TO: | 4-H Culinary Challenge Participants |
FROM: | Cami Wells, 4-H Culinary Challenge Superintendent |
DATE: | August 2025 |
SUBJECT: | 2025 Nebraska State Fair |
Congratulations on entering the 4-H Culinary Challenge. We are excited about seeing you and your table setting on Saturday, August 23 at the Nebraska State Fair. This letter provides you with information to help prepare for the state event.
Nebraska State Fair 4-H Contest Entry information can be found at https://4h.unl.edu/statewide-events-opportunities/state-fair/contest-participant/. All 4-H members planning to participate in any 4-H contest must be entered in Showorks by August 10. Each team member must register in Showorks: https://www.statefair.org/ag-competitions/livestock-exhibitors/4-h-ffa-exhibitors/. There is a $5.00 fee per 4-H’er.
Contest Location: The contest will be held in the Raising Nebraska Building on the State Fairgrounds in Grand Island.
State Fair Passes: There is no special parking for 4-H presenters; however, you will receive an unloading pass that allows you to enter Gate 5 (northwest side of the 4-H/FFA Exhibit Building). You may leave your car in this area for a maximum of 30 minutes to carry your supplies to the Raising Nebraska Building. This is not a parking area, just an unloading area. Vehicles will be towed if they are left longer than 30 minutes. PLEASE, do not abuse this privilege so we can continue to offer this convenience to you. The unloading pass and a state fair pass for the 4-H’er can be picked up from the local extension office.
Temporary Storage Room: If you need temporary storage space or refrigeration, please ask the superintendent.
Equipment Provided: All equipment needed for your foods event should be brought with you. We can provide chairs. Let us know if you need a table. You will have access to a microwave in a preparation area close to the event. Also, remember to pack anything you might need to get ready for and clean up after your event.
Schedule: We will be contacting you about signing up for a scheduled time. Please report to check-in prior to your scheduled foods event time. This will allow you time to set up and prepare for the contest. We can be flexible if you are participating in other events at the state fair or have conflicts during the day.
Presenters ONLY: Only event participants will be permitted in the preparation area. No relatives or friends, please! Only the presenter and superintendents may move materials onto the event judging area.
Attire: Participants may choose to dress in appropriate clothing, costume, or accessories relevant to their theme. We would encourage you to wear a 4-H chevron or 4-H emblem during your presentation. We are excited to be able to provide a State Fair 4-H T-shirt once again to all exhibitors; you will get this when you check in and it may also be worn for your presentation.
Challenge Ingredient/Item: Each team should incorporate the challenge ingredient into one of the items on their menu. The 2025 challenge ingredient is PORK!
Food Safety: Please make sure that good food safety practices are followed when preparing food items, transporting food, and attending this event. Please follow USDA Food Safety guidelines: https://go.unl.edu/food-safety-basics
Results: Team members will receive either purple, blue, red, or white State Fair ribbons. Special awards will be given to first, second and third-place teams in each age division. All participants will receive their results with their ribbons in county packets at the conclusion of the Nebraska State Fair. Results will be posted online following the completion of the contest.
Again, congratulations, and we look forward to seeing you at the 2025 Nebraska State Fair 4-H Culinary Challenge.