Here in Nassau County our annual County Events is a big deal and happens in March. We know that the name “County Events” isn’t the most helpful when understanding what this key 4-H event is, so we hope this will answer your questions!
County Events is an annual chance for 4-H members to show off their knowledge, skills, and talents in a 4-H project area through multiple semi-formal or thematic competitions. You can share knowledge in a public speech or illustrated talk; teach a skill in a demonstration; show off a talent in share-the-fun; or create something to share through photography, graphic design, chef-in-training, or fashion revue and so on. There is a large freedom given to our youth when selecting and perfecting their annual capstone with specific rubrics available to reference to ensure you get that “blue”. These competitions are for youth of all ages and a fun way to share what you know. There is also the bonus that 4-H’ers can earn up to 2 fair points from participating in two different types of events.
County Events is a progressive contest. Youth earning Blue awards at the county level have the opportunity to compete at the district level. From there Seniors earning Blues can take their presentations to the state level at 4-H University!
So what happens at County Events?…
Speeches & Demonstrations
Public speaking, demonstrations, and illustrated talks are all speaking focused competitions. They have a lot in common, but there are some important differences between the three.
What’s the difference?
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Public speaking uses NO visuals and has slightly different time requirements from demonstrations and illustrated talk.
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A demonstration teaches HOW TO do something – props are brought in to help visualize how something is done; demonstrations can be presented with a partner
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An illustrated talk is a speech with visual aids such as a Powerpoint presentation or poster boards; these talks do not need to demonstrate a “How To”, they just share information on a topic
How are they the same?
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All are styles of public speaking
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All should be related to your 4-H project or experiences
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All provide a chance to move on to District Events
Moving on to District and State
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Public Speaking
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The top 2 youth in the junior, intermediate, and senior age divisions at County Events move on to District Events.
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The top 2 seniors for the entire district move on to the state competition (held at 4-H University)
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Demonstrations and Illustrated Talks
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Any junior, intermediate, or senior who receives a blue or high level red at County Events and practices with the 4-H agents moves on to District Events.
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Any senior who receives a blue ribbon for a demonstration or illustrated talk at District Events will move on to the state competition (held at 4-H University)
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Photography & Graphic Design
The photography and Graphic Design contest are two options for youth to showcase their mastery and creativity during County Events season. Cloverbuds can submit entries for exhibition, but will not be judged. All other entries will be judged using the modified danish system. The highest scoring blue award from each categories moves forward to the State contest, skipping District Events. All entries MUST include a filled out release form.
Youth can enter up to 5 entries of photos at a County level, but they must be in different categories.
Youth are only allowed one entry in Graphic Design. Graphic Design entries should either focus on promotion of 4-H or a 4-H project.
Categories for photography are:
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People
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Animals
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Plant/Flora
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Scenic
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Architectural Elements
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Still Life
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Hat Tricks and Magic
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Photo Story
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Black and White and 4-H Theme.
Categories for Graphic Design are:
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Brochure: A tri-fold brochure that should contain information on both the front and back. It should be easily read and printed on 8 ½ x 11 inch sized paper.
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Flyer: An 8 ½ x 11 inch paper that promotes 4-H or a 4-H related program, project, event, or activity
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PowerPoint Presentation: 5-10 slides and a script to accompany the presentation. For best presentation, include the script for each slide in the “notes” section of the PowerPoint.
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Other (Any other promotional material- mini-books, bookmarks, postcards, etc.)
Share the Fun
Share the fun is 4-H’s is our talent showcase!
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Acts can be classified as:
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Instrumental: Musical instruments of all descriptions
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Vocal: Singing numbers
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Dance: All dance, baton, and acrobatic routines
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Dramatic and Novelty: Skits, stunts, pantomimes, monologues, puppetry, ventriloquism, impersonations, etc
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General: Acts which include two or more of the above classifications
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Act can be solo or groups with a maximum of 5 youth per group
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The time for each act is 3-5 minutes
Who can move on?
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All junior, intermediate, and senior blue ribbon winners at County Events are eligible to move on to District Events.
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One senior blue ribbon act from District Events will be eligible to move on to the big state competition showcase (held at 4-H University)
Other competitions exist only at the county level including: chef in training, fashion review, and our art showcase.
Chef in Training
We love food! If your youth loves to cook this may be the perfect County Events contest for them.
To enter this contest your youth needs to pick a category and food group, cook it up, and submit their dish for tasting to the Callahan Extension Office.They may submit a maximum of 2 entries and they must be from different food groups and categories. This individual contest is open to all ages of 4-H members. Intermediates & Seniors must do all the work unassisted, however Cloverbuds & Juniors may have adult assistance as needed. Mixes & pre-cooked items may only be used by Cloverbuds and Juniors.
Entry Categories:
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appetizer, main course, side dish, or dessert
- Food Groups: fruits and vegetables, dairy, protein, or grains
The entire amount of one recipe must be submitted. Each submission must have an index card listing the name & age category of youth exhibitor ,the food group, category, & complete recipe. As much as possible, healthy recipes and ingredients should be used.
Fashion Revue
Sewing is a classic project for 4-H and the annual Fashion Revue is a great time to show off this talent. Fashion Revue was originally created to highlight garment construction. However, sewing skills go beyond just clothes so at the local level we have opened it up to more sewing options. If it was sewn, it can be shown!
The categories are:
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Personally Sewn: Can be just about anything including doll clothes, pillows, aprons, bags, and so on!
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Repurposed: Taking an item of clothing or anything else and sewing it into something new/better!
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1st Year Sewer: Giving sewing a try for the first time? Show us what you can do!
Each submission must include a written report (about 1/2 page) including:
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Name, 4-H age, 4-H club and # of years sewing
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Category
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Total cost of producing the piece
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Describe the piece and what techniques were used
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Photo
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*If your piece is in the repurposed category include a before and after picture
& an Oral Commentary (at County Events) lasting only 1-2 minutes, with similar details as the written report with any interesting information added. Pieces should be modeled and showcased. Just like with any oral presentation the youth will be scored on poise, cleanliness, and confidence.
*NEW* Cosplayers, this is your time to shine! Come in Cosplay for your own separate award and show off your many talents!
& Finally, The Art Gallery!
Starting in 2022, we are celebrating our artistic members through a specialty contest division. Members may enter ONE art piece (of any medium) for individual judging as well as a chance to win best in show. All art will be displayed for all to see during County Events!
Yes we know this is a lot, but that’s because County Events is for EVERY MEMBER to have a chance to show off their interests and talents!
We hope to see you at our competition as a participant, but if not please join us regardless as an audience member to support your other Nassau 4-H’ers!
For all rubrics, please go HERE.
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