read class and division information in the fairbook for more information.
- Clothing - Design Data Card http://go.unl.edu/ne4hclothing (Beyond the Needle & STEM 2-3 Upcycled Garment)
- Knitting & Crochet - Fiber Arts Crochet Data Card, Fiber Arts Knitting Data Card https://go.unl.edu/ne4hknitting-crocheting
- Cooking 101 - 401 - Include recipe with your exhibit
- Food Preservation - Canning Label https://go.unl.edu/canninglabel, include recipe and processing method
- Home Design & Restoration - https://go.unl.edu/ne4hhomedesignrestoration
- Visual Arts - https://go.unl.edu/ne4hvisualarts
- Quilt Quest - Half sheet answering questions Quilt Quest | Nebraska 4-H | Nebraska
- Human Development - Information Sheet (Classes 1-6 and Class 8) - listed in the fairbook.
- Photography - https://go.unl.edu/ne4h-photography. 
- Level 1 Prints - Not required
- Level 2 Prints - Level 2 Data Tag
- Level 2 Displays - Separate Level 2 Data Tag required for each photo. Data tags should be numbered with the corresponding photo's number.
- Level 3 Prints - Level 3 Data Tag
- STEM Projects - Check division and class for individualized requirements.
- Woodworking projects - include plans (protected by clear plastic cover), plan alterations
- Rockets - Report in a clear, plastic cover with flight information
- Welding projects - type of welder, welder settings, plans, plan alternations, bill for materials
Scoresheets
When possible, the Nebraska State Fair 4-H scoresheets are used for the project areas. These scoresheets can be accessed from the Static Exhibits page of the Nebraska 4-H State Fairbook.
Clover Kids Livestock Exhibitors
Clover Kids Livestock Show
Show: Saturday, July 25, 12:30 p.m.; Check-in from 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Youth ages 5-7 (as of January 1) are eligible to participate in the Clover Kids Livestock Show.
To participate, youth must enroll in 4-H on 4HOnline (by June 15th, 11:59 p.m.) and pre-enter through the Showman App (by July 15th, 11:59 p.m.).
4HOnline Enrollment Website Gage County 4-H/FFA Livestock Entry Website
Ownership of livestock is not required. A Clover Kid can use livestock from a 4-H/FFA member that is already on the frounds, or can own their own animal. Youth must identify which 4-H member's animal they will be using or identify that they are bringing their own.
All livestock must weigh under 350 lbs. (this is state 4-H policy). Livestock will be weighed.
Clover Kids may show as many species as they want (one entry per species). Show is blow-and-go only.
This is a non-competitive event. All participants will recieve the same award (ribbon) and and a t-shirt.
Clover Kids can participate in PeeWee showmanship, Open Class, and the Clover Kids Livestock Show.
Show order: Hogs, Beef, Cattle, Dairy Cattle, Dairy Goats, Meat Goats, Sheep
Stalling at the Gage County Fair
Minimal stalling will be available. Livestock that come the day of the show must leave the day of the show. No overnight stalling. You may show out of your trailer if you wish.
4-H Contests
April 12, 2026
Gage County 4-H Premier Communication Contest
4-H Members & Clover Kids (Ages 5-18)
The Gage County 4-H Premier Communications Contest gives youth the opportunity to build and showcase strong communication skills in a supportive, real-world setting. Participants can choose from several divisions including Speech, Public Service Announcement (PSA), Presentations, and Video, allowing them to share ideas in ways that match their interests and strengths.
Through this contest, youth learn how to organize their thoughts, speak with confidence, and connect with an audience. Whether delivering a prepared speech, creating a compelling PSA, teaching through a presentation, or producing a video, participants gain valuable experience that carries into school, careers, and everyday life.
The Premier Communications Contest is a great way for 4-H members to grow their voice, try something new, and gain confidence while sharing messages that matter.
March 2026
Gage County 4-H Shootings Sports Contest
4-H Members Ages 8-18
The Gage County 4-H Shooting Sports Contest gives youth the opportunity to develop focus, responsibility, and discipline through hands-on learning in a safe and supportive environment. Participants can showcase their skills in areas such as bb gun and air rifle while following strict safety guidelines.
More than just marksmanship, the contest emphasizes decision-making, patience, and personal responsibility. Youth learn the importance of safety, proper technique, and respect for equipment, themselves, and others.
The 4-H Shooting Sports Contest is a great way for members to challenge themselves, build confidence, and demonstrate the skills they have developed throughout the year while being part of a positive and encouraging experience.
Interested in Gage County 4-H Shootings Sports?
4-H Special Programs & Events | Nebraska Extension in Gage County | Nebraska Extension | Nebraska
June 9-23, 2026
4-H Horticulture Judging Contest
4-H Members Ages 8-18
Horticulture judging contest consists of three parts:
- Identification of plant material - identify the plants by common name from a plant list. Specimens may be alive or preserved plant parts like stems, twigs, leaves, flowers, seeds, fruits, roots, bulbs, tubers, or plant products.
