Aug. 15, 2014
LINCOLN, Neb. — Visitors to the Nebraska State Fair Aug. 22-Sept. 1 at Fonner Park in Grand Island can view more than 10,000 4-H exhibits from 2,500 exhibitors across the state, representing all 93 Nebraska counties.
The Nebraska State Fair is the capstone event for 4-H'ers to showcase their educational experiences that have taken place in the past year, said Shane Potter, assistant extension educator in 4-H youth development.
Exhibits will be displayed in close to 43 project areas, including animals, foods, clothing and textiles, robotics, computers, environment, vet science, heritage, leadership and many more, Potter said.
Also in 2014, Nebraska 4-H will be celebrating Extension's 100th birthday at the Nebraska State Fair, where inside the 4-H Exhibit Hall visitors can get a party hat to celebrate.
Other activities inside the 4-H Exhibit Hall, include several free, interactive activities for kids. This includes exploring careers, biological systems engineering, "ag-citing" science and learning child, animal science, healthy lifestyles, community engagement and science.
"Visitors to the 4-H Exhibit Hall can participate in their first class from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln," Potter said. Nebraska 4-H and UNL academic departments teach activities.
4-H also will be participating in Nebraska's Largest Classroom on Aug. 25, 26 and 28.
Nebraska's Largest Classroom is a self-guided field trip where students and teachers can take part in activities and educational content at the fair.
Dozens of contests, including the Companion Animal Show, Tree ID Contest, Presentations Contest and more also will be taking place during the State Fair. For more information, including schedules, visit 4h.unl.edu or http://statefair.org.
Also in the 4-H Exhibit Hall, the 4-H Foundation will have a photo booth available, where visitors can take a photo with fun 4-H props and share through social media, said Tracy Pracheil, associate extension educator in 4-H youth development.
A Nebraska State Fair 4-H app also is available to keep track of events, results, latest news and a fair map. Visitors also can scan symbols across the 4-H Exhibit Hall and see videos of 4-H'ers talking about their projects that are on exhibit at the State Fair.
The app can be downloaded at 4h.unl.edu.
The app also can be used to play the seek and scan game at the fair. There are 36 static 4-H exhibits which feature videos. These videos will provide fairgoer's with a glimpse of the learning that took place behind the 4-H exhibits they see at the fair. To play the Seek and Scan game, fairgoer's should download the Nebraska State Fair 4-H app and scan the symbols placed on the signs next to the exhibits at the State Fair. Prizes are available.
UNL Extension is in the university's Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
Aug. 31 Is #UNLREDOUT Day
Fairgoers can show their Husker pride and wear a red shirt Aug. 31 during UNL Red Out Day at the Nebraska State Fair. Starting at 10 a.m. free Husker bags will be available to the first 10,000 people through the main entrance.
From 1-3 p.m. various UNL departments will be providing hands-on activities for youth in the Family Fun Zone area.
At 3 p.m. there will be a Husker pep rally on the Family Fun Zone Stage. Fans can hear the beatboxing skills of DeWayne and numerous other special guest will be on hand.
Associate Extension Educator
4-H Youth Development
402-472-9016
tpracheil2@unl.edu
Shane Potter
Assistant Extension Educator
4-H Youth Development
402-472-9026
spotter2@unl.edu
Sandi Alswager Karstens
IANR News Service
402-472-3030
skarstens2@unl.edu