County Fair Entry Website - Now Open!
All 4-H and FFA Entries for the Gage County Fair (Static & Livestock) must enter online at
https://gage.fairwire.com/ by July 15th at 5:00 p.m. No late entries are accepted. Exhibitors will create a new account every year - the system does not store your log-in information year-to-year.
Note: This is not the same as 4-H Enrollment that was due June 15. This is required to participate in the Gage County Fair.
Congrats to State Premier Communications Event Participants!
Intermediate Illustrated Presentation - Maggie White, Purple - 3rd Place Overall
Intermediate Illustrated Presentation - Devon Rasmussen, Purple
Intermediate Prepared Speech - Grace Lovell, Purple
Impromptu Speech - Devon Rasmusen, Purple
Impromptu Speech - Grace Lovell, Blue
Barn & Auto Passes
Passes may be purchased for 4-H & FFA families at a reduced rate ONLY at the Extension Office prior to the Gage County Fair. After July 25th, all passes must be purchased through the Fair Office.
- 4-H/FFA Livestock Exhibitor Families - purchase 1 barn pass for $7.50 (half price). Additional barn passes are $15.00
- 4-H Ag Club Leaders (enrolled on 4HOnline) & FFA Instructors - 1 free barn pass
- 4-H Home Ec Club Leaders (enrolled on 4HOnline) - 1 free 5-Day Auto Pass
- General Public - 5-Day Auto Pass can be purchased for $5.00 each
THANK YOU Exmark, Gage County Farm Bureau & Gage County Ag Society!
Thank you, Exmark! Exmark Manufacturing, Community Outreach Awareness, will provide each 4-H and FFA exhibitor a complementary T-shirt. We will give out shirts and check off names during entry day at the 4-H Building, and throughout the fair. PLEASE THANK Exmark and sign the big thank you notes in the 4-H Building. THIS SHIRT IS NOT OFFICIAL 4-H/FFA ATTIRE AND CANNOT BE WORN WHILE SHOWING LIVESTOCK, HORSES, COMPANION ANIMALS, ETC.
We would like to thank the Gage County Farm Bureau for sponsoring one free show shirt for each exhibitor this year! Shirts can be picked up starting Tuesday, July 18th at the Extension Office.
THANK the Gage County Ag Society! They donate 1 free pass to each exhibitor to the Bull Riding on Wednesday, Races on Friday, Eve of Destruction on Saturday, or Tractor Pull on Sunday. Passes may be picked up by members, families or 4-H leaders at the Information Booth in the 4-H Building throughout the fair.
All Together Now!
Join us for our 2023 STEM Summer Reading Connections in partnership with local libraries.
Wymore Public Library, 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.:
Beatrice Public Library, 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.:
- July 11 - Gumball Machine
Nemaha Valley 4-H Club Livestock Show - July 8
Table Setting Contest - July 17, 1:30 p.m. | 4-H Building
Open to all 4-H members and Clover Kids. Participants will determine a theme and creatively set one place setting, including table covering, plates, silverware, glassware and centerpiece. Include a menu card; nutrition, color and taste should be considered and compliment theme. Table provided. Participant should wear 4-H shirt.
Contest Rules & Helpful Tips: https://go.unl.edu/23tablesetting
Register on 4HOnline under the events tab by July 14th.
4-H Fashion Show - July 17 | 4-H Building
Registration is now open for the 2023 Gage County 4-H Fashion Show. This year’s show is Monday, July 17 at the 4-H Building on the Gage County Fairgrounds. Check in at 1:00 pm, judging starts at 1:30 pm, Public show starts at 7:00 pm. FOR 2023-Paper Entries are Required. Entries are due to the Extension Office (or email) July 12th by 4:30 pm. If emailed, please bring swatches for constructed garments to contest.
STEAM 1, STEAM 2, STEAM 3, Beyond the Needle, Knitting/Crochet, and Dress for Africa
- Entry Form: https://go.unl.edu/gagefashionentry
- STEAM 2 and STEAM 3 need to include a whole outfit made by 4-H'er to be eligible to model at the Nebraska State Fair
- Include a swatch and photo with entry form, if available.
