University of Florida

County Events

Resources for County Events


Registration Materials and Instructions:

  • Form A: County-District-State Events - List all county qualifiers for district events on this form and have it to your district events chair two weeks prior to district events. Also send the form to the State 4-H Office. Please copy this form if more space is needed for more blue ribbion winners.
  • Form B: County-State Optional District - All counties should send this form to both your district events chair, two week prior to district events, and the State 4-H Office by May 15, 2010.
  • Speeches: Three copies of each speech for General Public Speaking and Horse Public Speaking competition should also be sent to the District Chairperson two weeks prior to the district event. They must meet the format requirements listed in the Florida 4-H Events and Activities Handbook.
  • Please send all forms, for all age divisions to the State 4-H Office to enable use to collect data and evaluate the current competitive event system!

A Note About Demonstration Categories:

Event categories have been made as broad as possible and all demonstrations must be within an area listed in the current Florida 4-H Program Events and Activities Handbook. A General Category for project demonstrations that do not “fit” the existing project categories has been provided. For ease of reference, a copy of “Criteria for Demonstration/Illustrative Talks” is linked on this page. To ensure that qualifying individuals compete in the correct category at State competitions, determine the correct category for project competition during your County Event. If you have any question about which category a project demonstration should be in, contact the State Events Office.

District Level Events:

Districts will hold Junior, Intermediate, and Senior level event days. For these events, it is strongly recommended that Extension Agents be used in a supervisory or coordinating capacity rather than as judges. The best judges possible should be secured ahead of the event and should represent all counties involved. Be sure to consider the diversity of youth participating as you select judges. Plan carefully; our young people deserve a well-planned, well-executed event.


State Level Events :

Senior level competition is conducted at the state level. Juniors, Intermediates, and Seniors may participate in photo and poster exhibit opportunities. Most state level competition is based upon participation from county to district to state. However, not all events are structured in this matter. The registration forms also help define the competitive path for each event.

Reminders and Updates:

  • Three divisions will be used this year: Junior, ages 8-10, Intermediate, ages 11-13, and Senior, ages 14-18.
  • Children under the age of 8 years old may not participate in competitive events at any level (club, county, district, state, national, or international). They may exhibit or share project activities at a participation level or feedback level.
  • This Year's Poster Art Theme is: "Florida 4-H Centennial Celebration"
  • Seniors winning at district level are eligible to participate at Florida 4-H Congress. All 4-H members who qualify for state competition MUST be registered for State Congress to compete.
  • Automotive Driving Contest - There will NOT be a state supported contest at State 4-H Congress in July. Youth may still qualify for the National Engineering Event through the Demonstrations and Illustrated Talks categories of; Mechanical and Electronic Science, Petroleum Power and Small Engines, and Energy. Contact State Events Office at 4HEvents@ifas.ufl.edu or 352-392-4308 with questions.
  • The Demonstration/Illustrated Talk and Public Speaking competitions combine two forms of achievement and recognition for youth. These are:

a) Standards of Excellence established by experts (as defined by the scorecards for Demonstration/Illustrated Talk or Public Speaking Contests). By measuring personal progress against standards of excellence, youth can gain insight into their own efforts and abilities.

b) Peer Competition, a panel of judges subjectively identifies, in a concrete time and place, the best teams or individuals through rankings. It is a strong motivator for some youth, but is inappropriate for youth under the age of eight.

  • In State Congress Competitions, using both "peer competition" and "standards of excellence", as described above, participants will first be recognized for reaching a standard of excellence. Blue, Red, and White awards are given to determine the standard met. Participants will then be recognized through peer competition as being 1st, 2nd, or 3rd place within their category. Only blue ribbon winners at district events should progress to state level competitions. Only blue ribbon winners at state level events may compete at the corresponding National Event. All judges’ decisions are final.
  • Competitions in Horse Public Speaking and Horse Demonstration, as well as Horseman of the Year interviews will occur in Gainesville on a date determined by the Animal Science department, which will not necessarily coincide with State Congress dates. Horse Quiz Bowl will also take place at this time. 
  • Counties must submit their top three (3) posters and top three (3) photos in each class to the State Office by June 1.  
  • If a youth is representing their district in a competitive event and can no longer attend congress, this youth’s agent is responsible for informing the district chair, who should then notify the State 4-H Events Office and the alternate’s agent.
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