First we would like to say congratulations to Lynsy Smith of the Outlawed Rangers 4-H Club, winner of the 2008 Show Book Cover design.

The 2008 Peoria County 4-H Show Book is online. Besides just having the whole book listed, we broke each section down. So if you only need one section it is there for you to read and/or print out easily. Some corrections were made since the book was first put online. They have now been fixed, but if you looked at it early, the following changes in bold have been made.

- Bicycle Rodeo at the State Fair will take place one day only-Saturday, August 16.

- Dog Show - Friday, July 18, 6:30 p.m. at the Peoria Obedience Training Center in Pottstown.

- Clothing Judging will be held at the Brimfield United Methodist Church on Tuesday, July 22.

- Horse Show: A Limited Open Walk Trot class was added. Proof of Coggins test is due by the day of show. We deleted the rule about no animal may be taken to the trailer.

- Rule about pony measurements. Most ponies will be measured before the horse show.

Even though the show books are online we printed up a few copies. One copy was sent to each club leader and each superintendent will receive one. We have a small supply left, so if you really would like a copy they may be purchased at the Extension Office for $3.00 each.

It's getting that time again! Letters have gone out to all the trophy sponsors from 2007. Not all sponsorships are repeat customers, so we are always looking for more sponsorships. All sponsors will have their name engraved on the trophy. Cost of sponsorship is $25. So if your family, relative, club or any business that you think might like to donate monies for a trophy, please give us a call.

Conference Judging is designed to increase the value of the 4-H exhibit experience for 4-H members. The judge may ask you questions about your project, such as:

1. Tell me how you made this exhibit.

2. What was the most difficult part of making this exhibit?

3. Did you learn anything new? What?

4. What would you do differently next time?

5. Did you enjoy working on this project?

6. What interested you in the project?

Feel free to contact the Extension Office at 685-3140 with any questions you may have about conference judging.

There will be new locations for the following project areas:

· Public Presentations Contest - Tuesday, July 15, 6:00 p.m. at the Extension Office

· Clothing and Textiles Judging - July 22, at the Brimfield United Methodist Church

· Dog Show - Friday, July 18, 6:30 p.m. at the Peoria Obedience Training Center in Pottstown

· Horse Show - Saturday, August 2 at the Heart of Illinois Arena on Galena Road.

The Peoria County 4-H Federation youth are once again sponsoring a canned food drive during the 4-H show. They are asking each 4-H club to bring non-perishable food items (canned foods, boxed foods, etc) to the 4-H show to be donated to local food pantries. The club that brings the most food items will receive a $50 gift certificate for their club to use for an outing, pizza party, etc.

It's time to start thinking about participating in the 4-H Auction to be held Friday, August 1 at the 4-H Fair. Members planning on selling an animal or other project MUST fill out an "Intent to Participate" form. Forms can be found in the back of the Peoria County 4-H Show book. Auction guidelines can be found on page 11 of the show book. Forms must be in no later than July 3. Forms can also be found on our website.

We are once again providing the opportunity for each club to host a fun activity at the 4-H fair. Activities could include face painting, carnival type games, etc. or clubs can be creative and come up with their own fun ideas. Please contact the Extension office to reserve a time slot for your activity.

Each year all 4-H clubs are asked to work a two hour shift with the food stand and donate bake sale items (brownies, cookies, etc.). Please call the Extension office to reserve a time slot for your club. This will be only for the days of Thursday, July 31 & Friday, August 1.

We are looking for volunteers to held serve at the Pork Chop Dinner on Friday, August 1 at the 4-H Show. The dinner runs from 5-7 p.m.

Early Judging Day

Thursday, July 10 - 9 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

Extension Office