4-H & The Manatee County Fair
"Celebrating a Century of 4-H Programs"

Each 4-H exhibit on display reflects the work the member has done in their project area during the past 12 months (since the end of the last fair). Each exhibit has been judged on its own merit -taking into consideration the age of the exhibitor, the years in 4-H, and years in the project.  

Exhibit awards are in the form of fair ribbons: Green Rosette -Outstanding "Best of Show", Green and White Rosette - Special Award of Merit, Blue - First place, Red - Second Place, White - Third Place. Special Participation Ribbons are awarded to members 5-7 who are too young for competitive evaluation but certainly not too young to display what they have been doing in their projects. 

Please take the time to stop and sign our "Century 4-H Roster" if you are a former 4-H member or volunteer leader anywhere in the United States. Stop and talk with our host and hostesses. We are all part of the "4-H Family" striving to make the Best even Better.

4-H Clubs and Future Farmers Continue Fair Traditions

Steers
Every Year Manatee County 4-H and Future Farmers of America (FFA) students enter their steers in the Manatee County Fair. These young people hope to win the "Grand Champion" or "Reserve Grand Champion" titles with their animals. There are numerous awards for which the students will be competing. Each organization also presents awards for fitness, grooming and showmanship as well as the Superior Beef Exhibitor Award.

The Manatee County Cattlewomen's Association selects the top three outstanding exhibitors and presents them with trophies and cash awards. The Herdsman Award (a belt buckle) is presented to the outstanding 4-H or FFA member. The Manatee County Cattlemen's Association sponsors an award for the Top County Bred Steer. There is also the Beef Breeder's Award presented to the Manatee County breeder with the most outstanding steers showing in the Fair.

SWINE
The Swine show has grown by leaps and bounds since it began. The 4-H and FFA members work with their animals from early October. At fair time in January, judges pick a "grand Champion", and a "Reserve Champion." Students compete for awards, including Superior Exhibits by FFA and 4-H. Showmanship ribbons and the Achiever Award will be up for grabs.

DAIRY
Veteran fairgoers won't want to miss the Dairy Costume Parade and show during the Fair. It's man, woman, or child against beast as cows and heifers sometimes balk in the show ring. That's the fun part of the Dairy Division. But there is plenty of work too as the young owners prepare their cows, heifers or calves for showing. At stake is the "Grand Champion" or the "Reserve Grand Champion" rosette. Other titles include fitting, grooming and showmanship awards, as well as Superior Herdsmen.

POULTRY & RABBITS
Always a favorite with fairgoers is the poultry and rabbit exhibits. Each year 4-H and FFA members place on display their project animals, competing for ribbons, rosettes and trophies in categories including Best of Show.

DAIRY GOATS
Dairy Goats are an exciting part of the Fair. The 4-H and FFA members compete for "Grand Champion" and "Reserve Champion" awards as well as Showmanship Awards, ribbons and rosettes.

HORSES
Horses at the Fair are always a popular subject. 4-H and FFA members bring their horses to the Fair for a one-day show with showmanship competitions.

DOGS
The 4-H and FFA members and their dogs compete in a variety of Obedience classes ranging from Basic to graduate Novice levels of expertise. Competition includes presentation of the animal, posing and gaiting.

LLAMAS
The Llama project is a popular, and growing program. Watch as they compete over an exciting obstacle course for prize ribbons and rosettes.

Each year the Florida Nursery Growers Association (FNGA) and the Manatee Extension Education Program sponsor a plant show and sale for 4-H and FFA youth. Showmanship awards, ribbons and rosettes are awarded.