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Planning your North Florida Fair entry is a great way to begin the new 4-H program year.  Whether you are a new or returning 4-H member, the decisions about what to enter and which category to choose for your entry may seem like big challenges.  For new and returning members, Class 13 may be a great option!  Class 13 is the Tabletop Exhibits entry category.

What is a Tabletop Exhibit?

example of exhibit board

This winning board explained elements of the 4-H skateboarding club.

A tabletop exhibit is either a tri-fold board or diorama that showcases your 4-H project interests. A diorama may be flat or vertical. Dioramas may be created in a shoebox or larger box or on a flat surface such as a tray. You can find ideas for your project in the Florida 4-H Events and Activities Handbook, which you can get from your club leader or local 4-H Extension office.

Tabletop Exhibit Rules

  • Your exhibit must stand on its own and be no bigger than 36 inches wide by 36 inches high.
  • You don’t have to buy a special display board, but a tri-fold board from an office supply store is easy to use. You can also make your own board from cardboard, but foam core or plastic boards work better because they don’t bend in humidity.
  • Your tabletop exhibit should explain a part of your project, just like a science or history fair board.

Ideas for Tabletop Exhibits

  • Past exhibits have featured projects like the Chick Chain and how to set up a brooder box.
  • In 2023, the top prize went to a board about skateboarding safety!
  • You can also make a diorama—either flat or vertical—using a shoebox or tray.

5 Steps to Create Your Exhibit

  1. Plan: Decide what your project will teach and what supplies you’ll need.
  2. Research: Learn more about your topic so you can share accurate information.
  3. Sketch: Draw a plan of your board to figure out where everything will go.
  4. Gather: Collect your materials and supplies.
  5. Create: Put your exhibit together!

Preparing your Entry Form and Tag

Entry forms are due to your local 4-H Extension Office by the 1st of October – check with your 4-H agent to confirm local dates. When you turn in your entry form, your 4-H agent will assign exhibit tags, which you will need to fill out and attach to your plant when it is time to submit for judging. Here is the information you need to correctly complete your entry tag:

  • Section: 210
  • Class: 13
  • Lot: Write “A” for juniors (8-10), “B” for intermediates (11-13), or “C” for seniors (14-18).
  • Exhibit: A short description of your project (e.g., “How to set up a brooder box”).
  • Exhibitor: Your name
  • Address: Your county

How Your Exhibit is Judged

Your exhibit will be judged on these things:

  • How well it communicates your message
  • Quality and appearance
  • Accuracy and creativity

Judges will use this rubric to judge your tabletop exhibit. Judging happens the Wednesday before the Fair opens. You’ll get a ribbon based on your score, and you can see how you did on 4-H Day at the Fair (November 16). If you have any questions, contact your local UF IFAS Extension Office.

Resources

North Florida Fair Department 210

4-H Entry Form for Non-Animal Exhibits 

Judges’ Scoring Rubric

Florida 4-H Events & Activities Handbook                                                                                                                                     ‘