- A knowledge portion - usually in the form of a true/false or multiple choice quiz. Questions will test the contestant's knowledge of cultural practices for horticultural crops, plant science, pesticides, horticultural careers and other topics related to the production, processing and consumption of horticultural crops.
- Judging or placings - this is where four different plants, plates of vegetables, or containers flowers are ranked from best to worst based on a set of criteria. Classes are judged on the basis of condition, quality, uniformity, true-to-type, and size.
More information about the Nebraska State contest along with a list of study materials can be found in the Horticulture ID Contest Fairbook. Here you can find the written study materials for the knowledge portion, follow links to plant pictures for help with identification, and read how judging of plant material is done.
July 12, 4-H Building
Gage County 4-H Fashion Show & Textile Extravaganza
4-H Members & Clover Kids (Ages 5-18)
Judging begins at 1:00 p.m.
Public Fashion Show begins at 7:00 p.m.
The Gage County 4-H Fashion Show is a highlight of the fair, where youth step onto the stage to showcase their creativity, hard work, and personal style. Participants bring their projects to life through a variety of project areas, including STEAM Clothing 1–3 where they sew their own garments, Beyond the Needle where they decorate and design wearable items, and Shopping in Style where they build outfits through smart purchasing choices.
This event is more than just a runway. Youth have the opportunity to present their work in front of judges and a live audience, sharing what they learned along the way. It builds confidence, public speaking skills, and pride in their accomplishments.
From first-time participants to experienced exhibitors, the Fashion Show is a chance for 4-H members to celebrate their growth, express themselves, and enjoy the excitement of being on stage.
- 4-H members can model as many items as they choose, however, they can only model one in the Shopping in Style project.
- STEAM 2 and 3 entries must include a complete outfit (i.e., top and bottom, dress, or jacket)
- Swimwear and sleepwear entries must be age appropriate
- Swatches are not required.
To enter in the 4-H Fashion Show & Textile Extravaganza, click the links below and fill out the online forms.
- Entry Form - Due July 8th
- Shopping in Style Written Report - Due at the beginning of Fashion Show Judging
July 22, 2:00 p.m., 4-H Building
Team Quizbowl
4-H & FFA Members Age 8-18
Pre-Register team one hour before the event at the 4-H Building.
Agriculture Quizbowl is a team event for youth where they test their knowledge of beef, sheep, swine, dairy, goats, poultry, rabbits, and agriculture related projects. Youth use a buzzer to answer questions and the teams compete by providing oral answers. Teams are made up of 3-4 youth. 4-H Clubs and FFA Chapters are encouraged to enter a team, but the teams are not required to be made up of youth from the same club. Youth can only participate on one team.
Two age divisions, Senior (4-H age 13-18) and Junior (8-12).
Tournament bracket or round robin format will be determined. No premiums will be paid. Awards and prizes will be presented.
July 25, 2026, 3:00 p.m.
Elite Showmanship
Champion & Reserve Champion Showmanship Winners
Champion and Reserve Champion Overall Showmanship winners have the chance to compete head-to-head for Elite Showmanship.
Species eligible: 4-H/FFA Beef, Sheep, Swine, and Meat Goats
Contestants will be judged on their ability to handle, show and present each of the different species. Grooming of animals will not be considered. Contestants will make arrangements for animals to use during the contest. A contestant will not show their own animal. The contestant with the most total points at the end of the contest will be declared the winner.
If a 4-H/FFA exhibitor wins the right to compete in more than one species in the same year, then he/she must choose which species they will represent. The third place showman from the species not chosen will then be eligible to participate.
Volunteers & Judges
Volunteer at the Gage County Fair
Volunteers play a huge role in making the fair happen. From superintendents and judges to those helping behind the scenes, their time and energy ensure that every exhibitor has a positive experience.
All volunteer opportunities at the Gage County Fair are in-direct volunteer roles. Volunteers (including youth) serving in these roles will need to complete an Activity Worker Application (or enroll on 4HOnline as a volunteer) and undergo screening through the Nebraska and National Sex Offender Registry prior to volunteering.
Volunteer Opportunities at the Gage County Fair (will be linked when sign-ups are available):
Livestock Events Volunteer Sign-up Poultry/Rabbit Events Volunteer Sign-up Horse Volunteer Sign-up
4-H Contest Volunteer Sign-up Static Exhibits Judging Volunteer Sign-up
Judge at the Gage County Fair
A big part of the fair is the judging process. This is not just about ribbons. It is an opportunity for youth to talk about their projects, explain what they learned, and hear directly from judges who offer helpful feedback. Those conversations build confidence, strengthen communication skills, and help young people continue to grow.
Judges are in-direct 4-H Volunteers and will need to complete a Activity Worker Application and undergo screening through the Nebraska and National Sex Offender Registries prior to judging. A paper form will be mailed with the Gage County Fair Judge's letter. Please fill it out and bring it with you to your judging event.
Request to Judge at the Gage County Fair Nebraska 4-H Judges Registration Nebraska 4-H Judges Resources