Shopping In Style
Textile Extravaganza (Quilt)
Performing Arts Contest - July 17, 7:00 p.m. | 4-H Building
Share your talent and sign up for the Performing Arts Contest, Monday, July 17th during the Public Fashion show at 7:00 pm. Paper entry form with copy of sheet music required, due July 12th to the Extension Office.
Contest Info and Entry Form: https://go.unl.edu/23performingarts
Recorded music used in classes 1-5 must provide music file to Extension Staff with entry. All musical instruments must be provided by exhibitor.
We are looking for a music stand! If you have one we could borrow, please contact Jacie!
Fairgrounds Set-up Day - July 18, 9:00 a.m. | Merchant's Hall
Join us in setting up the fairgrounds and 4-H Building on Tuesday, July 18th at 9:00 a.m. Meet at Merchant's Hall and help set-up the 4-H Building, Ag Hall, Merchant's Hall, the Livestock Arena, and under the grandstand.
Riverview Jr. Stockmen Livestock Show - July 20 | Wymore
4-H All Star Awards - Saturday, July 29 | 4-H Building
4-H All-Star awards are selected in various departments based on points awarded for purple, blue, red, and white ribbons. Competition is divided into junior, intermediate, and senior divisions. Other awards are selected by the judges. Look for the posters in the 4-H Building so winners will be present.
4-H/FFA Market Livestock Premium Auction - Sunday, July 31, 3:00 p.m. | Main Livestock Barn
This is one of the most awesome efforts of Gage County businesses and individuals supporting 4-H and FFA exhibitors! Market beef, swine, sheep and goat exhibitors are encouraged to enter one animal and you must turn in your auction sheet at the fair by Saturday, 1 hour after swine show concludes, to enter the auction. Thanks to auction committee, The Auctioneers, Ag Society, buyers and supporters.
Fairgrounds Clean-up - Monday, July 31, 9:00 a.m. - Noon
Fairboard asks exhibitors and families to help put things away and clean up the grounds and the 4-H Building. This includes home economics AND livestock clubs! Free lunch. Additional herdsmanship points are awarded, based on a percentage of club membership. This is a small way to show our appreciation to the fairboard for a fantastic event! Sign in at the Fair Office when you come; pick up trash bags and gloves and get in on the headcount at lunch.
4-H Building Static Exhibit Check-in Information
Check-in for 4-H, FFA and Clover Kid Exhibits will take place Monday, July 24th from 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM AND Tuesday, July 25th from 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM. All Static Exhibits will be entered at the 4-H Building. When you arrive at the building, locate the area that you have exhibits. Superintendents will be available only on Tuesday to help with check-in.
Judging will only take place on Tuesday after 2:00 pm.
Please prepare your exhibits for check-in:
- Pick-up your entry tags at the Extension Office. They will be available for pick-up Wednesday, July 19- Friday, July 21, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- Check to make sure your entry tags are correct for your exhibit. If there are any issues, please email gage-county@unl.edu.
- Attach your entry tags to the corresponding exhibit (two tags per exhibit) use tape, paperclips, pins, or rubber bands to secure the tag. Attach the tags in a way that can be viewed from the front of the exhibit. For example, on a framed drawing, attach the entry tag on the front side of the frame rather than the back.
- Note: project area if supporting information is required for exhibit.
Supporting Information:
Static & Livestock Exhibit Release - Sunday, July 30, 7:00 p.m.
Exhibits and livestock are NOT released from the grounds prior to Sunday, 7:00 pm, for the enjoyment of visitors to the fair. Note the rule in the fairbook stating that exhibits taken out early will NOT receive premium money. If you would like to leave your exhibit for the 4-H Building fundraiser, please make sure it is marked. Remaining exhibits that are not marked, should be picked up at the Extension Office the following week.
Gage County Fair Volunteers Needed!
