ENTRY FOR GAGE COUNTY FAIR
Youth must be enrolled in Gage County 4-H (v2.4honline.com) or an active member of an FFA Chapter by June 15th to exhibit at the Gage County Fair. All 4-H/FFA animal exhibit entries for the Gage County Fair & Expo must be entered online at https://showman.app/shows#/2026-gage-county-fair-dc66. All 4-H/FFA static exhibit entries must be entered online. Deadline for online entry is July 15, 5:00 p.m. Entries will be accepted after the deadline, up until exhibit check-in at the Gage County Fair. However, premiums (money associated with ribbon color earned) will be forfeited for each late entry. All entries must be the result of current projects of members enrolled in 4-H in Gage County during the current year or students of Vocational Agriculture during the 2025-2026 year.
The greatest possible care will be used by the Gage County Agriculture Society, Extension Staff, and County Fair Superintendents to prevent loss, theft or injury to any article, animal or exhibit. The Gage County Agriculture Society, while using every precaution, will not be responsible for loss or damage to any article or animal, nor will an officer or employee of the Fair be permitted to negotiate insurance or to make any guarantee whatsoever regarding the same. Property owners desiring insurance against fire or other protection must make their own arrangements therefore, no officer or employee has any authority to suspend or change this rule.
SUPERINTENDENTS
Must be on the grounds during entry day of the Fair to receive all articles belonging to their departments and see that they are arranged in proper places for exhibition. Each superintendent is directed to familiarize themselves with their duties in keeping proper records, appointing of assistants, filing reports and returning all books and records of their departments. Superintendents will work with Extension Staff to work through any issues that arise.
GREAT FANS. GREAT SPORTS.
When competition is part of an event, it should be clearly understood that competition is secondary in importance to the education and development of youth. Ribbons and trophies are a small part of competition. We ask you to remember the importance of good sportsmanship and what youth projects are meant to teach. When new skills are learned or old ones perfected, we have excelled beyond the ribbon we receive. Parents and other adults are powerful influences on children’s behavior; we ask for your cooperation.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Accommodations can be provided upon request for youth with disabilities, Please contact the Extension Office by July 15 (Entry Deadline) to arrange.
PROJECT INFORMATION
Static exhibit must be the result of current 4-H Project made since July 31, of the previous year. Exhibits must conform to directions in each class.
Limit one exhibit per class per exhibitor unless otherwise stated. Label static exhibit with exhibitor’s name on back or bottom in the event the entry tags are removed.
Incorrect or incomplete entries may be lowered one ribbon placing at the judge’s discretion.
Non-competitive exhibits receive a rainbow ribbon and a $2.00 premium.
SCORESHEETS
State Fair score sheets will be used when applicable and are available to view under each corresponding project area at: https://4h.unl.edu/4-h-fairbook-nebraska-state-fair/static-exhibits/
JUDGING STANDARDS & AWARDS
Exhibits are judged according to research-based standards that indicate level of performance or quality of work. Purple ribbons designate an exhibit of superior quality that has met and exceeded all of the standards. Blue ribbons denote an above average exhibit that has met almost all of the standards in a way that surpasses the norm. Red ribbons indicate average quality and indicate that the exhibit has met the majority of standards in such a way that the benchmark was reached, but not exceeded. White ribbons indicate that the exhibit has not met the majority of the standards.
Judges are requested to read the general and special rules under which
this fair is managed, prior to entering upon their duties. Judges should especially note rules in the areas they are judging.
Championship Criteria: To be eligible for a class project champion, breed champion, Grand or Reserve Champion, etc.,the animal or exhibit must receive a purple ribbon.
Awards: Ribbons, banners, plaques, and medals will be awarded. Award winners must send a Thank You note prior to receiving their award.
JUDGES DECISIONS
The judges’ decisions are final. If fraud, misrepresentation, error, or collusion is discovered after awards have been given, the Extension Staff will make a decision regarding final placement. An exhibitor or their representative who interferes or displays disrespect to a judge or the show could forfeit any monies earned or be subject to other penalties assessed by the Gage County Fair.
COUNTY AND STATE FAIR CLASSES
Gage County fairbook classes are formatted to match the Nebraska State Fair fairbook. Classes marked WITH an * are county fair only classes and are not eligible for State Fair. Classes WITHOUT an * are eligible for State Fair competition.
To enter at the Nebraska State Fair in the 4-H Division, the exhibitor must be 8, 4-H age (as of January 1 of the current year).
All animals and in-person contests will be entered online through ShoWorks by 4-H member/family. Deadline: August 10, 8:00 pm.
State Fair Entry website: nebr.fairwire.com