Join the Team - We are still in need of volunteers to serve as superintendents for our 4-H Fair project areas. If you have a knack for or an interest in a project area such as child care, home furnishings, any of the general projects or food, visual arts, or any of the animal area and would be willing to help out, contact the Extension Office. It's a low-key commitment with the busy time being at the 4-H Fair.

We currently have no one for the sheep show. Volunteers do not have to be affiliated with 4-H.

State Fair Conference Judging - the state has gone back to conference judging for all eligible general and food projects. Our County conference judging day is Thursday, August 14. This means that the 4-H'er will need to go to State Fair with their project instead of sending it down like before. There will be a lot of changes in your 4-H Fair book this year, be sure to read your project area over carefully.

State Fair dorms - Adults possibly attending the State Fair and staying in the dorms, must fo through the volunteer screening process now. Volunteers must have submitted their paper work by May 1. Those that have not applied by May 1 will not be able to stay in the dorms. This is adults who have not already been screened as leaders.

State Fair Dog Show - the State 4-H Dog Show is scheduled for Sunday, August 24.

State Fair Changes -

They will no longer require the State Fair Report Form to accompany your project during General Projects Day or the State Fair.

Competitive Events will include: Public Presentations, Food Demonstrations, Bicycle Rodeo and Fashion Revue. These will be held during the first 3 days of the State Fair.

The schedule is:

August 8 - Formal, Extempore and Demonstration speeches

August 9 - Illustrated and Original Works speeches & Bicycle Rodeo

August 10 - Oral Interpretations, Food Demonstrations & Performance Showcase

Carroll Co.'s Exhibit Day for Competitive evens (Fashion Revue & Club/Group exhibits) will be Saturday August 9

Carroll Co.'s Conference Judging Day will be Thursday, August 14

4-H Club/Group Presentation at State Fair - Is your club looking at wanting to do a action presentation/display on a curriculum area during the state fair? If so your club could receive a premium of a $100 a day. If interested you must fill out the application material and turn it in to the State 4-H Office by May 1. For more information or an application contact the Extension Office.

State Fair Changes - Food exhibits will be either a food item or exhibit this year.

State QAEC Website Available - 4-H'ers wanting to exhibit at the 2008 Illinois State Fair must complete the online Quality Assurance and Ethics Clinic training (www.web.extension.uiuc.edu/qaec/) by the following deadlines:

Horses - prior to June 9

Beef, sheep, swine, dairy, goats and Poultry - prior to July 1.

Exhibitors are required to take the training only once and will remain on the approved list. Note: goats added in 2007; Poultry in 2008.

4-H Performance Showcase Entries Needed - University of Illinois 4-H Youth Development is seeking entries for the 2008 4-H Performance Showcase to be held on Sunday, August 10, at the Illinois State Fair. This annual event is held to spotlight the talented 4-H members acrodd Illinois who enjoy performing in front of an audience. Entries are being accepted from soloist, musical groups, instrumentalist, comedians and performance groups such as comedy skits, singers or dancers.

Applicants are to submit an audition tape (standard HVS or DVD format) for review by the Showcase director. Entries must be postmarked by May 15. Selected applicants will participate in rehearse on August 9 and perform on August 10. For additional information and/or to obtain an entry form contact the office.