Online Insect Identification Contest
The Nebraska 4-H Online Insect Identification Contest provides an opportunity for participants to put their entomological knowledge to the test. The contest consists of insect identification and multiple-choice questions. Participants will gain knowledge about insects and entomology through this competition. The contest is open to all youth, as well as adults. Youth do not need to be enrolled 4-H members to participate. Contest available June 24-July 11. More information at https://4h.unl.edu/online-insect-id-contest
Nebraska State Fair Entry - Due August 10, 8:00 p.m
Important info, date, and deadlines related to entries see below:
- 4-H and FFA Livestock Deadline: 8 p.m. Central on August 10. Swine exhibitors: Please have your PQA# and Premise ID handy.
- 4-H In-Person Events (contests, fashion show, etc.): 8 p.m. Central on August 10.
- 4-H Static Exhibit Deadline: ENTERED BY Extension Office Staff
- 4-H Showmanship: 4-H exhibitors will be automatically entered into Showmanship for each livestock species they enter livestock for.
All State Fair entries are made at:
https://nebr.fairwire.com/. This deadline is very strict, no late entries will be accepted
Notes to Livestock & Horse Members
County Fair Ag & Livestock Contests
Team Quizbowl: Wednesday, July 26, 2:00 p.m.
Livestock Judging Contest: Saturday, July 29, 30 minutes following Hog Show
- Pre-register at the announcer's stand by Friday, July 28, 5:00 p.m.
Elite Showmanship: Saturday, July 29, 30 minutes following Livestock Judging Contest
- Registration due 10:00 a.m. Satuday, July 30 (except Hogs)
Rabbit & Poultry Skill-a-thon - DATE CHANGE!
The Rabbit & Poultry Skill-a-thon will take place on Wednesday, July 26th at Noon (after Rabbit Check-in is complete) in the Poultry/Rabbit Complex. Youth can choose to compete in Rabbit and Poultry or one or the other. It is not required to participate in both rabbit and poultry. Medals will be awarded for top 3 placings in each age division for each species.
There will be 2 age divisions for the Rabbit/Poultry Skill-a-thon:
- Junior - Ages 8-13
- Senior - Ages 14-18
Rabbit:
Junior division will complete 3 stations, Senior divisions will complete 5 stations.
Rabbit Station Examples & Study Guide can be found at: https://go.unl.edu/rabbitskillathon
Click "Classwork" up at the top to access the materials.
Poultry:
Junior division will complete 3 stations, Senior division will complete 5 stations.
Poultry Station Examples & Study Guide can be found at: https://go.unl.edu/poultryskillathon
Click "Classwork" at the top to access the materials.
We are looking for volunteers to assist with the stations at the contest.
Horse Show & Judging Guide - Available for Pick-up
The 2023 Nebraska 4-H Horse Show & Judging Guide is available for pick-up at the Gage County Extension Office. Each horse family receives one copy for free. Additional copies can be purchased for $3.50 each (plus sales tax).
Horse Advancement Levels Testing
Need to take the test to complete a Horse Advancement Level this summer? Advancement Levels must be completed by July 15 for the current 4-H year.
As of 2022, you must pass Advancement Level 1 to enter in any loping classes at the County Fair. A copy of your completed level needs to be turned into the Extension Office by July 15th. Must complete all 3 portions, Written Test, Club demonstration, and Skills test.
Schedule a time to take your test at the Extension Office by visiting: https://go.unl.edu/gageschedulehorsetest
Invitational Dairy Show
The Invitational Dairy Show is set to take place on July 8, 2023 beginning at 9:00 a.m. at the Gage County Fairgrounds, main livestock arena. Pre-entry will open June 15th and is due via ShoWorks
https://go.unl.edu/inv-dairyshow on July 6, 2023 at midnight. Please note that this is the same entry site for the Gage County Fair and Fair entry will occur simultaneously. Be sure to look for the "Invitational Dairy Show" Division under the "Dairy" Department.
For more information and show rules visit https://go.unl.edu/23invdairyshow
Livestock & Poultry/Rabbit Letters
Livestock & Poultry/Rabbit Exhibits, please keep an eye on your mailbox around the middle of the month - we will be mailing out letters with important reminders about exhibiting at the county fair.
NOTES TO 4-H LEADERS & VOLUNTEERS
4-H Council Meeting
The next 4-H Council Meeting will be August 28 at 6:30 pm at the Gage County Extension Office.
Nebraska Extension Gage County
